Dolphins and manatees at Raccoon Island
If you see dolphins, watch from the boat. If you see a manatee, stay quiet and keep distance. Manatees are slow, curious, and easily harmed by boat propellers and disturbance.
Bottlenose dolphins
Bottlenose dolphins live in Biscayne Bay year-round. They hunt in groups and are curious about boats. You may hear them breathing or see them leap. They are never guaranteed; it depends on where they are hunting that day. Boat tours cover more bay area and give better odds than staying at the island. Early morning tours have calmer water and better visibility for spotting fins and movement.
West Indian manatees
Manatees are large, slow marine mammals. They are herbivores and live in warm shallow water. Biscayne Bay is one of their habitats. Manatees are a protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. If you see one, do not approach, touch, or disturb it. Keep the boat at least 50 feet away. Stay quiet. Manatees are easily harmed by boat propellers and stress.
Best odds for seeing them
- Tour type: Boat tours cover more water and have higher odds than paddle tours. Half-day island-hopping tours cover the most bay.
- Time of day: Early morning (6–9 AM); water is calm, visibility is clear, and wildlife is active.
- Season: Year-round, but November–May has higher odds due to calmer weather and more consistent sightings.
- Luck: Wildlife is wild. You cannot guarantee sightings. Enjoy them if they appear; don’t let their absence ruin your day.
If you see marine wildlife
Tell the guide immediately. They know how to position the boat safely and legally. If you see a manatee, do not reach out, do not try to touch it, and do not approach. Manatees are protected and can be harmed by human contact. If you see injured or distressed wildlife, tell the guide and the tour operator; they will report it.
See best conditions for sightings, tour types and coverage, and book a tour.
Frequently asked questions
Will I see dolphins or manatees?
Frequently spotted, but never guaranteed. It depends on where they are that day. Boat tours have higher odds than paddle tours because they cover more bay area. Early morning tours (calm water) have better visibility than afternoon.
Which tour has the best chance of seeing dolphins?
Boat tours, especially half-day island-hopping trips and the celebrity-mansions boat tour, cover the most water. Early departures (6–8 AM) have calm water and clear visibility.
Can I touch or feed a manatee?
Never. Manatees are a protected species. Touching or disturbing them is illegal and harmful. Keep at least 50 feet away, stay quiet, and follow the guide's instructions. Manatees are easily injured by boat propellers.
What if I see a dolphin?
Watch from the boat. Do not chase it. Dolphins are wild and may leave. Enjoy the moment and take photos from a distance.
When is the best time to see manatees?
Year-round, but November–May (cool weather) is peak season. Manatees seek warm shallow water; bay temperature matters. Winter and spring have higher odds.
Are dolphins aggressive?
No. Bottlenose dolphins are curious but not aggressive. Do not approach them or try to swim with them. Watch from the boat and enjoy.