"About our tours"

Join us on a unique eco-tour to search for wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and view the wildlife of the Outer Banks. Biologists run these dolphin tours as part of their research on these beloved aquatic animals, so you know this will be an interesting trip. Passengers will be able to see how researchers with the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research, a nonprofit organization, conduct their research and hear about some of the discoveries from more than a decade of studies and monitoring. Some of the hundreds of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the area show up so frequently they’ve even been given names, like “Rake,” “Scarlet,” and “Onion.” Onion was first identified in Beaufort, North Carolina almost 20 years ago, and he has been sighted there almost every winter since. It has been discovered that Nags Head is his summer home, along with an extensive family of more than 100 members. In his early years, Onion had an unfortunate encounter with a boat propeller and his damaged fin has made him one of the most easily recognized dolphins around. 

Conducted on a 40-foot covered pontoon boat in the Roanoke Sound, the trip takes one and a half to two hours. Along the way, researchers will talk about their work and share their discoveries from their ongoing study. While the boat is moving, dolphins will be playing in their natural habitat alongside the vessel. Passengers will also learn about the pelicans, osprey and other birds that congregate in the sounds, as well as the ecology and history of this dynamic area. The Outer Banks is an ideal place to take a dolphin boat trip to learn even more about these miraculous creatures. These excursions will get you close enough to safely connect with these incredible animals and to experience them in the wild, in a world where humans are visitors and the bottlenose dolphin is happily at home. A great trip for families and people of all ages!

The Dolphin Watch Tours are the perfect outing for large and small groups and is suitable for people of all ages. For reservations you may reserve by calling (877) 359-8447 or (252) 441-4124, ext. 1 for reservations. The Dolphin Watch Tour is very popular so we encourage you to book well in advance to secure your spot on this wonderful experience.

THREE   LOCATIONS!!

Phoenix –  Located on the Nags Head Causeway // Kitty Hawk Kites/Whalebone Junction

7517 South Virginia Dare Trail on the south side of NC 64 Hwy that connects Nags Head and Roanoke Island.  You will board the Phoenix at the Kitty Hawk Kites Whalebone Watersports site - yellow building with a blue roof.  Also available at this site you can rent kayaks, standup paddleboards and jet skis so make a day of it.  Next door is Fresh Fit Cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and great smoothies.

Safari –Located in South Nags Head at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center

               This is our largest boat!  The SAFARI is in the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center located at 8770 Oregon Inlet Road, Nags Head, NC  27959

(some mapping programs find us at 98 NC Hwy 12, Nags Head, NC  27959).  This is a full service marina and ships store with snacks, drinks, souvenirs and tackle.  On Site are 46 charter boats and "head boat" to meet all your fishing needs.  Also, there is a NC Fish & Wildlife Boat Ramp for launching your own boat.

Miss Bodie Island – Located in Manteo at the Shallowbag Bay Marina

 You will board the Miss Bodie Island at Shallow Bag Bay Marina located at 700  N. Bay Club Drive, Manteo, NC  27954

 (between Darryl's Restaurant and McDonald's).  Park in any non-reserved parking space.  We are at the floating dock in front of the pool and clubhouse area.  For added convenience to our guests, Stripers Bar and Grill is located onsite so you can enjoy a great meal or a cool drink on the waterfront deck before or after your dolphin tour.  Don't forget to visit Historic Downtown Manteo while you are here.