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.
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-Nags Head Causeway
7517 South Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
Safari-Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
8770 Oregon Inlet Road, S. Nags Head, NC 27959
Miss Bodie Island-Shallowbag Bay Marina
700 N. Bay Club Drive, Manteo, NC 27954
AWARDS:
2025 Nags Head Dolphin Watch, Silver: Best Dolphin Tour
