When people book Miami fishing charters, they’re usually thinking about big game fish like sailfish, mahi-mahi, or tuna. But one of the most unforgettable parts of a day on the water is the incredible marine wildlife that often appears along the way. The waters off Miami, Florida are home to dolphins, porpoises, sea turtles, manatees, and a wide variety of seabirds. On many trips, the highlight isn’t just the fishing—it’s the wildlife encounters that happen between the bites.

Dolphins: The Stars of the Show

The marine mammals guests see most often during Miami fishing charters are dolphins—especially the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). These highly intelligent animals are common along the South Florida coast and are well known for riding the pressure waves created by boats. It’s not unusual for a pod to swim alongside the boat, surfing the wake and occasionally leaping clear out of the water.

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins typically grow between 8 and 12 feet long and can weigh 300 to 1,400 pounds. They live in both coastal and offshore waters, feeding on fish and squid. In the waters off Miami, they are often seen traveling in small social groups called pods. Dolphins communicate through whistles and clicks and are known for their playful behavior, which is why they’re such a favorite sight for anglers and families alike.

Occasionally, visitors may also spot Risso’s dolphins, which are slightly different in appearance. These dolphins are larger and have distinctive scarred, gray bodies that become lighter with age. They tend to prefer deeper offshore waters but are sometimes seen during longer offshore fishing trips. For more info about the dolphin species we have here, click here

What About Porpoises?

People often use the words dolphins and porpoises interchangeably, but they are actually different types of marine mammals. True porpoises are much less common in the warm waters around Miami. Most porpoise species prefer cooler coastal environments farther north. Still, many visitors casually refer to dolphins as “porpoises,” so it’s a term you’ll often hear when guests describe the wildlife they see during fishing charters.

Other Marine Wildlife in Miami Waters

While dolphins steal the spotlight, they aren’t the only wildlife you might see on the water. Sea turtles are regularly spotted cruising near the surface, including loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles. These ancient reptiles are often seen floating near weed lines or slowly surfacing for air.

Manatees—sometimes called sea cows—are also native to South Florida. They are more commonly found in bays, channels, and nearshore waters, but during certain times of the year they can occasionally be seen near the ocean inlets around Miami.

The skies above the water are just as active. Brown pelicans glide low over the waves before diving for baitfish, while magnificent frigatebirds soar high overhead, scanning the ocean for feeding activity. Smaller seabirds such as terns are another great sign for anglers because they often indicate schools of baitfish—and sometimes the predators feeding beneath them.

A Great View from the Double Threat

Wildlife viewing is even better aboard the Double Threat, our 43-foot Hatteras sportfishing boat. The boat features an elevated flybridge with seating, giving guests a higher vantage point over the water. From the flybridge, it’s much easier to spot dolphins in the distance, watch seabirds working over bait, or catch the moment when a sea turtle surfaces for air. Check out the seating on our flybridge click here

Whether you’re an experienced angler or joining your first Miami fishing charter, the marine wildlife you encounter can turn a great fishing trip into an unforgettable ocean experience. From playful dolphins riding the wake to seabirds diving into schools of bait, the waters off Miami are full of life waiting to be discovered.

When to See Dolphins and Sea Turtles

If you’re hoping to see dolphins on a Miami fishing charter, the good news is that there’s really no bad time of year. The most common species here is the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, and they live in South Florida waters all year long.

A few factors influence how often people notice them:

1. Time of day: Early morning and late afternoon can be great because the ocean is often calmer and dolphins may be actively feeding.

2. Baitfish activity: When schools of baitfish move along the coast, dolphins often follow. This can happen throughout the year but tends to be especially noticeable spring through fall.

3. Boat traffic: Dolphins frequently ride the pressure waves created by boats. During fishing trips offshore from Miami, it’s very common for them to approach the boat and surf the wake for several minutes.

Because dolphins are resident animals in the area, many captains would say you have a very good chance of seeing them on almost any trip, regardless of season.

The best time of year to see sea turtles in Miami is typically spring through early fall, roughly April through October. This overlaps with Florida’s sea turtle nesting season. During these months, turtles are more active near the surface. Many females move toward coastal areas to nest on Florida beaches. Floating weed lines and sargassum patches attract turtles because they hold food and provide shelter. Anglers often spot them floating near weed lines offshore or slowly surfacing for air. In winter, turtles are still present, but they tend to be less active and harder to spot, especially during cooler water periods.

We’re always on the lookout for wildlife such as dolphins and turtles and make our best effort to point them out to our clients. If you’re lucky enough you might catch the dolphins when they’re in a playful mood and they’ll surf and splash in our boat wake.