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.

Dolphin Safari Charters was recently featured in one of Key West’s top local travel resources –KeyWestTourist.com’s ‘Guide to Fun in Key West’, recognized as one of the top family-friendly adventures on the island.

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.

 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.

 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. 

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.