Myrtle Beach is a fantastic place to see marine life in its natural habitat. With its wide, shallow waters and abundant wildlife, it offers some of the best dolphin watching opportunities along the South Carolina coast. Whether you’re in search of a relaxing boat ride, an up-close wildlife encounter, or a quick scenic cruise, Myrtle Beach’s tours cater to different interests and budgets. We particularly like the 2-hour dolphin tours, like the one aboard the Chain’ Tales catamaran, for their spacious decks and knowledgeable crews. These tours often include sightings of bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and jellyfish, making them popular among families and wildlife lovers alike.
If you’re planning your trip, you’ll want to know what options are out there. Below, we’ve outlined the best dolphin watching tours, comparing their unique features, what they include, and who they’re best suited for. From detailed eco-tours to shorter cruises, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
Quick Overview
The list below covers three top-rated dolphin watching tours in Myrtle Beach, each offering something different:
- A 2-hour North Myrtle Beach dolphin trip aboard the Chain’ Tales catamaran, known for its double-deck design and spacious layout. Learn more here
- A 2-hour Catamaran Dolphin Cruise that combines dolphin watching with a barrier island stop, perfect for families and those wanting a mixture of wildlife and beach time. Details here
- A shorter, more casual Murrells Inlet dolphin cruise, ideal for quick trips or those staying locally. Find out more here
Now, let’s look at each in more detail.
1. 2 HR Dolphin Tour in North Myrtle Beach
Starting us off is the 2-hour Dolphin Tour in North Myrtle Beach, aboard the Chain’ Tales catamaran. This tour is distinguished by being the only double-deck catamaran in Myrtle Beach, which means wider views and plenty of space to stretch out. The boat is designed for comfort, with modern safety features and spacious restrooms, making it a good choice for families or anyone who values comfort during their cruise.
This eco-focused trip takes you through the Intracoastal Waterway, where you’ll watch for wild bottlenose dolphins, leatherback sea turtles, and other local wildlife. The onboard crew, highly praised in reviews, share their knowledge about the area’s fauna and habitats, adding an educational aspect to the fun. The tour price is $37 per person, making it an affordable yet memorable experience. The itinerary emphasizes wildlife viewing but notes that, like any nature excursion, sightings can never be guaranteed.
Many reviewers appreciate the crew’s friendliness and their efforts to find dolphins even on less active days. One remarked, “The boat ride was fun. We saw so many dolphins when we approached a shrimp fishing boat.” The mix of wildlife, scenic waterway, and the boat’s spacious design makes this tour a solid choice for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
Bottom line: a comfortable, well-reviewed option that balances price, scenery, and wildlife viewing, ideal for those who want a relaxed, scenic cruise with chances to see dolphins and turtles.
2. Catamaran Dolphin Cruise in Myrtle Beach with Barrier Island Stop
At number two, the Catamaran Dolphin Cruise in Myrtle Beach with Barrier Island Stop offers a more comprehensive experience. For around $40 per person, this 2-hour cruise combines dolphin spotting with the chance to explore the nature preserve at Bird Island. This tour stands out because it balances wildlife watching with an actual beach break, making it perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for variety.
The tour begins with a leisurely 30-minute cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, passing by luxury homes, the historic Little River fishing village, and schools of fish. Then, you’ll stop at Bird Island, where you can explore the undeveloped beaches, hunt for shells, or take a swim. The boat then continues to Waites Island, where you may see birds and other wildlife. Passengers rave about the crew’s ability to find dolphins, with many noting that dolphins often follow shrimp boats or swim near the boat during the tour.
One review highlighted that “Aiden and Jacob were polite, knowledgeable, and fun,” emphasizing the quality of the crew. The tour also offers close views of local landmarks like the Governor’s lighthouse and the Vereen Memorial Gardens, adding cultural context to the wildlife experience.
Bottom line: this tour offers a good balance of wildlife, scenery, and beach time, making it suitable for active families or travelers wanting more than just a dolphin cruise.
3. Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise Murrells Inlet
Finally, the Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise in Murrells Inlet is a shorter, approximately 75-minute cruise focusing primarily on dolphin sightings. Priced at $50 per person, it’s slightly more expensive but offers a concentrated experience. This tour is more casual, perfect for visitors staying nearby or those short on time but still craving the chance to see dolphins in their natural environment.
The cruise departs from Murrells Inlet aboard the ‘New Inlet Princess’, where the focus is on spotting wild dolphins traveling and splashing around. The crew, known for their friendliness and knowledge, work hard to ensure sightings occur, although, as one reviewer noted, “We just didn’t find any dolphins, but the ride was enjoyable and the weather perfect.” Besides dolphins, you may see birds and fish, adding to the scenic value.
Since it’s a shorter trip, it’s best suited for travelers with a flexible schedule or those who want a quick nature fix. Snacks are available for purchase onboard, and the limited duration makes it easy to combine with other activities.
Bottom line: a convenient, dolphin-focused cruise that’s best for those wanting a quick, enjoyable outing with a good chance of dolphin sightings.
$50.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Dolphin Watching Tour
When selecting a dolphin tour, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and what kind of experience appeals most. For example, if you’re eager to combine wildlife viewing and beach exploration, the Catamaran Dolphin Cruise with Barrier Island Stop offers great value. If comfort and boat design are your priorities, the North Myrtle Beach trip aboard the Chain’ Tales catamaran might be best. For a quick trip, the Murrells Inlet cruise is simple and easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Also, think about the type of wildlife you want to see and whether you prefer a more educational or leisurely experience. Booking early is wise, especially during peak summer months, as tours fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Myrtle Beach offers a range of dolphin watching tours that suit different preferences and budgets. The 2-hour North Myrtle Beach tour on the Chain’ Tales catamaran provides a comfortable, scenic experience with a good chance of seeing dolphins and turtles. Meanwhile, the Catamaran Dolphin Cruise with Barrier Island Stop combines wildlife with a beach break, perfect for families who want variety. The shorter Murrells Inlet cruise is ideal for those pressed for time but eager to see dolphins in action.
No matter which option you choose, booking early and showing up prepared will maximize your chances of a memorable dolphin encounter. Dive in and enjoy the natural wonders of Myrtle Beach’s waters—you’re likely to come away with stories and photos that will last long after your vacation ends.