Paradise Dolphin Cruises

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. With cushioned seats and a restroom on board, you can relax and take in beautiful OBX scenery. 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–Saturday with the last trip of the day being a dolphin cruise/sunset cruise. 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.

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(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

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Season

Our season runs from mid-April through October. Reservations are not required, but we do recommend you make them to reserve your spot. Our cruises book quickly, so if you decide to do a walk-on without a reservation, the cruise may already be completely booked. Please call 252-573-0547 for any questions on availability. Reservations can be made both here on our website and over the phone.

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 at 252-573-0547 so we will know how to handle your reservation. We do have an on-site Ships Store where you will check in to your cruise that is equipped with any sandwiches, hot dogs, snacks or drinks you may need for your cruise.

Monday Family Day

*All Cruises 10% Off
ADULTS 11 & UP: $28.80
CHILDREN 3-10: $19.80
INFANTS 0-2: FREE

Tuesday - Saturday

*Daytime cruises
ADULTS 11 & UP: $32
CHILDREN 3-10: $22
INFANTS 0-2: FREE

*Sunset Cruises
ADULTS 11 & UP: $37
CHILDREN 3-10: $25
INFANTS 0-2: FREE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time for a cruise?

Any time is a great time for a cruise! It’s a personal preference on which time you choose when booking. Dolphins are around all day!

Do you guarantee that I will see dolphins?

While we see dolphins on 99% of our cruises, there is no guarantee. Dolphins are wild, migratory animals, and there’s always a chance that you may not see any. Rest assured, Captain Jay will make sure you have the time of your life, even if you don’t get to see any dolphins.

Can I feed the dolphins?

No, you cannot feed the dolphins. Dolphins can become accustomed to receiving food and become increasingly dependent on humans to provide their next meal. We want them to thrive in their natural habitat..

Can I swim with the dolphins?

Unfortunately, no, you cannot swim with the dolphins.

How long are your cruises?

All of our cruises are two hours long.

Are reservations required?

Reservations are not required, we do take walk-ons for our cruises. Just keep in mind that our tours might be full, in which case we won’t have an available spot. We recommend calling ahead to see if there is still space available if you do not wish to make a reservation.

What should I bring with me?

For early morning and afternoon cruises we suggest you bring a light jacket or rain gear if the weather looks questionable. If you forget anything, no worries! Our Ships Store, where you will check in for your cruise, is equipped with any food and beverages you may need for your ride. They’re also fully stocked with dolphin toys and fun dolphin nick-knacks.

Where does the cruise go?

Our dolphin cruise will take you through the Roanoke Sound in search for dolphins. You may also get the chance to see different lighthouses, the wild horses, Pelican Island, and other maritime nature views that Captain Jay will tell you all about. Our cruise leaves from Wanchese Harbor and will go anywhere from Manteo waterfront to old house channel.

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!

Paradise Dolphin Cruises

Dolphin Tours on Roanoke Island, NC

(252) 573-0547

Bottlenose Dolphins, Ospreys, Lighthouses and more.

Dolphin Tours Outer Banks

Outer Banks Cruises

Paradise Dolphin Cruises

Monday - Saturday | 8am - 6:30pm

Season

Arrival

Monday Family Day

Tuesday - Saturday

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews

“Excellent Time!”

“Awesome Experience”

“Great tour!!!”

“Highlight of OBX Vacation”

Paradise Dolphin Cruises

Reservations

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