At HHI, Need some quick planning advice on dolphin tours

[msabol01]

Hi everyone! Want to say thanks in advance. We just arrived at HHI unfortunately to forecasts of rain today and tomorrow. I am looking to take the family out on a dolphin tour and am curious if anyone has some experiences to share.

Mainly, the tour offered through DVC is $40 per head. It is touted as a max of six people and a very personalized tour.

I've seen ads for other operations which run as low as $16 per adult and $9 per child.

So my main question is the significant price difference worth the experience or should I save my money? The tour will be for my wife, myself, the in-laws and my kids (3 and 8).

Again thanks in advance!

Mike

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I don't recall what we paid, but we took the tour through DVC with Scott. It was a successful and pleasant tour. We did come in contact with dolphins and Scott was a very good guide. That said... I don't remember $40/head. Seems a bit steep to me. I know many tour boats give a discount to a family that fills the boat (6 I think). Hopefully, someone will see your post that can be more certain about this. Good Luck, and have a great stay at HHI.

 

[Doctor P]

Hi everyone! Want to say thanks in advance. We just arrived at HHI unfortunately to forecasts of rain today and tomorrow. I am looking to take the family out on a dolphin tour and am curious if anyone has some experiences to share.

Mainly, the tour offered through DVC is $40 per head. It is touted as a max of six people and a very personalized tour.

I've seen ads for other operations which run as low as $16 per adult and $9 per child.

So my main question is the significant price difference worth the experience or should I save my money? The tour will be for my wife, myself, the in-laws and my kids (3 and 8).

Again thanks in advance!

Mike

Many of the less expensive tours are on large boats and are not as nimble at finding and maneuvering around upon dolphin sightings. We were very happy with Scott's operation. We booked on our own, rather than through DVC. For three of us about two years ago, it was $105 as I recall, so your price sounds about right. Well worth it in my opinion.

 

[msabol01]

Thanks for the quick replies. The person at the front desk gave the same points regarding Scott.


Yes the price is now $40 a head and free for kids under 2 with at least 3 paying family members. Max per boat is 6 people and there is a DVC discount of 10% on Mondays and Wednesday. While a little on the expensive side, it's probably worth it. I will say Disney does have a standard that comes with their prices.

 

[marynvince]

Great outfit, definitely worth the $40 per. We had 6 plus a 3 year old and we had to go on two boats...no extra charge. Worth the money and the experience. I would also recommend the kayak trip. My 11yo and I went on that and got close to dolphins too.

 

[msabol01]

We're booked and going out with Scott on Wednesday. Got rained on today and occasional showers are forecast for the rest of the day. Thanks again.

 

[Laurabearz]

We really enjoyed Scott's tour and felt it was worth every penny!

 

[chum]

The smaller the boat the closer you can get to the dolphin.
Today turned sunny so you may have had the chance to go out.
Let us know.
Cold front coming through so plan for that.
Good luck!

 

[Sheribo]

Do they still give a 10% discount to DVC members on Wednesday? They did last summer I'm told. Check the Activity sheet they gave you at check in. I have a copy of the one last year and it's right at the top of Wednesday.

 

[msabol01]

Yes 10% on Mondays and Wednesdays. Also be aware it is $40 per person, there isn't a child price as mentioned in other threads.

 

[msabol01]

The smaller the boat the closer you can get to the dolphin.
Today turned sunny so you may have had the chance to go out.
Let us know.
Cold front coming through so plan for that.
Good luck!

We're going out tomorrow, it should be a bit warmer than today, which wasn't too bad until you got out in the wind!

 

[Saratoga Souris]

We went with Captain Sonny - Broad Creek Marina - just last month (a couple of weeks ago, actually) and had a great time.

We saw lots of dolphins! We got very close when they swam up to the boat. After dolphin spotting (we actually got tired of it), we took a little tour and learned the history of the area and got to see some amazing homes.

The price was only $16 per person and they sold snacks and drinks on the boat that ranged from .50 to 1.00 (super cheap).

The crew went out of their way to involve the children in all aspects of the tour and even let the kids "drive" the boat (for photos) on the way home.

Great deal!