2 years ago we had a less-than-thrilling dolphin adventure with another company in which the highlight was a few starfish. Bravely, I paid $98/person this year for the 4 hour trip after reading ALL the Water Planet reviews and believing that any company that takes on interns and offers ocean school for special needs kids is going to be the best. Well I was right!! Thanks to everyone's reviews before mine!
We met Captain Mike and learned about dolphin behavior on the ride out to the gulf. He educated us on how he would decide if dolphins were interested in playing or whether they were busy or feeding. The kids were able to spot them diving down vs staying up top for us, wondering aloud why all the other boaters were jumping in. Captain Mike put us gently in the path of dolphins 7 times. We saw them in the water EVERY time. They swam toward us, right under us, singly and in groups up to 5. It was an experience none of us will EVER forget. I was ticked that our underwater camera died after just a few pics which I will add from home if they are any good. Please buy a disposable or bring a go-pro before heading out on this tour. The photos you get will be priceless! Mike was a fantastic guide and fabulous with the kids. He even let them drive! The beautiful majestic dolphins were friendly and playful and gave us all a joyful heart just to be so near them. We were within 4' before they would swim under us and the water was crystal clear. The kids and adults all feel like we just received a very precious gift.

Had an awesome time with Capt Mike. He was so great swam with dolphins heand let us decide how we wanted to plan the day.

Cannot even begin to explain how amazing this tour is. Swimming with the dolphins in the open ocean...for real? So organic and such an adrenaline rush when the captain tells you to go! All of a sudden you are in the water looking down and seeing these creatures swimming just below you in their natural habitat. It was a beautiful experience that even my 11 and 15 year old boys loved. We learned so much about sea life and their ecosystem without ever feeling like we were being educated. Our brilliant Captain took us snorkeling over a shipwreck, let my boys jump in and watch sting rays swimming below and ended our tour in the shallow sea grass areas where they swam with nets and discovered hermit crabs, scallops, clams and so much more! Best money spent on our vacation.