Top South Carolina Water Tours

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.

Sail the scenic waters of Myrtle Beach on a unique Catamaran Dolphin Cruise, perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts. This 2-hour tour offers the chance to spot wild bottlenose dolphins, leatherback sea turtles, and various bird species. Enjoy a leisurely 30-minute cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, passing luxury homes and the historic Little River fishing village, before heading to the barrier islands for beach exploration. Gather seashells, build sandcastles, or swim in the uninhabited Waites Island and Bird Island. Snacks and drinks are available onboard, making this tour a delightful day out for all ages. - 2-hour dolphin cruise with family-friendly beach stop - Spot dolphins, turtles, and diverse birdlife in their natural habitat - Visit exclusive barrier islands only accessible by boat - Refreshments available for purchase on board during the trip

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.

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.

Explore the waters around Folly Island on this small-group bottlenose dolphin-spotting tour. Let your captain sail you through the tidal creeks behind Folly Beach in the hopes of spotting the dolphins and observing their behavior in the wild. Listen as your guide explains more about the flora and fauna you see along the way.

Get out on the waters of Charleston Harbor during this cruise aboard an 84-foot-tall (25-meter) classic tall ship. As the crew hoists the sails of the schooner, you glide past some of the city's historical sights and watch for dolphins in the water. The route varies depending on the sailing conditions. Drinks are available to purchase on board. Select a morning or afternoon departure time when booking.

Set sail aboard the Palmetto Breeze for a spectacular sunset experience on Charleston’s harbor. This spacious 50-foot catamaran offers a perfect setting to watch the sky transform into a palette of golden hues as the sun dips behind the historic city skyline. During this 2-hour cruise, take in iconic sights like Fort Sumter, the Ravenel Bridge, and the Charleston Peninsula. Enjoy the ocean breeze on the open deck or relax in the comfortable shaded seating. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds as they accompany your journey, adding a touch of magic to the evening. Enhance the moment with a drink from the onboard bar, featuring local beers, seltzers, and wine (card payments only). Whether you’re a visitor exploring Charleston for the first time or a local seeking a fresh perspective of your city, this sunset sail promises a truly memorable evening on the water.

Set sail on a family-friendly 90-minute Dolphin & Sealife Cruise from Crazy Sister Marina, where adventure awaits in the waters of Murrells Inlet. Keep an eye out for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and explore local marine life with our live touch tank featuring crabs, starfish, and more. Enjoy educational narration from our crew while you relax in the comfort of our climate-controlled vessel. With two stories to explore, you can choose your perfect viewing spot as you cruise along the coast and back to the dock, soaking in the picturesque scenery. - Family-friendly cruise suitable for all ages, including infants - 90-minute tour with educational insights and wildlife spotting - Climate-controlled cabin, snack bar, and two bathrooms onboard - Live touch tank experience with various local marine critters

Sit back and relax while a United States Coast Guard-licensed captain steers this boat tour toward stunning sunset views and a chance to spot wild dolphins. This 1.5-hour wildlife experience is fun and educational for children and grown-ups alike, with a friendly crew who’ll navigate the water for you and help you learn more about the local ecosystem.

This tour is the best as you get everything all in one! You will see local wildlife, beautiful stately waterfront homes, breathtaking water views and end the evening with a wonderful sunset. The local wildlife you will see are Atlantic bottlenose dolphin and a variety of shorebirds. What better way to spend the evening?

If its dolphins and shelling you're looking for, you've come to the right place! We'll depart from and return to the Folly River Boat Ramp and enjoy a scenic boat ride through the salt marsh creeks of Folly Island to historic Morris Island. Once on Morris Island, you’ll have the opportunity to walk the beach in search of shells, shark teeth, and other fossils. From Morris Island you will also enjoy breathtaking up-close views of the historic Morris Island lighthouse. During your journey to and from the island, you will enjoy numerous sightings of Bottlenose Dolphins and other saltwater wildlife.

Visit the site where the American Civil War began without the hassle of arranging transportation or waiting in line for tickets. This Fort Sumter package includes admission skip-the-line tickets as well as round-trip ferry transport. Take in views of Rainbow Row and the Battery as you cruise through Charleston Harbor. Then, enjoy time to explore the historic fort and museum, before the return ferry ride.

Watch the sun set above Charleston, South Carolina with a 2-hour sunset harbor cruise aboard a 45-foot motorized catamaran. Find a comfortable seat on deck, spot the landmarks of downtown Charleston and the waterfront, and watch for the dolphins and sea birds that thrive along the South Carolina shoreline. Enjoy a relaxing break from the city while spending a romantic evening on the water.

Spot dolphins in their natural habitat aboard the Tursi-Ops, a custom-built vessel designed specifically for dolphin watching. With individual forward facing seats for maximum 40 passengers and 360-degree views, you’ll enjoy an intimate experience on this family-friendly cruise. Knowledgeable guides share insights about local marine life and dolphin behavior, ensuring an engaging outing for all ages. Safety is a priority, with all trips led by USCG licensed Master Captains. Ideal for families or marine wildlife enthusiasts, this cruise promises a memorable adventure on the waters of Murrells Inlet. - Custom-built Tursi-Ops vessel for optimal dolphin viewing - Maximum of 40 passengers for a personalized experience - Guided tours with educational commentary on dolphins - Family-friendly, suitable for ages 3+ (children under 3 and pregnant women not permitted)

See the Charleston Harbor by boat with a leisurely sightseeing tour along the Cooper River to Fort Sumter National Monument. Leave the guidebook at home, because this fully-narrated tour focuses on Charleston, South Carolina's history from Civil War sites to antebellum houses and landmarks, passes under Cooper River bridges, and explores a waterfront that’s home to bottlenose dolphins and pelicans.

Set sail for an unforgettable 2-hour sunset cruise on the Serendipity Catamaran, departing from Seabreeze Marina in downtown Charleston. Enjoy stunning waterfront views and local wildlife as the sun dips below the horizon. This upscale sailing experience accommodates only 12 guests, ensuring a cozy atmosphere while you sip a complimentary champagne toast and savor a curated charcuterie spread. Guests are also welcome to bring their own beverages, making it a perfect setting for a refined evening with friends or a romantic outing. - Limited to 12 passengers for an intimate sail experience - Includes complimentary champagne toast and charcuterie spread - BYOB with provided cooler, ice, and cups - Departs from Seabreeze Marina, convenient for downtown visitors

Charleston's coastal waterways hide an entire ecosystem most visitors never experience up close. This private boat adventure heads out through the marshes and estuaries of Folly River with a local captain, as you scan for dolphins, shorebirds, and other marine life in their natural habitat. There's time to stop at Morris Island to see the Morris Island Lighthouse and stroll on the beach.

Remote Daufuskie Island is accessible only by boat and remains largely undeveloped, despite its fame as the setting of Pat Conroy’s novel “The Water is Wide.” A guided tour makes the trip a cinch—this package includes round-trip boat tickets, plus transportation between island attractions such as the First African Baptist Church and Mary Fields School, all visited with the benefit of commentary from your guide.

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

Spend the day in the great outdoors, and enjoy a fun-filled time on the Waccamaw River, with this full-day pass. Secure your admission before you travel, and make the most of your time: choose to go tubing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. You can also head to the Outpost facility to relax in a hammock, grill your own burgers or enjoy a picnic lunch, and sit around the fire pit.

Experience the beauty of Charleston Harbor during a sunset cruise! Leave from iconic Shem Creek and cruise past landmarks like Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Fort Sumter. Our friendly staff is available to talk about the area, stop for dolphin, or help capture a photo. This cruise, suitable for all ages, is perfect for celebrations, romantic evenings, or simply unwinding with friends. - 1.5-hour shared sunset cruise(small group: up to 35) - BYOB - Coolers with Ice and Bottled Water Provided - Suitable for ages 6 and up - Perfect for celebrations and relaxation and enjoy Charleston Harbor

Explore the diverse marine ecosystem surrounding Hilton Head Island on this small-group morning boat ride that doesn’t scare the animals away. Spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, egrets, pelicans and picturesque lighthouses as you cruise around Hilton Head and Daufuskie Islands with narration by your guide. Snack on fresh doughnuts and orange juice as you enjoy morning on the water.

Start your day off on the right foot with a relaxing kayak tour through the waterways of Hilton Head. Join a small group and grab a cup of coffee to energize you before setting off. Then, explore the marshes and broad creeks of the region, learning about the local area from your guide.