Paradise Dolphin Cruises

(252) 573-0547
Location & Hours

Dolphin Tours on Roanoke Island, NC

Paradise Dolphin Cruises located in Wanchese, NC, operates the Kokomo, a 40-foot catamaran that carries 40 passengers and offers a comfortable ride with a canopied top, cushioned seats and a restroom. The boat's location at Safe Harbor Outer Banks offers the closest access to the waters where these amazing creatures are most often found. Paradise offers four two-hour dolphin cruises daily Monday – Friday and 2 cruises on Saturday with the last trip being a dolphin cruise/sunset cruise for $25 to $35 per person. As you search for dolphins, you'll also enjoy the local scenery and learn about the other wildlife you will encounter. The boat is handicapped accessible and is available for private parties. Reservations are required for dolphin tours and sunset cruises so call ahead.

(252) 573-0547

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Bottlenose Dolphins, Ospreys, Lighthouses and more.

As you embark on our 2 hour journey, you'll witness some of the most spectacular scenes enjoyed in coastal North Carolina.

Dolphin Tours Outer Banks

Our goal for our guests is to search for bottlenose dolphins and local species of birds while taking pleasure in the splendid scenery along the way.
Bottlenose dolphin, well known for their intelligence, friendly disposition, and “smiling” faces, have been interacting with humans for centuries and seem to have as much interest in us as we have in them. They often swim near the Kokomo, lifting their heads out of the water to get a glance at all the people on-board.
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Outer Banks Cruises

Our North Carolina shores offer breathtaking beauty that becomes a serene portrait aboard the Kokomo where we see dolphin jump and play.

The Osprey, also known as the fish hawk, is always a welcomed sight from the Kokomo. Many say that the Osprey rule the Outer Banks, being a constant presence as they fly over our waters in search for their next meal. The OBX is home to a wide variety of birds of prey, waterfowl, wading birds, terns and gulls, and shorebirds.

The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse on the east side of Roanoke Island stands watch over the quaint Manteo Waterfront. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is a majestic view from the Kokomo as we cruise south on the Roanoke Sound in search for dolphins.
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Paradise Dolphin Cruises

Monday - Saturday | 8am - 6:30pm

If you do not see dolphins you get to ride again for FREE. With our 98.5% success rate of viewing dolphins, the odds are definitely in your favor!

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Season

Our season runs from May thru September. Reservations are required so please call ahead to be sure space is available. A credit card is required to hold your reservations with a 24-hour mandatory cancellation notice.

Arrival

We ask that you arrive 30 minutes prior to the cruise time. If you arrive past the time of your scheduled cruise you could miss out. If you are running late, please call us so we will know how to handle the reservation.

On-site ship store with snacks and drinks. Meals can be purchased at OBX Dockside, an on-site food truck (2 pm - Until).

Monday Family Day

*All Cruises
ADULTS 11 & UP: $25
CHILDREN 3-10: $25
AGES 0-2: FREE

Tuesday - Saturday

*Daytime cruises
ADULTS 11 & UP: $30
CHILDREN 3-10: $25
AGES 0-2: FREE

*Sunset Cruises
ADULTS 11 & UP: $35
CHILDREN 3-10: $25
AGES 0-2: FREE

Frequently Asked Questions

Any time is the best time for a cruise!! It is really a personal preference.

Yes. We do guarantee that you will see dolphins or ride again for free. The dolphins are wild and are free to move about in the sound. We are the closest to the dolphin and we know where they feed in the Roanoke Sound. It is just a matter of finding them and the ride is wonderful itself.

No. The dolphins are wild animals and it is illegal to feed them because it takes them out of their natural habitat.

No. The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits any activity that causes the dolphins to alter their normal behavior. Please visit the National Marine Sanctuaries website for more information on responsible stewardship of wild dolphins.

Our cruises last 2 hours. It usually depends on how far we have to go to locate the dolphins. Some days we can see them right from the dock.

Yes. A reservation holds your spot on the boat. We do allow walk-ons if room is available. Make a reservation online and we will need your name and a phone number so we can reach you in case something changes (like the weather).

Your camera and a smile! You can also bring a cooler and snacks.

We cruise the Roanoke Sound. We do not venture into the ocean.

Reviews

No wonder so many of our visitors keep coming back and recommending us. See what they have to say...

“Excellent Time!”

We saw lots of dolphins. The captain was very knowledgeable and made sure we saw the dolphins. He was very friendly. I enjoyed this cruise and this is made for friends and families.

Elaine R
“Awesome Experience”

Captain Jay never disappoints, we come to OBX every year and do his dolphin tour every time. Awesome experience every time!!!

Erin C
“Great tour!!!”

Great tour of the sound from the Captain and his mate. We went out Friday morning the 5th of August. We saw lots of dolphins, toured the sound and got a great education on the dolphins...

C W Reed
“Highlight of OBX Vacation”

This was a highlight of our OBX vacation! It took about 30 minutes to locate some dolphins, but suddenly they were all around! We sat at the front of the boat and would have gotten soaked...

Sandra O

See all of our reviews on Tripadvisor!