Blue Dolphin Cruises
251.980.5222
Orange Beach, AL
The Blue Dolphin, boards in Orange Beach, AL and cruises the spectacular inland waterways along Alabama's Gulf Coast watching for dolphins and other wildlife. Captain Bubba and the crew will be happy to show you the amazing sights of Perdido Bay and give you the scoop about beautiful Ono Island's exclusive homes where celebrities hide away.
Whether you take advantage of our low outside decks for dolphin viewing or our heated and air conditioned cabin for a more comfortable ride, this cruise is sure to be your vacation's highlight for the entire family. Come along with our captains and crew and we'll make memories together.
Whether you take advantage of our low outside decks for dolphin viewing or our heated and air conditioned cabin for a more comfortable ride, this cruise is sure to be your vacation's highlight for the entire family. Come along with our captains and crew and we'll make memories together.
The Blue Dolphin is a 51 foot, 47 passenger, center cabin, pontoon boat. The cabin offers large windows for inside viewing or stroll outside on the deck for a better view. Our snack bar offers a large selection of soft drinks, beer and wine as well as snacks and souvenirs.
The Blue Dolphin is wheelchair accessible. Please let us know your needs when you make your reservation.
About Us
A little information about our vessel...
The Most Comfortable Dolphin Watching Boat in the Area!
The Blue Dolphin is a large single level, twin engine, center cabin, air conditioned and heated pontoon boat with seating both inside and out. She is USCG certified for up to 47 passengers and crew and is 51' in length, a 16' wide beam, and a 7' inside cabin clearance. The air conditioned cabin has large windows for viewing and the outside decks are low to the water with 42" rails that have 4" slots to put you in close proximity of the water.
She is the safest boat on the water and is up to date with all current Coast Guard regulations. The Blue Dolphin was stability tested by the USCG in Sept., 07 according to the new proposed standards.
The Blue Dolphin also offers a concession which is stocked with a large selection of soft drinks, water, beer, wine, snacks, as well as film, t-shirts, stuffed dolphins, visors, necklaces, and other souvenirs. The prices are reasonable and service is great. We also have a roomy, restroom, just in case.
The Captain and his crew are all CPR and First Aid certified!
Times & Prices
Every cruise lasts One and one half to two hours! Maybe more, or maybe less depending on where we have to go to find the Dolphins.
Reservations:
Reservations are Required. Please call ahead to be sure space is available. A CREDIT CARD is required to hold your reservation. You must cancel your reservation at least four (4) hours prior to check in time for the scheduled cruise or your card will be charged if you do not show up for the cruise. A cancellation number will be provided to verify cancellations.
Times:
CALL FOR OUR CURRENT SCHEDULE Times and Schedules are subject to change due to weather or demand. A minimum of fifteen (15) passengers is required in order to run a cruise.We believe we offer a unique, enjoyable cruise alternative. We limit the number of passengers to 40 per cruise so everyone has plenty of room to move around, view dolphins and enjoy the time on the water. We DO NOT overcrowd the boat. In beautiful Orange Beach, AL our schedule is dictated by Mother Nature's mood.
Delays may vary 15 - 30 minutes depending on the day and weather forecast. Because your safety is most important, we may need to change or cancel a cruise at the last minute, and if we do, we will call you to let you know of any changes.
Prices: Call for rates & pricing
Prices subject to change due to fuel cost.
10% Sales Tax not included in prices.
We also have private charters for all occasions including weddings, birthdays, company events, etc.
Call to discuss your specific needs. Normal business hours 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, seven days per week.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time for a cruise?
Any time is the best time for a cruise! We see a number of dolphins at each cruise, so it is really a personal preference.
2. Do you guarantee that I will see dolphins?
Yes we do guarantee that you will see dolphins. The dolphins are wild animals who are free to move about in the bays. But, we know where they feed and play. They are out there in the bays, its just a matter of finding them and sometimes, one trip may take a little longer than others.
3. Can you feed the dolphins?
Absolutely not! The dolphins are wild animals and it is illegal to feed them because it takes them out of their natural habitat. The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits any action that causes the dolphins to alter their normal behavior. Penalties of up to $25000/day and 1 year in jail can be imposed under Federal Law for those people found guilty of feeding or harrassing dolphins.
4. Can I swim with the dolphins?
Absolutely not! The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits any action that causes the dolphins to alter their normal behavior.
5. How long are your cruises?
Our cruises last for one and one-half to two hours; maybe a little more or a little less. It usually depends on how far we have to go to locate some dolphins. Sometimes we see so many dolphins we will stay out a little longer if no one on the boat has a problem with being late returning to the dock.
6. How much do your cruises cost? Due to current economic conditions, our cash prices depend on what other tour operators are charging.
Please call for our current price.
7. Are reservations required?
Yes, a reservation holds your spot on the boat. We don't want to tell you on the phone that spaces are available then have you show up and the boat is full. Likewise, we dont want to book more spots than our capacity. And, if everyone arrives early we can depart without leaving anyone behind. We simply need your name, the number in your party and a phone number where we can reach you in case something changes (like the weather!). That way if we need to delay a cruise due to a short rain storm, we can call you in advance to let you know of any schedule changes. A credit card is required to hold your reservation. You can still pay with cash at the ticket office.
8. What should I bring with me?
Your camera and a smile! We have a snack bar with a wide variety of soft drinks, water, beer, wine, and snacks so there is no need to bring anything.
9. Where does the cruise go?
We cruise out of Ole River and head into Bayou St. John, Perdido Bay, Arnica Bay, Bay La Launch, and Wolf Bay. We do not go into the Gulf.
10. Where can I find more information about protecting Dolphins?
Check out this link to the Dolphin SMARTinitiative: www.sanctuaries.noaa.gov/dolphinsmart/ We are working to organize and implement this program in the Orange Beach area to minimize the adverse impact on dolphin. We want to promote safe viewing of dolphin.
Unfortunately, every year many dolphin are seriously injured by people who run their boats directly over the dolphin while chasing them or trying to get the dolphin to jump in their wake.
11. Can I bring a cooler?
No. Our ABC licquor license prohibits closed containers from being brought on board. Our drink prices are only $1.00 for soft drinks and water; less than in a vending machine!
12. Where can I find more information about things to do, where to eat, etc.?
While on board, just ask your Captain or crew. They will be happy to help you chose restaurants or other activities based on personal experience and knowledge of the area.