Frequently Asked Questions

All tours depart from Waterline Villas & Marina, located at 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.
Guests should park in the gravel parking lot between the two buildings. Free parking is available and there is typically plenty of space.
Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for parking and check-in.
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during peak season. Tours often sell out during holidays, weekends, and spring break. Private tours have limited availability and should be booked early. Same-day bookings may be available but are not guaranteed.
No, transportation is not provided. Guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the marina. Free parking is available on site.

Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed on every tour.
Anna Maria Island is home to a large, year-round population of wild dolphins. Our tours are guided by experienced local captains who are on the water daily. While sightings are not guaranteed, it is rare that we do not see dolphins.
Because dolphins are wild animals, no refunds or reschedules are offered solely due to dolphin sightings.
There is no single best time or tide to see dolphins. Dolphins move throughout the day based on feeding patterns, water temperature, and other natural factors. Sightings can occur at any time and on any tide.
If weather conditions make a tour unsafe or not enjoyable, Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours may cancel the trip. Tours may be canceled due to heavy rain, high winds, lightning, or unsafe sea conditions. Weather decisions are based on local marine forecasts, radar, and real-time conditions and are typically made about one hour before departure.
If a tour is canceled by us due to weather, guests will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Light rain alone does not automatically cancel a tour. Tours typically operate in light rain but may be canceled for heavy rain, lightning, high winds, or unsafe sea conditions.

Dolphins can be seen on any of our tours, but our dolphin eco-tours are designed specifically for wildlife viewing. Dolphins may also be seen on Egmont Key and sightseeing tours, though they are not the primary focus.
Yes. We offer private tours for families, groups, and special occasions. Private tours are reserved exclusively for your group and offer added flexibility.
Yes. Customization is available on private tours. Custom options may include route, timing, or tour focus and are subject to availability, conditions, and safety considerations.
Yes. Gift certificates are available for any tour or dollar amount and can be redeemed online when booking.

Guests should plan for sun protection, hydration, and the possibility of getting wet. Specific recommendations vary by tour type and are provided for Dolphin Eco-Tours and Egmont Key Tours.
Public tours require at least 48 hours’ notice for a full refund.
Private tours require at least 72 hours’ notice for a full refund.
Optional trip protection allows public tours to cancel up to 2 hours before departure and private tours up to 24 hours before departure.
Late cancellations and no-shows are not refundable.
Guests are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Tours may wait up to 5 minutes past departure time as a courtesy. Guests who arrive after the boat departs may not be able to board and are not eligible for a refund.

Traffic, parking, and bridge delays are common on Anna Maria Island. Arriving early helps ensure a smooth check-in and an on-time departure.
Gratuity is not included for most tours and is always appreciated but optional. For groups of 8 or more guests, an 18% gratuity is automatically added.
Yes. Alcohol is allowed. On public tours, coolers must be small enough to fit underneath a seat. Larger coolers are allowed on private tours, space permitting.
Public tour boats have a bathroom on board. Some private boats have bathrooms and others do not. Guests who require a bathroom are encouraged to confirm vessel amenities when booking.

All vessels are U.S. Coast Guard-certified and carry required life jackets. Life jackets are available but not required on most tours. On some six-passenger boats, children 6 and under are required to wear a life jacket. We recommend bringing your child’s own life jacket for best fit.
Boarding typically requires stepping up or down into the boat. Tides can affect step height and boarding conditions. Our crew assists when possible, but guests should be able to step independently. Wheelchairs and walkers may not be accommodated depending on vessel and conditions. Guests with mobility concerns should contact us before booking.

If you don’t see your question answered here, please contact us directly. We’re happy to help.