Top South Carolina Nature and Wildlife Tours

Explore the beautiful cypress-lined Waccamaw River, Intracoastal Waterway, and the creeks and swamps on this guided boat tour near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Be on the lookout for birds and other wildlife that inhabit these southern waters that run along the refuge. The boat docks are located within Waccatee Zoo.

Don’t let your Myrtle Beach vacay be all golf, Ferris wheeling, and seafood—with this fast-paced tour, you’ll get up close and personal with the city’s most playful residents: dolphins. Racing like a speedboat but in the comfort of a yacht, you’ll glide over the Intracoastal Waterway and into the Atlantic, surrounded by nothing but South Carolina’s best scenery…and some frolicking friends. This adventure is fun for adults and children of all ages.

Kayaking in the tidal marshes around Charleston is a must-do for wildlife lovers, but without a guide by your side, you’re likely to miss a lot. This tour gets you out on the water with a guide who knows the best spots to go for sightings. While you never know just what you’ll see, creatures that live in these waters include Loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and more.

Embark on a 3.5-hour boat journey to Capers Island, a rare, undeveloped barrier island where nature thrives undisturbed. Cruise through meandering tidal creeks, home to bottlenose dolphins, osprey, pelicans, bald eagles, herons, and egrets. Marine experts will use seine nets and habitat traps to unveil the hidden marine life beneath the surface. Upon arrival, spend 90 minutes exploring Bone-yard Beach—where ancient oak stumps jut from the sand—and the island’s tranquil freshwater ponds. Ideal for shelling, birdwatching, and hands-on discovery, this eco-tour blends adventure with education. Encounter coastal Georgia’s pristine beauty and vibrant wildlife in their natural habitat. Perfect for nature lovers and eco-conscious adventurers.

Enjoy an immersive way to discover Hilton Head Island's aquatic scenery—and give yourself the best chance of spotting local marine life, including dolphins—on this guided boat tour. Choose a departure time that works best for you, greet your United States Coast Guard-licensed captain, and hop aboard. Learn more about the island's ecosystem along the way, and look out for wildlife as you head into nature.

Experience Hilton Head’s wildlife-rich Broad Creek Estuary on this kayaking tour designed for all ages and experience levels—no need for prior experience or your own equipment. Glide through calm salt-marsh waters and keep an eye out for wild bottlenose dolphins, as well as manatees, sea turtles, otters, and shorebirds. Paddle past waterfront homes and learn about the local history and ecology from your guide.

Learn all about more than 300 years of history on this guided carriage tour of Charleston. See the many mansions, churches, and gardens as your horse-drawn carriage tour covers more than 2.5 miles and 30 blocks of historic Charleston. Belgian and Percheron draft horses lead you through the streets while you learn about this “Holy City” and its role in the Civil War—leave your guidebook at home, these stories are better.

Sail into the vibrant Murrells Inlet sunset on a 75-minute Dolphin & Sealife Cruise. Enjoy a scenic ride as you search for playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and explore the local marine life through our interactive touch tank featuring crabs, starfish, and more. With a climate-controlled cabin, snack bar, and spacious viewing areas, this family-friendly cruise is perfect for all ages. Knowledgeable crew members provide educational insights about the area, making this a delightful experience for families, couples, and groups alike. - 75-minute scenic cruise through Murrells Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean - Interactive touch tank with local sea creatures for hands-on learning - Comfortable two-story vessel with indoor air-conditioning and snack bar - Great for families, couples, and kids of all ages—strollers welcome.

Get all the thrills of a Charleston ghost tour without any walking on this haunted horse and carriage ride. A horse and carriage takes you down twisting side streets and cobbled alleyways with ease as your guide shares spooky stories from Charleston’s past. Make your way past the Mills House, the Circular Congregational Graveyard, and and Provost Dungeon in the heart of the Holy City.

Experience Hilton Head Island in a way that few travelers get to: On a small, motorized "creek cat" boat during this guided tour. Operate your own vessel under your guide’s supervision while taking in views of all the quintessential sights, as well as access to some smaller marshes and wildlife-rich areas.

Hilton Head Island is known as one of North America’s best spots for watching dolphins in the wild. Get out on the water and take in amazing views of these intelligent, playful creatures during this private boat tour. With a Lowcountry Master Naturalist as your captain and guide, you’ll learn all about the ecology of Hilton Head while watching the dolphins along with other wildlife including rays, sharks, and sea turtles. Just your group (up to six passengers) cruising the waters, watching dolphins eating, playing, and socializing.

Cruise through Lowcountry tidal creeks and marshes en route to the uninhabited Morris Island on this boat cruise from the Charleston area. A private boat company launches from Bowens Island for the scenic ride through an estuary rich in biodiversity before a soft landing on Morris Island. Spend free time to taking photos of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse, combing for seashells, and looking out for birds, sea turtles, and dolphins before your return.

Explore the captivating history of Beaufort on a charming 50-55 minute horse-drawn carriage tour. Discover the elegance of the past as you glide past moss-covered Live Oaks, stunning Antebellum homes, historic churches, and iconic movie sites, all narrated by a knowledgeable guide. This fully narrated experience provides insight into Beaufort's unique charm and rich history, making it an excellent choice for families and history buffs alike. - Duration: 50-55 minutes of narrated history - Family-friendly; children under 3 ride for free - Reservations recommended for this unique journey

See a side of Charleston that most tourists miss with this unique kayaking excursion down Shem Creek. Pick up the basics of paddling, then set off with your guide toward Charleston Harbor to spot local wildlife from bottlenose dolphins and manatees to sea turtles and marine birds. Take in views of colorful shrimp boats and city skyline plus learn about Charleston’s history and ecosystem from your guide along the way.

Witness the stunning transformation of day to night on the Murrells Inlet Sunset Cruise. Explore the serene saltwater marshes and enjoy breathtaking views of the vibrant South Carolina sunset. This one-hour journey aboard The Explorer provides a comfortable ride with ample seating, a little narration, and snacks and drinks available for purchase on board. Perfect for couples, families, or solo adventurers, this cruise offers a unique perspective on local wildlife and a beautiful low country sunset to top it off. Experience the area's rich natural beauty while creating lasting memories. - One-hour scenic sunset cruise on Murrells Inlet - Comfortable and spacious vessel with onboard restroom and canteen - Ideal for all ages, suitable for romantic outings or family fun - Expert USCG-licensed captain and crew provide local insights

Although Charleston may be more famous for its bars than its beaches, visitors would be remiss to overlook the Holy City's natural charms. Join a certified naturalist for a 2-hour nature boat tour through the waterways off Charleston Harbor, including a stop to explore the historical Morris Island. Throughout the tour, take in views of the Charleston skyline and spot wildlife like dolphins and seabirds with the help of your guide.

If you are docked in La Spezia and puzzling over how to visit the picturesque fishing villages of the Cinque Terre, this shore excursion saves you the trouble of organizing the logistics. Visit the villages of Vernazza and Monterosso with a guide, stopping to taste the local lemon liqueur, Limoncino. Travel between the villages by train, and end your day in Riomaggiore, where you have an hour of free time before returning to La Spezia.

Cruising the salt-marsh ecosystem in search of dolphins is a popular activity in Hilton Head, but unlike other similar tours, this dolphin and nature tour uses small boats so wildlife isn’t scared away easily. Sail along the water from Shelter Cove Marina, down Broad Creek, and into Calibogue Sound, while keeping a lookout for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, birds, and other animals that call the area home.

Start your morning with an unforgettable adventure on the waters of Hilton Head Island! Our Dolphins & Donuts Tour combines two of the best things in life, delicious, fresh donuts and the chance to see playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers, Dolphins & Donuts is the ideal way to start your day on Hilton Head Island. Book your spot today and treat yourself to a morning of sweetness and adventure!

Get out on the water in Hilton Head with this small-group mini boat tour. Follow your guide and drive your own mini boat, which can fit up to four people, to go in search of the best places for spotting dolphins. See popular local landmarks like the Harbour Town Lighthouse during this wildlife-focused itinerary.

Increase your odds of seeing dolphins in the wild on this dolphin watching cruise from Hilton Head. Sail out from easy-to-find Palmetto Bay Marina at your selected departure time: admire views of the shore, look for wildlife, and learn about the local ecosystem. Plus, take a quick stop to look for shells, starfish, and sand dollars at “Disappearing Island,” a strip of land only accessible at low tide.

Join us for a tour on Broad Creek watching for dolphins and other wildlife in the salt marsh ecosystem. Explore Broad Creek, venture through the tidal marsh system, and learn about the island’s history. Along the way, your interpretive naturalist captain will entertain your group with fun facts and stories of the Lowcountry. Our boats are stable, comfortable, and ideal for viewing wildlife.

The Bulls Island Ferry offers a beautiful 30-minute boat ride to explore the stunning Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Onboard, naturalists share insights about local wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and over 293 bird species. Once on the island, wander through miles of trails leading to serene beaches and unique sites like Boneyard Beach. This tour is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts eager to connect with South Carolina’s wildlife and ecosystems. Plan for a day of adventure with well-trained guides ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. - Enjoy a scenic ferry ride with naturalists guiding your journey - Explore miles of trails and beautiful beaches on Bulls Island - Ideal for families and wildlife lovers of all ages - Available Tuesday through Saturday from March to November and Saturdays December to March