Discover the Dolphins of John’s Pass with Hubbard’s Marina
Ready for an unforgettable wildlife experience? At Hubbard’s Marina, we’ve been exploring the vibrant waters of John’s Pass and Boca Ciega Bay for nearly a century—and our dolphin cruises are a local favorite.
Our knowledgeable crew collaborates closely with local marine researchers, giving us unique insight into the behaviors, family structures, and personalities of the bottlenose dolphins that call our waters home.
Join our daily dolphin cruises and enjoy guaranteed dolphin sightings—or your next trip is on us!
(Please note: our Sunset Cruise is excluded from the guarantee.)
Why Choose Hubbard’s Marina Dolphin Cruises?
100% Guaranteed Dolphin Sightings
Relaxing 1.5-hour cruises through Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf of Mexico
Experienced, local captains and naturalist guides
Spacious, shaded boats with restrooms onboard
Trusted family-owned business for over 90 years
What You’ll Experience
Cruise the sparkling waters of Madeira Beach and enjoy:
Up-close sightings of playful bottlenose dolphins
Beautiful views of John’s Pass Village and Treasure Island
Educational commentary on local marine life
Possible encounters with manatees, sea turtles, pelicans, and more
Cruise Information
Departure Location: Hubbard’s Marina, John’s Pass Village, Madeira Beach
Duration: 1.5 hours / 90 mins
Departure Times: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm DAILY
- Bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, camera, and excitement!
(All trips are subject to variation based on weather conditions, passenger count, and other factors.)
Custom Dolphin Cruise Packages at Hubbard’s Marina
Looking for a more personalized experience on the water? At Hubbard’s Marina, we offer custom dolphin cruises designed just for you, your family, or your group. While we typically keep our tour sizes small to ensure comfort, safety, and the best wildlife viewing, we’re happy to tailor a cruise to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, corporate outings, or private educational tours.
Explore the Beauty of Boca Ciega Bay
Our custom tours showcase the best of Boca Ciega Bay—a true coastal gem. You’ll cruise past:
Lush mangrove shorelines
Secluded pristine beaches
Sparkling crystal-clear waters
Active bird nesting islands
And of course, you’ll have the chance to encounter wild bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and a wide variety of seabirds along the way.
Florida’s Favorite Dolphin Watching & Nature eco Cruise Experience
Our tours have earned a reputation as one of the top-rated dolphin eco-cruises in Florida, thanks to a passionate crew, local knowledge, and a commitment to making every trip unforgettable. We combine professionalism, enthusiasm, and unbeatable value to ensure every guest leaves with lasting memories.
Our crew will also share insights into the local area, pointing out interesting spots around John’s Pass and Madeira Beach, including waterfront restaurants, historical landmarks, and hidden gems.
About the Big Blue Boat at Hubbard's Marina
Hop aboard our 58-foot U.S. Coast Guard-inspected catamaran, specially designed for dolphin watching tours through the tranquil waters of John’s Pass and Boca Ciega Bay. Spacious and fully covered, the boat features seating for up to 76 Passengers which offers great views of the wildlife and safe seating for all guests.
Amenities Onboard
Enjoy the ride with access to:
A clean onboard restroom
Refreshments for purchase, including beer, wine, soda, and bottled water
Light snacks, including small bagged treats.
Our friendly captains and crew work hard to make your 90-minute dolphin cruise exceptional, and tips are always appreciated!
Know Before You Go: Dolphin Watching Cruise at Hubbard’s Marina
Reservations
We highly recommend making reservations in advance, as spots fill up quickly—especially during weekends and peak seasons.
Arrival Time
Please plan to arrive at John’s Pass Village at least one hour before your scheduled cruise. This allows ample time for parking and for checking in at the Hubbard’s Marina Gift Shop, where you’ll receive your boarding pass.
Passenger Minimums
Each cruise requires a minimum number of passengers to operate. If the minimum is not met, the cruise may be canceled up until departure time. We’ll notify you promptly and reschedule or refund as needed.
Cruise Duration
Cruise lengths vary from 90mins + depending on weather and wildlife activity.
Gift Shop & Souvenirs
Before or after your trip, stop by the Hubbard’s Marina Gift Shop to browse a variety of souvenirs, apparel, snacks, and other items to remember your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (faq)
Are dolphins guaranteed? Absolutely! If you don’t see dolphins, your next trip is free.
Is the cruise good for kids? Yes! Our cruises are safe, fun, and educational for all ages.
Can I bring food and drinks? Yes, you’re welcome to bring snacks and beverages. We also have concessions available.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible? Please call us before booking to discuss accessibility accommodations.
When is the best time to see dolphins? Morning and sunset cruises are especially active, but dolphins can be seen all day!
How early should I arrive before the cruise? We recommend arriving at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in and board comfortably.
What should I wear on the dolphin cruise? Dress comfortably for the weather. We recommend lightweight clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don’t forget your camera!
Are reservations required? While walk-ups are welcome if space allows, we highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.
Can we book private dolphin tours? Yes! We offer private dolphin cruises perfect for family reunions, birthdays, and special events. Contact us for details.
Is there parking at Hubbard’s Marina? Yes, paid parking is available at John’s Pass Village near Hubbard’s Marina.
Still Looking for more reasons to book Tampa Bay's Best Dolphin Watching cruise?
For nearly a century, Hubbard’s Marina has been the trusted name for unforgettable dolphin watching cruises and eco tours in the John’s Pass and Madeira Beach area. Here are just a few reasons why our guests return again and again:
1. Guaranteed Dolphin Sightings
Cruise through the protected waters of Boca Ciega Bay, where you’ll have the chance to see wild bottlenose dolphins up close in their natural habitat. We guarantee dolphin sightings on all daily tours—or your next trip is on us.*
2. Fun, Educational, and Fully Narrated
Each tour is guided by our experienced and passionate crew, who share fascinating insights about the local wildlife, ecosystem, and maritime history. Learn about dolphins, manatees, seabirds, and even the area’s historic commercial fishing fleet.
3. Safe, Comfortable & Family-Friendly
Our “Big Blue Boat” is one of the largest and most stable dolphin tour vessels in the Tampa Bay area, featuring:
Onboard restrooms
A snack bar with refreshments including soft drinks, beer, wine, seltzers, and light snacks
4. Trusted for Over 97 Years
Hubbard’s Marina has been a family-owned and operated business since 1928, for four generations, with U.S. Coast Guard–certified vessels and a long-standing reputation for excellence in eco-tourism and marine experiences.
5. Environmentally Responsible Tours
We’re proud to offer eco-friendly dolphin tours that promote conservation and minimize our impact on the environment. Our goal is to educate, inspire, and protect the natural beauty of our local marine habitats.
6. More Than Dolphins
In addition to dolphins, you may spot manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of seabirds such as pelicans, egrets, herons, osprey, cormorants, and even the occasional bald eagle.
Don’t miss out on one of the most popular things to do in Madeira Beach.
Book your Dolphin Watching Cruise and Nature Eco Tour with Hubbard’s Marina today!