About Dolphin Safari Charters
From Snow Boots
to Sandbar
Our Family Story

We’re Eric, Alexandra, and our little nature-adventurer Teona — the family behind Dolphin Safari Charters Key West. For years, we dreamed about trading snow boots for flip-flops and living by the ocean, but it was just a dream until Teona turned two. That’s when we packed into an RV and crossed Canada coast-to-coast for six months, chasing adventure every day and realizing we were ready for a bigger leap.
Finding Home in Key West
Our journey eventually brought us to Key West. Truth be told, our first visit was in a rainy November, and nothing felt right — until we joined a dolphin tour. That spark of joy stuck with us, and a few months later we came back. This time, Key West opened its arms: sunshine, welcoming people, and of course, the dolphins. That experience inspired us to create Dolphin Safari Charters Key West — a way to share the same magic we first felt on the water. We knew instantly this was home.
Why We Share This Experience
At Dolphin Safari Charters, our mission is simple: small-group tours led by local captains, focused on respectful dolphin watching and ocean adventures. Owning Dolphin Safari wasn’t just a business choice — it was a calling to continue a 20-year legacy of sharing dolphins, sandbars, and wild ocean life up close, personal, and unforgettable. Every tour reflects our family values: honesty, passion for marine life, and a touch of humor (because dolphins have plenty). And if you’re lucky, our daughter Teona might just teach you a thing or two about caring for nature — she’s our youngest and proudest eco-guide.”
Our Captains steer not boats.
They steer your EXPERIENCE
MEET THE CREW

Captain Eddie
I started my ocean career at 15 as a divemaster, exploring the Florida Keys.
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My love of the sea led me to sail boats from Maine to Mexico and spend 14 years in Alaska fishing salmon, cod, and running landing craft to remote villages. Later, life took me to Asia where I taught English and met my wife, before settling in Key West.
With the ton of local knowledge I can find you that perfect spot to remember.

Captain Melanie
I have been a Captain in Key West for 11 years.
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After completing my Education Degree, I taught English in Taiwan where I met my future husband. We traveled to Key West for our baby moon and fell in love with the Island. It is my home for the past 16 years where I can follow my passion to share dolphin encounters with visitors and raising my family.

Captain Tim
I am originally from South Connecticut.
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I moved to Key West 13 years ago after graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in fisheries technology and aquaculture.
After completing my Education Degree, I taught English in Taiwan where I met my future husband. We traveled to Key West for our baby moon and fell in love with the Island. It is my home for the past 16 years where I can follow my passion to share dolphin encounters with visitors and raising my family.
EXCELLENT Based on 291 reviews Posted on Blake MartinezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an absolutely lovely time with Dolphin safari charters! They made my birthday weekend incredibly special. The captain Melanie was very knowledgeable of the area and so friendly, and she showed us such a great time! We saw bottlenose dolphins and then had a bit of time swimming at a sandbar and some sponge gardens. It was beautiful, we will definitely be coming back anytime we’re in key west!
Owner's reply
Hello Blake, Ah, that makes us so happy to hear! 🥹🐬 We’re thrilled your birthday weekend turned out so special. Melanie had the best time out there with you guys! Can’t wait to have you back for round two next time you’re here.Posted on Jean-Christian MichelTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Un contact conseillé par le Guide du Routard tout à fait justifié. C'était très professionnel. Les dauphins étaient au rendez-vous et notre petit groupe de 6 personnes, comme des enfants :) Avec le snorkeling et la pause sur un banc de sable, très beau souvenir pour les 18 ans de ma fille.
Owner's reply
Bonjour Jean-Christian! Merci infiniment pour ce superbe retour ! 🌊🐬 On est ravis que l’expérience ait été à la hauteur de vos attentes et surtout que les dauphins soient venus célébrer ce moment spécial. Partager un banc de sable et une sortie snorkeling pour les 18 ans de votre fille, ça laisse effectivement des souvenirs inoubliables ✨. Toute l’équipe vous souhaite encore un très joyeux anniversaire pour elle, et on espère vous revoir à bord pour d’autres moments magiques ! 🎉Posted on Matteo RossTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I live here in Key West. Every August we go out with these guys. Beautiful, small boat, with crystal Clearwaters. I recommend booking the private. It's so economical and the sandbars are amazing. this is absolutely without a doubt, 100% worth it. Special thank you to Captain Eddie. Eddie went above and beyond and provided us with the most amazing day. !!!
Owner's reply
Hi Matteo, That’s such an awesome message to read! 🙌 We’re so glad you both come out with us every August and keep choosing to spend your day on the water with our crew. Eddie will be thrilled to hear your kind words – he really loves making every trip special. Thanks for being part of our Dolphin Safari family here in Key West, can’t wait to welcome you back again next year...or earlier 😉🌴🐬Posted on Olivier Doutheau de La FuenteTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Un guía simpática, pero no hemos aprendido mucho. El precio nos parece un poco alto: no hemos visto los delfines de cerca y los corales no nos parecieron bonitos. Existen otros lugares para ver otros más lindos.
Owner's reply
Hello Olivier, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re glad you found the guide friendly, as creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere is always our priority. Out on the ocean, conditions such as wind, clouds, and currents can influence how vibrant the reef appears and how close the dolphins come to the boat. Each trip is truly one-of-a-kind, and our goal is always to give our guests the best possible experience with the conditions nature provides. We’d love the chance to welcome you back. Please feel free to contact us directly before your next visit, and we’ll be happy to set up a special price for your tour. Dolphin Safari Charters Crew 🐬Posted on Bryan VanHeusenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. HIGHLIGHT OF OUR TRIP! We have a 2 and 6 y/o and they cannot stop talking about it. The captain started by asking what our goals were for the outing. We wanted to 1) see dolphins, 2) snorkel, 3) spend time at a remote sandbar, 4) anything else he recommended. We were able to accomplish all 4, and then some! We had a pod of dolphins swimming around and under our boat, which was amazing. We found a very shallow sandbar and decided to snorkel there, with our kids being young. We saw fish and found a large conch shell that our 6 y/o still talks about days later. We saw the remnants of a lighthouse in the middle of nowhere. And then ended the day watching the sun go down. Just breathtaking. Cannot recommend it enough. There were also a variety of sodas, waters, and snacks available which came in handy with little ones. A nice touch that we were glad to take advantage of while in the middle of the ocean. In summary... yes, it costs more to charter a boat, but the intimate atmosphere with just your family and friends around make it absolutely priceless. I'd pay triple the price to make these memories with my family, and not have 25 strangers in the background of each picture. Splurge once and you will know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.
Owner's reply
Hi Bryan, Wow! Thank you so much for your amazing review! We're beyond happy to hear your trip with Captain Tim was the highlight of your vacation. It is especially valuable for us as you trusted our company to be a part of a 2 years old birthday gift tour for your son! It means the world to us that your little ones are still talking about it! We hope your daughter found enough place on her shelf to display all the shells she collected!!! We’re so glad the snacks and drinks were helpful too. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome your family aboard again someday! —The Dolphin Safari Charters Crew 🐬🌴Posted on Jaliza CabanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Got an amazing view of dolphins up close! Saw lots of ocean life (tarpon, sting ray, nurse shark and more!) topped of the trip with a beautiful sandbar. Our Captain Melanie made this THE highlight of our key west trip.
Owner's reply
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing experience! 🐬🌊 We’re thrilled you got to witness such incredible ocean life up close—and that the sandbar was the perfect cherry on top! Captain Melanie will be so happy to hear she made your Key West adventure unforgettable. Come back and explore with us anytime! 💙✨Posted on Frk BNYTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great moment
Owner's reply
Hello Franck, We are so happy that you had a 5-star experience with us! Please say hello to France and come back anytime 🐬🏝Posted on Kelly BauguessTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We took a private tour with my family and Captain Eddie navigating. We had a great time on the sandbars snorkeling. For my son, it was the highlight of our trip. Captain Eddie went above and beyond to make sure he has the most memorable trip - something he’ll never forget. Highly recommend this excursion. Thanks Captain
Owner's reply
Hi Kelly, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that your family had such a great time with Captain Eddie — especially that it became the highlight of your son’s trip. That’s what it’s all about: creating unforgettable moments on the water. Captain Eddie will be over the moon to know he helped make those memories so special. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you all back for another adventure soon! 🌊🐬⚓Posted on Geraldine gallineriTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Experience was wonderful, we had a really good time and our captain was so nice. She found the perfect spot to see dauphins and they made a really beautiful show for us. I definitely recommend this tour, which was really organized to make us feel safe and fun. She’s so respectful of the beautiful nature, see and animals. We really thank you for the wonderful moments, hope to come back again soon!
Owner's reply
Hello Geraldine, Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had such a wonderful time and that our captain helped create a memorable experience with the dolphins. It means a lot to us that you felt safe, had fun, and appreciated the care we take in respecting the ocean and its incredible wildlife. We truly hope to welcome you back again soon for another unforgettable adventure! 🌊🐬💙Posted on Suzanne SeversTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We hebben ontzettend genoten van onze dolphin tour. Doordat het kleine groepen zijn is het heel persoonlijk en onze gids deed haar uiterste best om ons een geweldige ervaring te bezorgen. Absoluut een aanrader!
Owner's reply
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the dolphin tour and appreciated the small group experience. Our guides love what they do and always aim to make every trip special. We hope to welcome you back on the water soon! 🐬🌊
