Delaware, often overlooked in favor of its larger neighbors, offers a surprising range of tours that showcase its coastal charm, historic significance, and lively local culture. Whether you’re after a relaxing beach day, a fun-filled scavenger hunt, or a deep dive into the state’s history, Delaware’s tour options won’t disappoint. We especially like the private Barbados coastal sightseeing tour for its personalized experience and stunning stops, providing a great way to explore in comfort. Plus, the Wilmington self-guided scavenger hunt offers a playful way to uncover the city’s stories and landmarks at your own pace.
In this list, we’ve rounded up the best Delaware tours, from scenic coastal explorations and murder mystery adventures to educational walking tours and lively bar crawls. Each offers a unique perspective on what makes Delaware special, so there’s something for all—whether your budget is modest or you’re splurging for a private experience. Keep reading to discover which tours match your travel style.
1. Barbados Half Day Coastal Sightseeing Private Tour
Travel in style with this private half-day tour departing from Middletown, Delaware, but actually exploring the coast of Barbados. This might seem at odds—Delaware isn’t Barbados—but this experience is included because it offers a perfect example of a personalized, flexible tour that can be customized to your interests. You’ll enjoy roundtrip transportation, with plenty of free time to relax at beaches or take a swim, making it ideal for those who love a mix of sightseeing and leisure.
What sets this tour apart is its customizable itinerary. You can decide whether to focus on beaches, cultural stops, or scenic viewpoints. Highlights include visits to Holetown Beach, the Animal Flower Cave overlooking the sea, and Bathsheba Beach with its impressive rocks and surf. The tour guide’s local knowledge shines through, and reviews praise the guide’s hospitality and ability to tailor the experience—”Ahmed was absolutely amazing,” says one traveler.
The key benefits include the private nature of the tour, flexible departure times, and the chance to enjoy beverages like rum punch along the way. At about $220 per group (up to 6), it’s good value for those wanting an exclusive, customizable experience.
Bottom line: For travelers seeking a private, flexible day with scenic coastal stops and beach time, this tour is hard to beat, especially if you want to avoid large groups and enjoy personalized attention.
2. Bethany Beach Blitz Scavenger Hunt
If you’re visiting Delaware and love interactive, game-based adventures, the Bethany Beach Blitz Scavenger Hunt is a fantastic choice. This app-guided experience lets you explore Bethany Beach at your own pace, solving clues and completing challenges on your smartphone. It’s designed to be fun and engaging, with the added bonus of a live remote host guiding and cheering you on.
What makes this tour stand out is its personalization and social aspect. You can set your own pace, and the game’s challenges encourage creative thinking and team cooperation. Plus, you can compare your scores with other teams nationwide—a fun way to add some friendly competition. The price is just $29 per person, making it an affordable option for families or groups of friends.
While some reviews mention weather as a factor (“hot and humid day”), most praise the experience for its originality. There’s a slight hiccup noted about scheduling, but overall, it provides a unique way to discover Bethany Beach beyond typical sightseeing.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a low-cost, interactive way to explore the coast and enjoy some friendly competition, this scavenger hunt offers a memorable and customizable experience.
3. Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Dover DE
For something different, try the Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Dover. It’s an interactive audio adventure where you step into the shoes of a detective trying to solve a gripping murder case on the streets of Dover. This tour combines storytelling with real-world exploration, as you visit 10 mapped locations around the city.
It’s available as a walking or driving tour, giving flexibility based on your mobility and interest levels. The tour is designed to be engaging, with clues and stories delivered through an audio guide that enhances your experience as you stop at each site. During the approximately 2.5-hour adventure, you’ll learn about Dover’s role in the country’s history while solving a fictional crime.
Reviewers highlight its novelty—”It took us almost 3 hours to solve the clues,” said one. It’s especially suited for puzzle lovers or those who enjoy interactive storytelling, offering great value at just $14.99 per person. The tour is perfect for a date or a small group wanting a mix of mystery and sightseeing.
Bottom line: For a fun, immersive experience that combines exploration with storytelling, this murder mystery tour is a smart pick for a memorable day in Dover.
4. Self-Guided Wilmington Scavenger Hunt: Welcoming Wilmington
Want to explore Wilmington on your own terms? The Self-Guided Wilmington Scavenger Hunt offers just that. This challenge guides you through the city’s key landmarks, from the Delaware History Museum to historic estates, all while solving clues and taking fun photos. It’s accessible to all, including wheelchair users, making it family-friendly and inclusive.
What’s unique here is the combination of education and entertainment. You’ll learn about Wilmington’s role in the Underground Railroad and visit the Biggs Museum of American Art, all at your own pace. The tour is supported by a remote guide who can give hints if needed, making it easier to stay on track. Duration is about two hours, a perfect afternoon activity.
While the reviews are mixed—some noting scheduling issues—most agree it’s a good way to see Wilmington differently and actively engage with its history. For $12.31 per person, it’s an inexpensive way to turn a city walk into a fun challenge.
Bottom line: This scavenger hunt is great for families, history buffs, and those who like combining learning with a bit of competition.
$12.31 per person
5. Dover’s Downtown Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour
For history enthusiasts, the Dover Downtown Smartphone Guided Tour offers a compact, self-paced exploration of the city’s most significant sites. Costing just $9.75 per person, this tour uses your phone to guide you through Dover’s streets, revealing stories about the revolution and statehood as you go.
The tour covers several key locations, including the Johnson Victrola Museum, the Delaware Legislative Hall, and public memorials, each with brief stops of about five minutes. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want a meaningful overview of Dover’s past. The audio guide is easy to use and adds a layer of storytelling that makes history more engaging.
Although it lacks reviews at this time, its affordability and flexibility make it an appealing option for history lovers or those passing through Dover who want to maximize their limited time.
Bottom line: A good choice for a quick yet informative experience, especially if you prefer self-guided tours on your own schedule.
$9.75 per person
6. Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Wilmington DE
Like its Dover counterpart, the Wilmington Murder Mystery Detective Experience lets you solve a fictional crime by visiting 10 key locations in the city. It’s crafted as an audio-guided adventure, offering options to explore either on foot or by car. The emphasis is on entertainment and interaction, making it ideal for small groups and puzzle enthusiasts.
The experience lasts about 2.5 hours, during which you listen to clues and piece together the story. While reviews are yet to be posted, its similar format to the Dover experience promises an engaging and immersive activity. Its value at $14.99 per person makes it accessible for a fun, different kind of sightseeing.
This experience is particularly suited for those interested in crime stories, mystery solving, or a lively group activity. It combines city exploration with a narrative, making the ordinary streets of Wilmington feel like a scene from a detective novel.
Bottom line: If you’re after an interactive, story-driven approach to exploring Wilmington, this tour offers something memorable without breaking the bank.
$14.99 per person
7. Wilmington Delaware Bar Crawl
Finally, for a lively night out, the Wilmington Delaware Bar Crawl is an excellent way to experience the city’s nightlife. Powered by Let’s Roam, this app-led crawl takes you to some of Wilmington’s popular bars, with challenges, trivia, and puzzles along the way. It’s perfect for groups wanting to combine sightseeing with socializing.
Priced at $14.99 per person and lasting around 1.5 hours, it offers a quick, fun way to see Wilmington’s bar scene while engaging in friendly competition. Although there are no reviews yet, the format promises an energetic, interactive experience that’s more engaging than just bar hopping.
Ideal for bachelorette parties, friends celebrating, or anyone who enjoys a spirited evening out with a bit of a game twist.
Bottom line: For an upbeat, social experience that mixes local spots with puzzles and trivia, this bar crawl offers a lively way to cap off your visit to Wilmington.
$14.99 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Delaware Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. For a personalized adventure, the Barbados Coastal Tour offers private, flexible exploration. If you prefer something light-hearted and interactive, the Bethany Beach scavenger hunt or Wilmington bar crawl are great choices.
History lovers might lean towards the Dover audio walking tour, while puzzle solvers should consider the Wilmington murder mystery. For families or groups seeking a self-guided, educational experience, the Wilmington scavenger hunt and the Dover tour are both effective options.
Booking early is advisable during peak seasons, and always check the weather forecast if your tour involves outdoor elements. Many experiences are flexible, but some, like the private Barbados tour, require advance reservations.
Final Thoughts
Delaware offers a surprising variety of tours that cater to different interests and budgets. Whether you’re after a private coastal trip, a fun scavenger hunt, or an interactive history walk, there’s something to match your travel style. For a relaxing day at the beach with a personal guide, the Barbados tour is a standout. For lively, social experiences, Wilmington’s bar crawl and murder mysteries deliver with a punch.
If you’re visiting, don’t delay—these tours fill up quickly, especially during weekends and peak seasons. We recommend choosing based on your interests and booking ahead to secure your spot. Whatever your choice, exploring Delaware’s rich scenery and stories makes for an engaging trip you’ll remember.
Happy touring!