Business Details
29 Years
experience
Experience Orange Beach's Best Dolphin Cruises
Since 1997, Dolphin Cruises on-Cold Mill has been Orange Beach and Gulf Shores' premier dolphin cruise provider. Founded by Captain Philip and Paula Taylor, our family-owned business combines decades of maritime expertise with a deep passion for coastal ecosystems. Our custom-refurbished 50-foot Navy transport boats offer 360-degree viewing, shaded seating, and onboard restrooms for optimal comfort. We pioneered the Double Surf Cruise, a unique experience where two boats create ideal waves for dolphin interactions. With over 25 years of operation, we maintain a 100% dolphin sighting guarantee while prioritizing vessel safety and environmental stewardship.Our team's intimate knowledge of local waters ensures unforgettable encounters with marine wildlife. We accommodate groups of all sizes through public cruises, private charters, and educational field trips. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the original and most trusted dolphin cruise in the region. We continuously invest in fleet maintenance and crew training to uphold our industry-leading standards. Visitors and residents alike rely on our expertise for safe, enjoyable, and memorable coastal adventures.
Services
Daytime Cruises
Sunset Cruises
Private Cruises
Field Trips
Double Surf Cruises
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We've operated dolphin cruises since 1997 with 100% sighting guarantee
- Our Double Surf Cruises create unique dolphin interaction opportunities
- Family-owned business with Coast Guard-certified captains
- Custom-refurbished 50-foot boats with 360-degree viewing platforms
- Offer educational field trips with curriculum-aligned marine education
Services
Daytime Cruises
Experience dolphins in their natural habitat during our 60-90 minute daytime cruises. Our 50-foot boats with shaded seating and 360-degree viewing platforms guarantee dolphin sightings in calm back bay waters. Ideal for families and first-time visitors seeking educational marine encounters.
Sunset Cruises
Combine dolphin watching with Gulf Coast sunsets on our 90-minute evening cruises. Watch dolphins play in our boat's wake while enjoying panoramic sunset views. Partially shaded vessels ensure comfort during seasonal twilight hours with guaranteed wildlife sightings weather permitting.
Private Cruises
Customize your dolphin cruise experience with private charters accommodating up to 49 guests. Perfect for special occasions, corporate events, or intimate family gatherings. Choose your preferred time and itinerary while enjoying exclusive access to our Coast Guard-certified vessels and crew.
Field Trips
Educational marine excursions aligned with school curricula for students of all ages. Our expert crew provides interactive learning about Gulf Coast ecosystems, dolphin behavior, and maritime history. Special pricing available for school groups and educational institutions.
Double Surf Cruises
Our patented dual-boat configuration creates perfect waves for dolphin surfing and acrobatics. This exclusive experience allows 360-degree viewing of dolphins playing between two synchronized vessels. Available during both daytime and sunset cruises for enhanced wildlife interaction opportunities.
People
Captain Philip Taylor
Founder & Captain
Captain Philip Taylor, a US Coast Guard-certified mariner with 25+ years experience, founded Dolphin Cruises in 1997. He personally supervises vessel maintenance and crew training while leading many cruises, sharing his extensive knowledge of local marine life and maritime history.
Paula Taylor
Co-Owner
Paula Taylor co-founded Dolphin Cruises with her husband Captain Philip. She manages daily operations and customer service, ensuring every guest receives personalized attention. Her hospitality background enhances the overall cruise experience for visitors to the Gulf Coast.
Questions
How do I book a dolphin cruise?
Book online through our website or call 251-943-3510 for immediate reservations. Online booking is available 24/7 with real-time availability updates for all cruise types.
What should I wear on the cruise?
Dress casually with comfortable footwear. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are recommended. Light jackets may be useful during sunset cruises. Non-slip shoes are advised for safety on deck.
Do you guarantee dolphin sightings?
Yes, we guarantee dolphin sightings on every cruise. If no dolphins are spotted, receive a complimentary return ticket. Our 25-year track record confirms our 100% success rate since 1997.
Can I charter an entire boat?
Private charters are available for groups up to 49 guests. Choose your preferred time and customize your cruise experience. Ideal for special events, family reunions, or corporate outings with exclusive vessel access.
Are field trip discounts available?
Educational institutions receive special pricing for field trips. Our curriculum-aligned marine education programs accommodate school groups with interactive learning experiences about Gulf Coast ecosystems and wildlife conservation.
