A dolphin tour is a popular activity for animal lovers and tourists looking for a unique experience. While the main attraction is, of course, the dolphins, there are many other fascinating animals that you could encounter during a dolphin tour. Manatees: The Gentle Giants of the Sea One of the most common animals you may see while on a dolphin tour is the manatee. Manatees, also known as sea cows, are gentle herbivorous mammals that live in freshwater areas like shallow waters, estuaries, and rivers.