north carolina dolphin tours

Indepth Information and Live Local Updates for the Outer Banks

Paradise Dolphin Cruises

Dolphin tours on roanoke island, nc.

Paradise Dolphin Cruises located in Wanchese, NC, operates the  Kokomo , a 40-foot catamaran that carries 40 passengers and offers a comfortable ride with a canopied top, cushioned seats and a restroom. The boat's location at Safe Harbor Outer Banks offers the closest access to the waters where these amazing creatures are most often found. Paradise offers four two-hour dolphin cruises daily Monday – Friday and 2 cruises on Saturday with the last trip being a dolphin cruise/sunset cruise for $25 to $35 per person. As you search for dolphins, you'll also enjoy the local scenery and learn about the other wildlife you will encounter. The boat is handicapped accessible and is available for private parties. Reservations are required for dolphin tours and sunset cruises so call ahead.

(252) 573-0547

Bottlenose dolphins, ospreys, lighthouses and more..

As you embark on our 2 hour journey, you'll witness some of the most spectacular scenes enjoyed in coastal North Carolina.

Dolphin Tours Outer Banks

Outer Banks Cruises

Monday - Saturday | 8am - 6:30pm

If you do not see dolphins you get to ride again for FREE. With our 98.5% success rate of viewing dolphins, the odds are definitely in your favor!

Monday Family Day

*All Cruises ADULTS 11 & UP: $25 CHILDREN 3-10: $25 AGES 0-2: FREE

Tuesday - Saturday

*Daytime cruises ADULTS 11 & UP: $30 CHILDREN 3-10: $25 AGES 0-2: FREE *Sunset Cruises ADULTS 11 & UP: $35 CHILDREN 3-10: $25 AGES 0-2: FREE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time for a cruise, do you guarantee that i will see dolphins, can i feed the dolphins, can i swim with the dolphins, how long are your cruises, are reservations required, what should i bring with me, where does the cruise go.

No wonder so many of our visitors keep coming back and recommending us. See what they have to say...

“Excellent Time!”

We saw lots of dolphins. The captain was very knowledgeable and made sure we saw the dolphins. He was very friendly. I enjoyed this cruise and this is made for friends and families.

“Awesome Experience”

Captain Jay never disappoints, we come to OBX every year and do his dolphin tour every time. Awesome experience every time!!!

“Great tour!!!”

Great tour of the sound from the Captain and his mate. We went out Friday morning the 5th of August. We saw lots of dolphins, toured the sound and got a great education on the dolphins...

“Highlight of OBX Vacation”

This was a highlight of our OBX vacation! It took about 30 minutes to locate some dolphins, but suddenly they were all around! We sat at the front of the boat and would have gotten soaked...

See all of our reviews on Tripadvisor !

Offers & Specials

Outer Banks Info

The Kokomo leaves from Safe Harbor Outer Banks in the village of Wanchese on the south end of Roanoke Island.

Reservations

Reservations are required so please book ahead of time to be sure space is available. A credit card is required to hold your reservation.

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(252) 573-0547 708 Harbor Rd Wanchese, NC 27981    

#1 Travelers' Choice

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  NAGS  HEAD  DOLPHIN  WATCH  TOURS

THREE   LOCATIONS !!

click the button above to book online or call (252)441-4124 or toll free at (877)FLY-THIS

Private Charters are available so call for pricing

" Abo ut our tours"

                                                             , j oin us on a unique eco-tour to search for wild atlantic bottlenose dolphins and view the wildlife of the outer banks. biologists run these dolphin tours as part of their research on these beloved aquatic animals, so you know this will be an interesting trip. passengers will be able to see how researchers with the outer banks center for dolphin research , a nonprofit organization, conduct their research and hear about some of the discoveries from more than a decade of studies and monitoring. some of the hundreds of atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the area show up so frequently they’ve even been given names, like “rake,” “scarlet,” and “onion.” onion was first identified in beaufort, north carolina almost 20 years ago, and he has been sighted there almost every winter since. it has been discovered that nags head is his summer home, along with an extensive family of more than 100 members. in his early years, onion had an unfortunate encounter with a boat propeller and his damaged fin has made him one of the most easily recognized dolphins around. .

Conducted on a 40-foot covered pontoon boat in the Roanoke Sound, the trip takes one and a half to two hours. Along the way, researchers will talk about their work and share their discoveries from their ongoing study. While the boat is moving, dolphins will be playing in their natural habitat alongside the vessel. Passengers will also learn about the pelicans, osprey and other birds that congregate in the sounds, as well as the ecology and history of this dynamic area. The Outer Banks is an ideal place to take a dolphin boat trip to learn even more about these miraculous creatures. These excursions will get you close enough to safely connect with these incredible animals and to experience them in the wild, in a world where humans are visitors and the bottlenose dolphin is happily at home. A great trip for families and people of all ages!

The Dolphin Watch Tours are the perfect outing for large and small groups and is suitable for people of all ages. For reservations you may reserve by calling (877) 359-8447 or (252) 441-4124, ext. 1 for reservations. The Dolphin Watch Tour is very popular so we encourage you to book well in advance to secure your spot on this wonderful experience.

THREE   LOCATIONS!!

Phoenix –  Located on the Nags Head Causeway // Kitty Hawk Kites/Whalebone Junction

7517 South Virginia Dare Trail on the south side of NC 64 Hwy that connects Nags Head and Roanoke Island.  You will board the Phoenix at the Kitty Hawk Kites Whalebone Watersports site - yellow building with a blue roof.  Also available at this site you can rent kayaks, standup paddleboards and jet skis so make a day of it.  Next door is Fresh Fit Cafe ,  serving breakfast, lunch and great smoothies.

Safari – located in south nags head at the oregon inlet fishing center,                this is our largest boat  the safari is in the oregon inlet fishing center located at 8770 oregon inlet road, nags head, nc  27959, (some mapping programs find us at 98 nc hwy 12, nags head, nc  27959).  this is a full service marina and ships store with snacks, drinks, souvenirs and tackle.  on site are 46 charter boats and "head boat" to meet all your fishing needs.  also, there is a nc fish & wildlife boat ramp for launching your own boat., miss bodie island – located in manteo at the shallowbag bay marina,  you will board the miss bodie island at shallow bag bay marina located at 700  n. bay club drive, manteo, nc  27954,  (between darryl's restaurant and mcdonald's).  park in any non-reserved parking space.  we are at the floating dock in front of the pool and clubhouse area.  for added convenience to our guests, stripers bar and grill is located onsite so you can enjoy a great meal or a cool drink on the waterfront deck before or after your dolphin tour.  don't forget to visit historic downtown manteo while you are here ..

Outer Banks Fishing Charters & Waterfowl Hunts

Dolphin Tours North Carolina

Fish and Fowl Charters offers a way for you and your family to make a dolphin encounter part of your next vacation or outing with our dolphin tours in North Carolina's Outer Banks. Our dolphin tours last between one and a half to two hours and are fun for the whole family. Experience close encounters with dolphins that will circle and cruise around passengers  setting you up for some amazing photo opportunities.

Dolphin Tours in North Carolina

Dolphin tours outer banks north carolina.

Dolphin Tours in North Carolina are a wonderful experience, allowing you to see all of the wildlife and beauty that makes up the Outer Banks firsthand. The Outer Banks is an ideal place to take a dolphin tour to learn about these miraculous creatures as this is their natural habitat.

Dolphin Tours in Outer Banks

Obx dolphin tours.

Friendly and always traveling in groups, a pod of dolphins is an amazing sight and is one of the best photo opportunities that you will find in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Fish and Fowl Charters dolphin tour takes you on an adventure that is fun for the whole family. Make memories that you and your loved ones will cherish for years to come.

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Wide World of Water Sports Day Camp - June 12th - June 15th

Call Now Book Now Get Directions

Wide World of Water Sports Day Camp Sign-Ups Are Now Open! 2024 Camp Dates: 6/10/24-6/14/24

Private dolphin tours.

Been dying to see dolphins frolicking around the Outer Banks? Get yourself to Kitty Hawk Watersports and we’ll take you where they hang out and play. Those fascinating creatures can be hard to find, but our guides know the prime locations for dolphin activity so you’ll get the close-up view you want. (Hint: the waters around Nags Head and Kitty Hawk are pretty popular.) Contact us at (252) 441-2756 today to make a reservation for one of our dolphin tours.

Private Trip

• Capt. Dave will take your party of up to 6 people on the Roanoke Sound to get an up close experience with the dolphins for a two hour tour. Bring your own food and drinks so you can enjoy a relaxing and private trip. Reservations are required.
• Dolphins — Because dolphins live together in large groups called pods, there’s a good chance that we’ll see multiple dolphins fishing, splashing, and socializing. They are wild animals, though, so we keep a safe distance that’s close enough for a meaningful encounter.

Picture-Perfect Dolphin Encounters

Dolphins are among the most intelligent animals on the planet, and their biology and social behaviors capture our imaginations and curiosity. But it’s those smiles that keep us coming back. And when you get close enough to snap a picture of that distinctive grin on your dolphin tour, remember: They’re as curious about you as you are about them.

Other Tours & More

When your dolphin tour is over, ask about our other tour options that include jet ski tours . The experienced guides at Kitty Hawk Watersports have the expertise needed to take you on an unforgettable journey. We want you to make the most of your Outer Banks experience, whether that means renting equipment or taking part in any of our heart-pumping activities. Call (252) 441-2756 today to start making memories.

Schedule a Daytime Tour

Book online, pick a date range that best matches your visit.

Select a start AND end date. Select the same date twice to choose only one day

Selected Dates

Call 1-877-359-8447 to Reserve over the phone.

• Adult (13 & older) - $32
• Child (12 & Under) - $18
• Infant (1 & Under) - $1

Location(s)

Nags head – whalebone, shallowbag bay club, oregon inlet fishing center, nags head, nc.

Dolphin Tours are VERY popular so we encourage you to book well in advance to secure your spot on this wonderful experience.

The Nags Head Dolphin Watch is one of the most popular activities for visitors to the Outer Banks. The 40 foot pontoon boats accommodate large groups so this is a perfect activity for everyone!

The Nags Head Dolphin Watch is a fun filled and informative experience, perfect for the whole family. If you enjoy watching dolphins playing and frolicking in the water then come take a tour with us.

Tours depart seven days a week in the summer months, and usually Tuesday – Saturday in May and September. Sometimes tours are available in October if the weather cooperates and the dolphin stick around long enough.

Tours for the Nags Head Dolphin Watch are conducted aboard the the Phoenix and the Miss Bodie Island.  Each boat is a stable twin hull pontoon at about 40′ long. The boats are covered to offer sun protection and can accommodate around 30-36 passengers* per trip. If a trip is primarily adults, we will likely set the capacity for 30.

The  Phoenix  is docked at Whalebone Watersports (Nags Head)

The Safari is docked at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center (Nags Head)

The  Miss Bodie Island  is docked at Shallowbag Bay Club (Manteo)

You can have virtually the same experience aboard each boat, they simply depart from slightly different locations. The different locations are about 5-7 minutes drive apart from each other.

*Note: per Coast Guard regulations, infants ARE counted as passengers. We must know the total number of people in your party- including infants.

As the boat moves leisurely from the dock into the Roanoke Sound, you’ll have the opportunity to see the outstanding waterfront homes of Pirates Cove and a variety of wildlife including nesting Osprey, Herons, Egrets, and of course the Brown Pelican. As we search for Dolphin you will hear about the history of the Outer Banks, the Bodie island lighthouse, and the harbors on Roanoke Island, some local lore, interesting facts about the Bottlenose Dolphin. It’s the perfect outing for large and small groups to enjoy.

Each trip is typically about 2 hours, sometimes a little longer and occasionally a little shorter.

Outer Banks Adventures

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© 2024 Kitty Hawk Kites

Dolphin Watching Tours - Nags Head

Dolphin tours aboard safari tours.

Pushing out from the docks of the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center offers our guests an incredible amount of marine life, and dolphins are one of the favorite tourist attractions. Dolphin watching tours range from adventurous to relaxed, suitable for the whole family or geared to the avid naturalist.

All tours aboard the Safari give you the chance to watch the most personable creatures in the ocean in their natural habitat.

If you are looking for a relaxing and informative dolphin watching tour with the most experienced dolphin cruise company in Nags Head on the Outer Banks of North Carolina

You have found it at Safari Tours OBX!

A Dolphin Watching Tour with Safari Tours is the essential trip for both the aquatic enthusiast and the fun-seeking vacationer. 

• Each 2 hour tour is narrated by our experienced staff who are ready to share their knowledge and answer your questions about the dolphin and the Outer Banks' coastline. 
• Our tour/cruise boat provides a 360-degree view for the ultimate viewing experience.
• The Safari Tour is a 50-feet long, 25-feet wide.
• Book a private tour for your friends and family or book just a couple of seats for your group.

Have A Question?

Give us a call, we'd love to hear from you!

(800) 272-5199

Sunset cruises.

Magical OBX sunsets on the water.

Cruise with Dolphins

Enjoy a beautiful outer banks sunset cruise while watching dolphins play., join us on a dolphin watch sunset cruise near you in the outer banks on board the miss hatteras., climb aboard the miss hatteras head boat for a fun evening cruise as you watch a beautiful sunset with dolphins playing in the pamlico sound..

Join us on the Miss Hatteras head boat for a relaxing sunset cruise through the Pamlico Sound as we watch dolphins jump and play! Pack a few snacks, a couple of cold drinks, good friends and family and enjoy watching the sunset as we watch for the playful dolphins.

We take you and yours out for a fun and enjoyable evening complete with dramatic sunsets and beautiful dolphins. Have your camera ready!

A dolphin sunset cruise on the Miss Hatteras  is sure to be an extraordinary adventure! Book your trip today!

Pictures from our Outer Banks Dolphin Cruises

Scroll through to see some dolphins playing in the pamlico sound..

Set sail with us! Book your trip >>

Here’s what you need to know about our sunset dolphin cruises in the Outer Banks.

Enjoy live music on our dolphin cruises.

Our dolphin cruises run every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Each evening will feature live music on the top deck from talented local musicians. If music isn’t your thing, head down below where you can enjoy a nice peaceful evening on the water. To learn more about our live music, please check out our Live Music Sunset Cruise page.

Our dolphin cruise is fun and affordable for the whole family.

A sunset dolphin cruise on the Miss Hatteras costs $33.50 per person, and kids 3 and under ride free! We have trips near you that run every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Depending on the season and when sunset occurs, we may change our schedule slightly. For instance, in the spring and fall, we tend to cruise from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. As with all our other trips, please be at the dock a half hour before we cast off.

Don’t forget to pack some snacks and drinks!

Most folks tend to bring a cooler with some refreshments, food, drinks, alcoholic beverages, etc.

We don’t sell any refreshments on-board, so remember to bring some snacks and drinks for you and your friends or family! Our Frequently Asked Question page covers everything you need to know about coming aboard with us.

We offer various trips to fit into anyone’s schedule and budget.

We also offer half-day and full-day fishing trips, and even private charters! For the complete schedule of all our fishing trips and scenic cruises, check out our Miss Hatteras Rates and Schedule page.

An evening on the Pamlico Sound with dolphins is one you’ll never forget.

We’ve been operating our head boat in the Outer Banks for over 30 years, and we’d love to add you to our list of satisfied customers. For more information about our services click here to contact us or give us a call at  (252) 986-2365 .

Indepth Information and Live Local Updates for the Outer Banks

Captain Johnny’s Dolphin Tours Tours & Prices

Dolphin tour cruises offered by captain johnny's.

Guaranteed Dolphin Watch: Join Captain Jamie Wescott aboard The Captain Johnny for a Guaranteed Dolphin Watch cruise in protected waters (tours do not go into the ocean).  Dolphin tours available from May - October.  Tickets sold in advance by phone with a credit card to guarantee. Please call for current schedule. Times are subject to change with the season.

• Morning Dolphin Watch: 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. ( $32 Adult, $22 Children 12 and younger, $10 Under 18 months)
• Afternoon Dolphin Watch: 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. ( $32 Adult, $22 Children 12 and younger, $10 Under 18 months)
• Sunset Dolphin Watch: Call for times! ( $37 Adult, $27 Children 12 and younger, $10 Under 18 months)

Other Cruises Offered:

• Shrimping-Crabbing Cruise   (Offered by Risky Business Shrimping & Crabbing Charters . Departs from Shallowbag Bay Marina.) 

Private Charters Offered by Captain Johnny's Dolphin Tours

Private Tours, School Field Trips, Family Reunions, Wedding Parties, Memorials for Deceased, Business Get Together, Private Dinner Cruise (bring your own food) -  Reservations Required for all Private Charters.

Year Round: 2 Hour Charter

• $1000 Daytime
• $1400 Sunset Departure time will change with time of sunset.

Morning Dolphin Watch

Afternoon Dolphin Watch

The Sunset Dolphin Watch

Private Charters

Shrimp & Crab Charters

Captain johnny’s dolphin tours.

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Outer Banks, NC

Dolphin cruises.

The Outer Banks offers a variety of guided dolphin tours or dolphin cruises. A relaxing dolphin watch is fun for the whole family. The peak season for dolphin tours is from June to October. Dolphin Tours are very popular so we encourage you to book in advance to secure your reservation.

Harbor Star Dolphin Tours

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Causeway Watersports – Waverunner Tours

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Captain Johnny’s Dolphin Tours

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Paradise Dolphin Cruises

Bottlenose Dolphins, Ospreys, Lighthouses and more. As you embark on our 2 hour journey, you'll witness some of the most...

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Jennette’s pier in nags head.

Enjoy this live oceanfront webcam of Jennette's Pier in Nags Head, NC on the Outer Banks.

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Outer Banks Dolphin Guide

Special thanks to the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research and Nags Head Dolphin Tours for supporting this content. The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research is a non-profit organization engaged in a long-term photo-identification study of bottlenose dolphins in the northern Outer Banks of North Carolina. Nags Head Dolphin Watch provides sightseeing boat tours that get visitors close to Outer Banks dolphins. Call them at (252) 449-8999 .

Like an unexpected gift, the sighting of dolphins along the Outer Banks delights and amuses many summer visitors. Many people view these chance encounters as a treasured highlight to a relaxing vacation and will happily spend hours observing the dolphins' antics. What few people realize is that they are likely viewing the same group of dolphins, day after day and summer after summer. Some bottlenose dolphins will spend their summers in the waters of the Outer Banks and then migrate south for the winter only to return again in the early summer the next year. This early migration has led some people to call them the "Retirees of the Sea."

Besides viewing the dolphins at a distance from the beach you might have a chance encounter with a dolphin while kayaking or sailing. The most certain way to get "up close and personal" with a dolphin is to take a ride on one of the popular Dolphin Watch boat trips . While no guarantees can be offered on these trips, they usually have a better than 90% chance of encountering dolphins.

One benefit of a Dolphin Watch trip is to be able to get really close to the dolphins, since they usually swim right near the boat. If you look closely you might even be able to see that the dolphins' fins (which appear smooth at a distance) are actually covered with nicks and scratches. It is these marks that dolphin researchers have used to identify over 300 dolphins in the Outer Banks. The most famous of these is Onion, perhaps the easiest dolphin to identify on the entire East Coast. Onion and his family spend their summers in the Nags Head area, and their winters off of Beaufort, N.C.

Dolphins were first documented to inhabit our sound and ocean waters by the original English explorers, prior to the founding of the Lost Colony. These explorers found that native tribes were well acquainted with the dolphins and even hunted them for food. Since Onion's group is known to have inhabited these waters for well over a decade, it is even possible that his ancestors have been living in these waters for several centuries. They might even be our oldest Local Family.

But are they dolphins or porpoises? Many people believe that the two terms are interchangeable, when in fact they are vastly different species. The main way to distinguish between them is simple: porpoises have a blunt, whale-like head while dolphins do not.

Dolphins perceive the world in ways that are well beyond the scope of our own senses. Whereas we rely mainly on sight and hearing and retain the senses of touch, taste and smell, they have had to adapt in different ways to suit their aquatic environment. While sight, touch and taste are important, their primary source of information is hearing-which they have developed to an extraordinary degree. Sound travels through the water nearly 5 times faster than through air and can be heard over much longer distances below the surface. They have highly developed hearing abilities, and a large portion of their brains are devoted to the analysis of sounds.

The coastal bottlenose dolphins that frequent our sound and ocean waters return to Oregon Inlet, Roanoke, and Croatan sounds every year as soon as the waters warm and the fish they feed on are in abundance. Dolphins are social animals, and they spend their entire lives in the company of other dolphins. The pods of 3 or 4 (and up to 40) dolphins will range in age from newborns to fifty years old, and physically mature adults range in size from just under 6 feet to nearly 12 feet, and weigh from 330 lbs. to 1430 lbs. The bottlenose dolphin shows a more striking range in size between individuals than any dolphin species.

Living together in the protective sound waters improves their chances of finding and catching food, increases the likelihood of spotting and avoiding predators such as sharks, makes it easier to encounter a suitable mate, provides a source of willing and available babysitters to look after the calves, and increases the learning potential of youngsters. Often these pods will band together to succeed in foraging for food, encircling groups of tiny fish and corralling them against the surface of the water which acts as an impenetrable barrier (the fish can often be seen jumping frantically into the air in a desperate bid to escape) and taking turns diving into the tightly packed shoal to feed on the fish. In some cases, the dolphins may stun the fish with exceptionally powerful echolocation clicks with their tail flukes.

A close encounter with a dolphin in the wild is a thrilling and memorable experience. Who could remain untouched by the amazing agility of a bottlenose dolphin as it leaps into the air beside a boat, or as it exhales a breath of air causing a cloud of spray to shoot 10 feet into the air before disappearing under the surface again, or a young calf breathing out of the water in stride with its mother, never missing a beat? These are the kinds of experiences that stay with people for the rest of their lives.

Northern Beaches

• 4. Southern Shores
• 5. Kitty Hawk
• 6. Kill Devil Hills
• 7. Nags Head

Roanoke Island

• 9. Wanchese

Hatteras Island

• 10. Rodanthe
• 16. Hatteras

Ocracoke Island

• 17. Ocracoke

Outer Banks Map

Events & Family Fun

• Lighthouse 5K Series September 4th, 2024 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
• Lighthouse 5K Series September 11th, 2024 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
• Outer Banks Triathlon September 13th, 2024 - September 14th, 2024

Atlantic Realty of the Outer Banks

Outer Banks Vacation Rentals by Atlantic Realty provide the beach vacation experience you deserve. Since 1982, multiple generations of families have enjoyed waves of fun and quiet relaxation in our OBX vacation homes including the surrounding communities of Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and South Nags Head. By design, we have a selective portfolio of affordable Outer Banks vacation homes and OBX condo rentals including distinct oceanfront luxury properties and charming soundfront locations. Many of our properties have desirable amenities including private pools, game rooms, theater rooms, linens provided, and are even pet friendly!

• 855-660-7907

Historic Corolla Park

Most all visitors to Corolla will spend at least a sunny afternoon or two at the Historic Corolla Park. This 39 acre site is home to three of the Northern Outer Banks' biggest attractions, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, as well as plenty of gorgeous soundfront grounds that are wide open for visitors to explore.

• 252-457-0128

Carova Cottages

Carova Cottages offers a unique vacation experience with upscale homes in the secluded and adventurous 4x4 area! Wild Spanish mustangs roam freely in Carova, the northernmost section of the Outer Banks. Bring your 4x4 truck or SUV and experience the freedom you’ll find with no paved roads or commercialism. Carova Cottages has a personal service motto, and can help you find your perfect vacation home. Call us at 252-435-3970 to find out all you need to know about vacationing in Carova; where the hard road ends and the adventure begins!

• 252-435-3970

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Where To See Dolphins In North Carolina – 2024 Guide

Welcome to the beautiful coastal state of North Carolina, where the waters are home to some of the most playful and intelligent creatures on the planet – dolphins!

I love seeing dolphins out in the wild so when I heard that they’re common in North Carolina, of course I had to head over there to check it out.

Based on firsthand experience, the best place to spot dolphins in North Carolina is in Kitty Hawk which forms part of the Outer Banks .

To see the dolphins up close and personal, I’d recommend booking onto a kayaking tour as the expert guides will show you where to find dolphins without fail.

But wait, there’s more! In the rest of this article, I’ll be revealing all of the exact locations in North Carolina where you have a great chance of seeing dolphins.

Click For Table of Contents

Best Places To See Dolphins In North Carolina

There are actually many locations across North Carolina where sightings of wild dolphins are super common. 

Below I’ve detailed all of these locations and included some handy tips that will drastically increase your chances of seeing them for yourself.

Where To See Dolphins In Outer Banks

The Outer Banks are a 200-mile string of barrier islands just off the coast of North Carolina that separate the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland. 

Sightings of dolphins are common along the Outer Banks. Many bottlenose dolphins spend their summer in the waters of the Outer Banks and then migrate south for the winter.

As the Outer Banks covers 200 miles, there’s many locations within it where you can spot dolphins from their shores.

I’ve listed the best places below…

I found that by far the best place to see dolphins in the Outer Banks is at Kitty Hawk. 

Kitty Hawk, located in the heart of the Outer Banks, is a beach town known for its woodland and variety of animal life. Dolphin sightings are outrageously common here.

On my recent trip to Kitty Hawk, I saw about 10 dolphins all within the space of 10 minutes! It was incredible and I felt so lucky.

I watched as they jumped up out of the water and then carried in their merry way to search for food.

Personally I think the best (and most fun) way to see the dolphins is to get out onto the water and luckily there’s so many different ways you can do that in Kitty Hawk.

Best Kitty Hawk Tours:

• Kayaking Tour (top pick)
• Stand-up Paddleboarding Tour
• Surfing Lesson (suitable for beginners)

All of the above tours give you a super high chance of seeing a dolphin as you’ll be out on the water itself and you’ll be joined by an expert guide who knows the area well.

You’ll also get a much closer view of the dolphins out on the water compared to if you were just stood on the shore.

I personally ended up booking the kayaking tour and really enjoyed it. It was so easy to stop whenever we wanted to take a look at the dolphins and the guides were really fun.

The dolphins you’ll see in Kitty Hawk are Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

Check out the video below of some dolphins playing in the ocean at Kitty Hawk:

Nag’s Head is a beach town and popular vacation spot that is known for its sandy beaches and towering sand dunes. 

Hundreds of dolphins come to Nag’s Head each year and some of the regular visitors have even been given names. 

Look out for ‘Onion’ and his family who were first spotted over 20 years ago and have been sighted there almost every year since. Onion is easily recognisable due to his damaged fin.

Unfortunately I wasn’t lucky enough to spot Onion at Nag’s Head but I did see around 7 or so other dolphins who all looked like they were having a great time.

You can view dolphins at a distance from the beaches of Nag’s Head but you may get a closer view by heading out on a kayak.

I personally opted for the kayak and saw way more dolphins than from the shore.

Check out the video below to see some of the many dolphins of Nag’s Head:

Hatteras Island

Hatteras Island is a large island that forms the southwestern tip of the Outer Banks. Dolphins are frequently spotted cruising along the shore or just off the island’s inlets.

You can spot the dolphins all over Hatteras Island on its many beaches, however one popular spot is in Hatteras Village. 

Check out the video below of some dolphins spotted around Hatteras Island:

Where Else Can I See Dolphins In North Carolina?

It’s not just the Outer Banks that have a huge population of dolphins. You can also see these magnificent creatures elsewhere in the state.

Below I’ve listed all of the other places across North Carolina where you can see dolphins.

There are lots of dolphins present in the Wilmington area. Whilst you can’t swim with dolphins in Wilmington, you can see them from the shore of various beaches.

Wilmington is a city located on the southeastern coast of North Carolina. 

I visited several beaches in the area and found that the best place to see dolphins in Wilmington was at nearby Wrightsville Beach . I saw 3 dolphins in the ocean from this beach.

One of the best ways to see them is by booking onto a boat tour . You can enjoy the scenic views of Wrightsville Beach and catch a glimpse of the dolphins at the same time.

You could also book a private tour just for you if you’d prefer. 

Dolphins can also sometimes be spotted at the nearby Carolina Beach.

Check out the video below of a dolphin spotted at Wrightsville Beach:

Topsail Island

Topsail Island is a 26-mile barrier island located just off the coast of North Carolina. The island lies just 40 miles northeast of Wilmington. 

For the best views of the dolphins, head down to Topsail Beach where you can often see dolphins swimming in groups, jumping out of the water and playing with each other.

When I visited, I was lucky enough to spot a group of dolphins playing together, splashing around happily.

There are many beaches on Topsail Island to choose from, you can hire an electric bike to easily get around the island.

You can see some dolphins just off of Topsail Island in the video below:

Beaufort is a small town on North Carolina’s eastern coast and forms part of the Crystal Coast.

Bottlenose dolphins can be seen in the waters surrounding Beaufort year-round and sightings are common. 

In contrast to other locations in North Carolina, sightings of dolphins along the Crystal Coast are actually more frequent during the winter months (rather than the summer).

The best way to see them is by joining a boat tour in the area. 

The same waters surround other places along the Crystal Coast including Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, Harkers Island and Shackleford Banks.

Dolphin sightings are also common in these locations too.

Check out the video below of a dolphin sighting in Beaufort: 

Find out where you can see dolphins in Texas .

Cape Lookout National Seashore

The Cape Lookout National Seashore is a 56-mile stretch of islands that forms part of the Southern Outer Banks. 

The islands here are largely undeveloped and attract visitors for their variety of wildlife, nature and sandy beaches. Bottlenose dolphins are frequently sighted in the area. 

Best Time To See Dolphins In North Carolina

Whilst dolphins can be spotted all year round off the coast of North Carolina, the most frequent sightings occur during the summer months.

Dolphins tend to spend more time in the waters around North Carolina during the summer to raise their young. 

The dolphins tend to arrive in May when they give birth to their young and they tend to remain here until late fall when they then move to warmer waters.

However, there are many areas around North Carolina where dolphins can be seen all year such as Hatteras Island.

The best time of day to see dolphins in North Carolina is in the morning and late afternoon as they tend to avoid the heat of the sun during the daytime.

Can You Swim With The Dolphins?

The dolphins present in the waters around North Carolina are wild dolphins . This means it’s not possible to swim with them.

Even though you can’t swim with or touch the dolphins, you can still get up close and personal with them and get some fantastic views either from the shore or from a boat or kayak.

Did you know you can also see dolphins in South Carolina ?

And that’s it!

That’s exactly where to see dolphins in North Carolina from the Outer Banks all the way to Wilmington.

If you’re lucky enough to spend some time with these beautiful creatures then I can assure you that it’ll be something you remember for a lifetime.

Learn more about the Traveller's Elixir Team .