South Carolina’s coastline is a prime spot for dolphin watching, thanks to its warm waters, tidal creeks, and wide-open Atlantic views. The Intracoastal Waterway and nearby jetties create natural habitats for bottlenose dolphins, making these waters a favorite for wildlife lovers. We especially like the Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise for its lively atmosphere and close dolphin encounters, as well as the Sea Thunder Cruise for its family-friendly narration and wildlife sightings. Both tours offer a chance to see dolphins in their natural environment while enjoying the scenic beauty of South Carolina’s coast.
While some tours focus on speed and excitement, others provide a relaxed, educational experience. Whether you’re after a fun family outing or a romantic boat ride, South Carolina offers options that suit all preferences. For a more private experience, the Beaufort Private Dolphin Excursions stand out, providing a tailored adventure that combines wildlife watching with a taste of local history. Whichever tour you choose, booking early will ensure you get your preferred date and time.
Quick Overview
The list below features dolphin watching tours in South Carolina that range from semi-private charters to lively group excursions. All tours include the chance to see bottlenose dolphins, and some also incorporate wildlife like sea turtles and stingrays. For more details, visit each tour’s page:
- Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise
- Sea Thunder Cruise
- Sea Screamer Cruise
- Beaufort Private Dolphin Excursions
Now, let’s explore each of these tours in detail to help you pick the best fit for your trip.
1. Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise
For around $28, this 2-hour Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise is a lively, family-friendly option that combines scenic views with playful dolphin sightings. The tour departs from the waterfront dock at Big M Casino and takes you over the Intracoastal Waterway into the Atlantic Ocean. The boat is a speedy yacht — think racecar on water — but with all the comforts of a cruise, making it perfect for those who want a quick, fun escape.
What sets this tour apart is its mix of wildlife viewing and local scenery. The narration includes interesting tidbits about the Calabash and Sunset Beach areas, as well as Bird Island — a barrier island accessible only by boat or walking along the seashore. Dolphins are often just feet from the boat, and the crew’s energetic commentary makes it a hit with kids and adults alike. Reviewers love the lively captain, Ireland, who keeps everyone entertained, and many mention how close they got to dolphins, making it a memorable experience.
Bottom Line: This tour offers excellent value for its quick pace, fun atmosphere, and prime dolphin sightings, making it ideal for families and first-timers wanting a snapshot of SC’s coastline.
2. Sea Thunder Cruise – 2 Hour Tour Surrounded by Dolphins in S.C
For a more relaxed and in-depth wildlife experience, the Sea Thunder Cruise is hard to beat. Priced at about $30.74 per person, this 2-hour tour departs from Historic Little River and combines a narrated tour of the local waterway with a dynamic dolphin search in open water. It’s ideal for those who enjoy wildlife photography and learning about the local ecosystem — not just dolphin spotting.
What makes this tour distinctive is its emphasis on wildlife. The crew provides a friendly, informative narration about native birds like Bald Eagles and Ospreys, as well as sea turtles and stingrays. The boat’s first 45 minutes are spent meandering along the Intracoastal Waterway, which often features sightings of wildlife in their natural habitat. Then, the boat heads out through the jetties into the Atlantic, where dolphins are usually seen swimming alongside or breaching the surface.
One of the best features is the flexibility — if no dolphins appear, the crew’s commitment to a second trip for free makes it a safe bet for wildlife lovers. Several reviews mention the friendly staff and how close they got to dolphins, with one noting that even with some weather challenges, the crew remained engaging and accommodating.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, educational tour with a high success rate for dolphin sightings, perfect for travelers who want a relaxed experience with plenty of wildlife stories.
3. Sea Screamer Cruise – 2 Hour Dolphin Watch Tour in South Carolina
The Sea Screamer Cruise offers a straightforward, affordable dolphin-watching experience in Little River for $30.74 per person. This 2-hour narrated tour focuses on providing consistent dolphin sightings, with the guarantee that if you don’t see dolphins on your first trip, you get a second one free. This makes it a popular choice for budget-conscious families.
The tour begins with a leisurely cruise along the historic waterfront of Little River, incorporating a narrated overview of the area’s local history. Once out into the Atlantic, the captain keeps a careful watch for dolphins, often spotting them swimming and playing in the open water. Many reviews highlight the fun crew and the chance to spot dolphins up close, with some guests saying it was a “blast” even if they only saw a few dolphins.
A practical tip: bring cash for snacks and drinks on board. The tour is well-suited for those who want a reliable, no-frills dolphin encounter that’s easy to book and enjoy.
Bottom Line: This tour balances affordability with a high likelihood of dolphin sightings, making it ideal for families wanting a dependable experience.
4. Beaufort Private Dolphin Excursions
Looking for a personalized adventure? The Beaufort Private Dolphin Excursions offer a tailored experience for up to six people for $439. This private tour focuses on searching for mother dolphins and calves, providing a more intimate and flexible wildlife experience. It’s perfect for couples, small families, or groups seeking a less crowded, more customized outing.
This tour includes a scenic exploration of Port Royal Sound, renowned as the second-largest natural harbor on the East Coast. The guide also shares stories about the area’s pre-colonial and Civil War history, adding a cultural layer to the wildlife viewing. You can combine your dolphin watch with a visit to Daufuskie Island, accessible only by boat, giving a broader sense of coastal South Carolina.
While there are no reviews yet, the focus on private, close encounters and local history make this a unique option for travelers wanting a quieter, more exclusive experience. The price reflects its personalized nature, offering flexibility on timing and destinations.
Bottom Line: Best suited for small groups or couples seeking a private, informative, and relaxed dolphin watch experience that also includes cultural insights.
$439.00 per group (up to 6)
How to Choose
Choosing the right dolphin tour depends on your priorities. If you’re traveling with kids and want a lively, quick trip, the Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise offers great value. For those looking for a relaxed, wildlife-focused experience, the Sea Thunder Cruise provides a mix of scenic nature and dolphin sightings with a flexible, educational approach. Budget travelers might appreciate the reliability of the Sea Screamer Cruise, especially with its dolphin sighting guarantee.
If privacy and a tailored experience matter most, then the Beaufort Private Dolphin Excursions are worth the splurge, particularly if you want a combination of wildlife and local history.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak summer months, to secure your preferred time and boat. Also, consider your group’s interests: whether it’s a lively group outing, a wildlife photography session, or a quiet, intimate adventure.
Final Thoughts
South Carolina offers a variety of dolphin watching tours that cater to different interests and budgets. For lively, family-friendly trips, the Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise is a clear winner. If you prefer a more relaxed, wildlife-focused outing, the Sea Thunder Cruise provides a thoughtful experience with a high chance of dolphin sightings. For those seeking exclusivity, the Beaufort private tour offers a customized adventure.
No matter which you pick, you’ll find these waters teeming with dolphins and full of stories waiting to be discovered. Be sure to book early, bring your camera, and keep your eyes peeled — the dolphins won’t disappoint. Happy sailing!