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🐠 Water Activities in United States

Small-group tours, day trips, cooking classes and multi-day adventures. Every tour vetted for traveller reviews first.

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3 Hour Small Group All Inclusive Manatee Swim with free Photo pkg

★ 5.0 (2,014)

🐠 Water Activities

United States

3 Hour Small Group All Inclusive Manatee Swim with free Photo pkg

A 3-hour small-group manatee swim in Crystal River for up to 6 people, led by locally-raised guides. You'll enter the water with snorkelling gear to encounter manatees in their natural habitat, with wetsuits and all equipment provided. The tour includes a complimentary photo and video package — uncommon among Crystal River operators — so you leave with professional shots without extra cost. Moderate fitness and basic water comfort required.

90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island

A 90-minute private boat tour for up to 6 people searching for dolphins in Hilton Head's waters. Your captain, a Lowcountry Master Naturalist, navigates shallow areas and quieter spots larger tour boats skip, narrating the ecology as you watch dolphins hunt, play and interact. You'll also spot rays, sharks, manatees, sea turtles and migratory birds, plus views of Harbourtown Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island. Dogs welcome.

Half-Day Private Boating On Black Hurricane - Clearwater Beach

A 4-hour private boat charter for up to 6 passengers aboard a 24-foot Hurricane Deck Boat, departing from Clearwater Beach. You'll cruise local waterways with a captain, spot wild dolphins, anchor at sandbars for shelling, and swim in the Gulf. This works well for families, small celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, proposals), or anyone after a customised half-day on the water without the tour-group feel.

4 hoursfrom AUD $1201

★ 5.0 (320)

🐠 Water Activities

United States

Semi Private Manatee Swim Tour

A 3-hour guided manatee snorkel tour in small groups led by a USCG Captain and certified dive professional. You'll enter the water to observe manatees in their natural habitat whilst equipped with wetsuits and snorkelling gear. All guides hold formal training in manatee ecology and in-water rescue, with the tour structured around wildlife protection standards set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui

A private two-hour stand-up paddle boarding tour along Maui's scenic Turtle Town coastline, guided by an experienced instructor. Beginners start with a lesson in shallow Makena Bay waters before paddling past sea caves, lava cliffs, and green sea turtles through clear water and coral reefs. All skill levels welcome, with gear and life jackets supplied. You'll receive a digital photo package of the experience.

Half-Day Private Boating On Avalon Funship - Clearwater Beach

A 4-hour private boat charter for up to 10 people on a 27-foot double-decker boat with a slide, departing from Clearwater Beach. You'll cruise local waterways to spot wild dolphins, anchor at sandbars and barrier islands for shelling and swimming in the Gulf, with a captain-led itinerary tailored to your group's interests. Suits families, celebrations, or anyone wanting a customised water day without the crowds of a large tour.

4 hoursfrom AUD $1517

★ 5.0 (249)

🐠 Water Activities

United States

Icy Strait Whale & Wildlife Endeavor

A small-group whale watching tour in Icy Strait aboard a heated catamaran, limited to 6 passengers maximum. You'll spend 3 hours 45 minutes on the water from port pickup to drop-off, with indoor and outdoor viewing decks and a restroom on board. The operator guarantees whale sightings or offers a full refund — a confidence-backed promise that reflects their local knowledge of the strait's marine activity.

Half-Day Private Boating On Platinum Funship - Clearwater Beach

A 4-hour private boat charter for up to 10 people on a 27-foot double-decker vessel with slide, departing from Clearwater Beach. You'll cruise local waterways with a captain, spot wild dolphins, anchor at sandbars, and visit secluded barrier islands for swimming and shelling. Designed for groups marking milestones—birthdays, proposals, anniversaries—or simply wanting a customised Gulf experience without the crowds of larger tour boats.

4 hoursfrom AUD $1517

Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour from Shore at Turtle Town

★ 5.0 (212)

🐠 Water Activities

United States

Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour from Shore at Turtle Town

A 2-hour guided snorkel tour from shore at Turtle Town on Maui's oldest reef, led by a marine biologist. Groups stay small (8 people maximum), and you'll learn about coral, fish, and sea turtles alongside hands-on field observation. All snorkelling gear and instruction included; reef-safe sunscreen provided. Best suited to swimmers with basic comfort in water, aged 8–65.

Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings

A 90-minute open ocean kayaking tour along Laguna Beach's scenic coastline, where you'll paddle new equipment with a local guide and watch for sea lions in their natural habitat. Suits confident swimmers and moderate fitness levels who want to get on the water without a full-day commitment. Small groups and high demand mean early booking is essential.

Crystal River: Private Manatee Swim With Heated Boat(Free Photos)

A three-hour private manatee swim in Crystal River's Kings Bay, where you'll board a heated enclosed boat and enter the water to encounter these gentle marine mammals up close. An in-water guide photographs your experience throughout. Snorkelling gear is provided, and the tour suits all fitness levels, including families with infants who can travel in a pram or stroller.

Key Largo Snorkeling Trips & Sandbar Tours

A private 3-hour snorkelling charter for up to 6 guests aboard a 27-foot centre console boat. You'll have exclusive use of the vessel, a licensed captain and crew, and a professional guide who enters the water with you to lead the tour. The boat includes onboard cooler with ice and water, reef-safe sunscreen, towels, and all snorkelling gear — ideal if you want a personalised experience without the crowds of larger group tours.

Paddle Boarding Eco Adventure Tour Jupiter Florida - Singer Island

A 1 hour 45 minute paddle boarding tour through John D. MacArthur State Park mangroves and Jupiter waterways, led by a Florida-native master naturalist. You'll search for dolphins, manatees, eagle rays and horseshoe crabs while exploring the salt marsh ecosystem on a stand-up paddleboard. South Florida Paddles has run these eco tours since 2011, and the pace is deliberately slow — designed to let you absorb the landscape rather than rush through it.

South Maui Shore Dive

A three-hour certified dive in South Maui's Wailea and Makena waters for qualified divers. You'll meet at the site for a safety briefing, then explore reefs and the seafloor with a professional guide. Expect to encounter turtles, rays, sharks, eels and tropical fish; photos of your dive are included. A second dive at a different site is available for an additional fee.

Russian River Kayak Tour at the Beautiful Sonoma Coast

A 2.5-hour kayak tour exploring where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean on the Sonoma Coast. You'll paddle the river and walk the beach while watching for seals, birds, and occasional whales. All equipment and a local guide are included. Suitable for paddlers of any fitness level, though you'll get wet and weather can shift quickly at the coast.

Vanishing Mile Isle Beachcomber Tour

A private 2.5-hour boat tour to a tidal sandbar that emerges only a few hours daily, where you'll hunt for sand dollars, shells and shark teeth with a captain trained in Lowcountry ecology. Fits families and small groups up to six people; the captain doubles as a naturalist and identifies shells and marine invertebrates as you go, plus you'll watch for wild dolphins en route.

2 Hour Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour

When Sarah from our team booked this Sarasota dolphin charter, we got a straightforward 2-hour spin around coastal Florida looking for marine life and scenery. It's a private luxury boat setup that markets itself as family-friendly and has a solid track record in the area. You're on the water with soda and bottled water included, life jackets sorted for all ages, and the operator seems relaxed about bringing your own supplies. The vibe is casual rather than flashy — you're there to spot dolphins and take in the shoreline, not for bells and whistles.

Private Na Pali Coast Boat Charter 4.5 Hour Adventure

A private 4.5-hour boat charter along Kauai's Na Pali Coast for groups up to 18 people. You'll cruise past towering sea cliffs, explore caves, and spot marine life with the option to snorkel or swim when conditions allow. Choose morning departures for calmer waters ideal for families, or afternoon slots for a faster, wetter ride with dramatic lighting. Includes snorkel gear, cold drinks, fresh fruit and snacks.

Half-Day Private Boating On Platinum Funship - Dunedin

A 4-hour private boat charter for up to 10 people aboard a 27-foot double-decker Funship with onboard slide. You'll cruise Dunedin's waterways with a professional captain, spot wild dolphins, anchor at sandbars, shell on barrier islands, and swim in the Gulf of Mexico. Flexible enough for family days, celebrations, or intimate getaways — everything's customised to your group.

4 hoursfrom AUD $1483

Small-Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Chicago

★ 5.0 (121)

🐠 Water Activities

United States

Small-Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Chicago

A 90-minute sightseeing boat tour on a rigid inflatable vessel that takes you past Chicago's major landmarks from the water. You'll see the skyline, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Shedd Aquarium, and monuments along the city's waterways. It's a small-group experience designed to give you better photo angles and closer views than standard larger tour boats, with the speed and manoeuvrability of a military-spec RIB.

4 Hour Kice Island Shelling Trip

A 3-hour 15-minute boat trip from Goodland to Kice Island, one of the remote Ten Thousand Islands beaches accessible only by water. You'll collect shells alongside a knowledgeable captain and guide who identify specimens and explain the marine life that inhabited them. Designed as a dedicated shelling experience rather than a general island tour, it suits beachcombers of any experience level—first-timers and serious collectors alike.

Private boat tours for dolphin watching near treasure island

A 2-hour private boat charter captained by Allen's Aquatic Adventures, a family-run operator based in St. Pete Beach. You'll search for dolphins in local waters while the skipper handles navigation, freeing you to relax and watch for sightings. The boat includes snorkelling gear and watersports equipment, making it flexible enough for a focused dolphin tour or a mixed activity outing.

Experience Incredible Marine Wildlife Tour

A 2.5-hour wildlife-viewing boat tour around Sitka Sound with a commercial fishing captain and local crew. You'll head out by water to spot humpback whales, sea lions, sea otters, harbour seals, bald eagles, puffins and other marine birds in their habitat. The captain draws on decades of Southeast Alaskan fishing experience to explain local industry, history and life in Sitka alongside live wildlife sightings, which vary by season—bears show up regularly in late summer and early autumn.

Mermaid Ocean Swimming Lesson in Maui

A one-on-one ocean swimming lesson where you'll wear a mermaid tail and monofin in Makena Bay's sheltered waters off South Maui. A CPR-certified instructor teaches you technique and movement for 90 minutes, with views across to Haleakalā and Molokini. Includes a fitted tail in your size, underwater digital photos, and personalised coaching — suited to anyone aged 6+ with moderate fitness who wants a novelty water experience rather than swimming technique fundamentals.

Private Boat: Island Cruise and Dolphins

A 2-hour private boat cruise through Tampa Bay's islands with Captain Tyler, who offers a decade of local knowledge. You'll have access to a tube and snorkelling gear, plus chances to swim and explore beaches. The boat accommodates all fitness levels and can carry infants in prams or specialised seats, making it flexible for families or small groups seeking a casual water-based island experience.

Best Private Luxury Daytime Boat Tour in New York City - 2 Hour

A private 2-hour powerboat cruise around lower Manhattan for up to a small group, with unobstructed sightlines of the skyline, Freedom Tower, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty. You'll have a captain on board throughout and can bring your own food and drinks. Suits anyone wanting to see Manhattan's landmarks from the water without the crowds of a public tour.

Waikiki small group turtle snorkeling & sailing

A 2-hour sunrise snorkelling and sailing trip from Waikiki that targets sea turtles at Turtle Canyon, then cruises toward Diamond Head for a chance to spot Hawaiian spinner dolphins. You'll depart early from Alawa'i boat harbour, so it suits early risers, couples and families adjusting to Hawaiian time zones. Snorkelling equipment, water and snacks are supplied; the main draw is seeing turtles up close on the reef and dolphins from the boat during the quietest hours of the day.

Inshore Fishing on the Waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay

A 4-hour inshore fishing trip on Choctawhatchee Bay led by Captain Rob Hansill, a retired U.S. Marine with Coast Guard Master's endorsement. You'll fish the bay's waters with all gear, bait, and a fishing licence supplied; your catch gets cleaned and packaged to take home. The experience welcomes all skill levels, with free trips for Purple Heart recipients and Wounded Warriors (call ahead to arrange).

Snorkeling, Dolphin and Wildlife Sightings at St. Andrews Bay

A 2-hour snorkelling and wildlife tour at St. Andrews Bay led by Captain Brittany, who customises the outing based on your group's interests and ages. You'll hunt for dolphins and local wildlife from a spacious boat equipped with snorkelling gear, a cooler for your own food and drinks, ice, and water bottles. Bring your own sunscreen and snacks; glass bottles aren't permitted.

Private Sailing Charter with Captain, BYOB

A private 2.5-hour sailing charter on Charleston Harbour for up to 6 guests aboard Esprit de Joy. You'll pass Castle Pinckney, Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and the Ravenel Bridge while your captain navigates. Book a sunset sail for golden-hour views, or choose an afternoon slot. Bring your own drinks and snacks—water and ice are provided, plus you keep souvenir cups as a takeaway.

2.5 hr Sailboat Tour aboard Orion's Child

A 2.5-hour sailing tour aboard Orion's Child, a well-maintained sailboat departing from Salty Sam's Marina towards the Gulf of Mexico. You'll motor past shrimp boats and waterfront homes, then raise the sails and cut the engine once in open water. Dolphins, sea turtles, and birds often appear; depending on wind and conditions, you may sail toward Sanibel lighthouse or along Fort Myers Beach. Suitable for all fitness levels, family-friendly, and capped at 6 passengers (including children at full price). Barefoot sailing only—shoes stored in a locked box.

Boat tour with Watersports and snorkeling near st pete beach

A 3-hour private boat charter from St Pete Beach where you'll choose from watersports, snorkelling, dolphin watching or island hopping with a captain at the helm. All gear is included — wake boards, water skis, knee boards, tubes and snorkelling equipment — so you avoid the hassle of renting separately and can focus on the activity. Suits families, groups and anyone after a flexible water adventure without the responsibility of piloting.

4-Hour Mangrove Island and Dolphin Watch Sandbar in Fort Pierce

A 4-hour kayak and boat tour through Florida's mangrove channels and shallow sandbars, where you'll paddle 2 miles through narrow waterways and cruise another 2 miles by motorised boat in search of dolphins and wading birds. Kids 11 and under go free, and the tour accommodates families with young children — infants can sit on an adult's lap, and high-back support chairs provide stability for less confident paddlers.

Private Morning Sail, Dolphin and History Tour on Mystique

A private 2-hour sailing charter on a 43ft yacht departing downtown Charleston. You'll sail past Fort Sumter, the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge and historic harbour forts while spotting bottlenose dolphins. The yacht operates with a professional two-person crew, offers plenty of shade, two onboard bathrooms and complimentary soft drinks. It's suited to families, couples and anyone wanting a guided water experience without crowds—only your party boards.

Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Floridas Indian River Lagoon

A 2-hour evening kayak on Florida's Indian River Lagoon timed to catch bioluminescence — the water glows as you paddle past dolphins and manatees. An ACA-certified naturalist guides you through one of North America's most biodiverse estuaries, pointing out wildlife and constellations. Suit anyone comfortable in a kayak who wants to see the lagoon's nocturnal ecosystem without a strenuous fitness demand.

Afternoon Adventure Snorkel from Ka'anapali

A two-hour small-group snorkel tour from Ka'anapali targeting Maui's west-side reefs with a guide in the water alongside you throughout. The boat holds only a handful of guests, each with a shaded seat and dedicated storage, so you're not jostling for space or competing for the guide's attention. You'll get snorkel gear, drinks, snacks, and a restroom on board — expect to get wet during beach loading and have the fitness to climb three stairs onto the vessel.

Private Guided Sunset and Eco Tour up to 6 Passengers

A 90-minute private sunset cruise for up to six passengers on Destin waters. You'll choose your own itinerary — dolphin spotting, anchoring at Crab Island or Norriego Point, or a mix — with a cooler of bottled water and ice on board so you can bring your own drinks. The boat has Bluetooth speakers, so you control the soundtrack.

Milk Run Family Rafting Trip

A gentle 1-hour introductory rafting trip on calm water, suited to families with children from age 2 onwards. You'll float past mountain scenery with minimal rapids and light splashing, making this an easy entry point to rafting without demanding fitness or experience. The experience emphasises relaxation over adrenaline.

Mangrove Tunnels Kayak Tour To Shell Key - St. Pete

A 2.5–3 hour kayak tour through mangrove tunnels to Shell Key, combining paddling through narrow waterways, wildlife spotting, and 30 minutes on a quiet beach. All fitness levels welcome. Your guide photographs the group throughout and emails images to you after — no extra charge. Most departures run as private tours, though you can request to join a shared group.

One Tank Manta Night Dive and Snorkel

A 3-hour night dive and snorkel outing in Hawaii where you'll watch manta rays feed with expert local guides. The focus is on education and conservation rather than thrill-seeking — guides walk you through manta behaviour and ecology throughout the charter. You'll be in the water for extended periods in darkness, so comfort with night ocean conditions and solid swimming ability matter more than dive certification.

3 hoursfrom AUD $191

Some tours listed with Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices and availability confirmed at checkout.