Embark on a cruise aboard "The Big Blue Boat," the largest, safest, and most stable dolphin-watching vessel in the Tampa Bay area. You'll navigate the beautiful, calm, and protected back bay waters, where you might spot dolphins, manatees, numerous seabirds, and observe a bird nesting island, a commercial fishing village, and luxurious million-dollar homes.
✓ Restrooms Available Onboard✕ Snacks✕ Gratuities✕ Parking FeesActivity Schedule
1 h 30
Join us at Hubbard’s Marina for West Florida’s ORIGINAL and most exciting Dolphin Watch and wildlife encounter.
“The Big Blue Boat” is the largest, safest, and most stable dolphin watch boat in the Tampa Bay area. It offers comfortable seating, restrooms, and an onboard snack-bar with cold soft drinks, beer, chips, candy, and snacks.
Stroll on board and enjoy a real Florida experience! Make beautiful sights memorable…bring a camera and binoculars, and cash for drinks and snacks. Reference books on sea life, wildlife, and history are available inside our gift shop.
All tours are fully narrated, informative, and fun. Our vessels are U.S. Coast Guard certified.
John's Pass Village & Boardwalk Madeira Beach
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
The trip departs from Hubbard's Marina at John's Pass. Please plan to arrive 30-45 minutes in advance for check-in and boarding.
The trip departs from Hubbard's Marina at John's Pass. Please plan to arrive 30-45 minutes in advance for check-in and boarding.
Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure for check-in and boarding.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Public transportation options are available nearby Suitable for all physical fitness levels Bring a camera to capture memorable sights. Binoculars are recommended for better wildlife viewing. Carry cash for onboard snacks and drinks. Arrive early for check-in and boarding. Consider using nearby public transportation. This tour is suitable for all fitness levels. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 237533P1
Activity offered by Hubbard's Marina via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Nature enthusiasts Wildlife lovers Tourists Largest and most stable dolphin watch boat in Tampa Bay Calm and protected back bay waters for wildlife viewing Potential sightings of dolphins, manatees, and seabirds Onboard restrooms and snack bar Fully narrated and informative tours U.S. Coast Guard certified vessels
Population 258,308 (2020)
Elevation 134 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 15° Jan 17° Feb 19° Mar 23° Apr 26° May 27° Jun 28° Jul 28° Aug 27° Sept 24° Oct 20° Nov 17° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the dolphin watching tour? + The tour lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What can I expect to see on the tour? + You can expect to see dolphins, possibly manatees, numerous seabirds, a bird nesting island, a commercial fishing village, and impressive homes.
Are there restrooms available on the boat? + Yes, restrooms are available onboard "The Big Blue Boat."
What should I bring with me? + It is recommended to bring a camera, binoculars, and cash for onboard purchases.
How far in advance should I arrive for check-in? + Please plan to arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure for check-in and boarding.
★★★★★ Viator review
What a great time!!!
Rhonda_C, October 2026
We saw LOTS of dolphins even babies. The crew was fun and make sure everyone got to see the dolphins by moving the boat around them in different ways. They were very knowledgeable and explained a lot about the dolphin life. We also loved going into the Bay Area and understanding the ecosystem of the three small islands and learning about the hurricanes and the homes. It was a great experience.
★★★★★ Viator review
Educational and Enjoyable
Bruce_P, October 2026
Lots of interesting information about dolphins, manatees and the area in general. Educational, enjoyable. Crew was great!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Loads of dolphins
SteveL2386, October 2026
Saw loads of dolphins. Crew very helpful and informative. Well worth doing.
Response from the operator · Hubbards Marina Seeing loads of dolphins is exactly the kind of wildlife encounter that can make a Gulf Coast boat trip unforgettable. We’re glad the crew helped make your Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour both enjoyable and informative along the way.
Thanks for joining Hubbard’s Marina at John’s Pass in Madeira Beach and for recommending the experience, Steve. Wild dolphin sightings are always special, and we’re happy this trip delivered such a memorable look at the marine life around Tampa Bay.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great Tour for Dolphin Watching
guerml, September 2026
It was a great tour - we got to see plenty of dolphins and we learned a lot about them from our guide Kirsten- she is very knowledgeable and answered everyone’s questions- our captain Sully was also very good and friendly - the tour was supposed to be 90 minutes, but we had to cut it to 60 minutes due to the weather as it was beginning to rain - I highly recommend this tour and these tour guides!!
Response from the operator · Hubbards Marina Seeing plenty of wild dolphins is always exciting, and having someone aboard who can help you understand more about the animals you're watching makes the experience even more memorable. We're happy Kirsten's knowledge and willingness to answer questions added so much to your Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour, and that Captain Sully helped make your time aboard enjoyable.
While changing Florida weather meant returning a little earlier than planned, we're glad you were still able to enjoy an hour on the water and some fantastic dolphin sightings before the rain arrived.
We appreciate the recommendation and hope your travels bring you back to Hubbard's Marina at John's Pass in Madeira Beach for another Gulf Coast adventure!
★★★★★ Viator review
It was very relaxing and...
sandra_s, August 2026
It was very relaxing and saw a bunch of dolphins. Captain was informative and funny. Definitely worth it
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