Growing up in South Florida, I'm no stranger to the Bottle Nose Dolphin.ย One of my favorite things about going fishing in Key Largo is getting to see dolphins swimming by our boat! It's one of those things that I never take for granted.
When I went to Pensacola Beach, FL last weekend for my first #Brandcation blogging conference, I knew that we would be going on a dolphin cruise with Dolphin Cruise Pensacola Beach. It was one of the events that I most looked forward to, and they did not disappoint me!
Firstly, the scenery is just amazing. I was snapping away photos like ย madwoman! This dolphin cruise is actually what made me decide to just suck it up and buy a DSLR camera...because my little point and shoot Fuji just didn't do Pensacola Beach justice!
While our captain was searching for dolphin, we learned a lot of interesting information about the Pensacola Beach area. Our captain told us all about the history of the settling of Pensacola Beach, how the Blue Angels came to live on the beach and about the history of the fort. If I had a great camera, I could show you really great pictures...but alas, this is all I have!
It took us a little while to find the dolphins, but once we did, holy smokes!! We actually came across a family of dolphins, which had two little babies with them! Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos of the babies, but I'd love to share the photos I did happen to catch with my little camera.
And just a tip for those who aren't familiar with the sea life in Florida...you can always tell the difference between a dolphin and a shark by their fin. As you can see in the photo above, these dolphin have a curve on the edge of their fin. Sharks are just pointy, with no curve.
Do not make the mistake of thinking a shark is a dolphin in South Florida...we have bull sharks down here in the Gulf of Mexico and they are actually the most dangerous shark in the world - yes, even more dangerous than the Great White - because they have such a high level of testosterone, they are extremely aggressive!
Pretty cool, right? I had so much fun on the dolphin cruise, running back and forth to each side of the boat as the dolphins played in the waves. It was a blast!
The company that runs Dolphin Cruise Pensacola Beach actually met us at the pier in front of our hotel, the incredible Portofino Island Resort. I have to tell you, them picking us up made my morning because we got to see a Blue Heron sitting next to the pier!
Yes, I totally geek out over wildlife. What can I say, even birds excite me.
If you are in the Pensacola Beach area, this is one of those things that you really can't afford not to do. You will have the time of your life and hopefully even see some baby dolphins swimming around! They are so cute!
A big thank you to Dolphin Cruise Pensacola Beach for the complimentary dolphin sight seeing cruise for the ladies at #Brandcation. I had a fantastic time, all opinions are my own!
Jenn says
Gorgeous photos! Love the vintage edits.
Megan says
It was so fun!!
Stefanie says
Great photos!
Kathleen says
Great pictures. I would love to do something like this one day!
Virginia from That Bald Chick says
Love dolphins!
Apryl says
Such an awesome experience!
Jeanie says
I had so much fun on the dolphin cruise, running back and forth to each side of the boat as the dolphins played in the waves. It was a blast!
Notorious Spinks says
These are great photos and looks like a great spot!
HilLesha says
Beautiful pictures! I love dolphins.
Marcie W. says
How super cool! I've always loved dolphins and despite numerous opportunities, have yet to swim with them. Someday!
Toni says
That was such a neat experience. I had been on another dolphin tour years ago and it never gets old.
Courtney says
Wow, awesome pictures ๐
debra says
Gorgeous photos, especially the first.
Mellisa says
These are great photos! I'm still bummed I left my camera at home ๐ I loved the dolphin cruise and I am so glad that we were all able to see the dolphins (especially the baby) up close like this.
Alison says
I loved the Dolphin Cruise!
Shawn says
Great article and nice photos of the dolphin experience. I've had many dolphin encounters on my paddleboard and it is always so amazing. I've lived in the Gulf Breeze/Pensacola area for over 20 years and have never been on one of the dolphin cruises. I may need to do that one of these days.