Top South Carolina Water Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Discover the magic of our secluded hideaways. Dive into an adventure where the dolphins play and the tiki vibes sway. Let your worries drift away on the salty breeze as you watch dolphins play and marine wildlife entertain. Our new custom built Tiki Tour Boat and indulge in a unique blend of nature, adventure, and leisure. Embark on an experience that will leave you rejuvenated and inspired, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the tranquility of being on the water. Step aboard our exclusive Tiki Boat on Folly Beach for a journey that blends relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. Our vessel, designed for comfort and style, awaits to take you on an unforgettable exploration around barrier islands and serene waters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cruise down Broad Creek off Hilton Head Island—and leave the navigation and logistics to someone else—on this boat tour. Spot dolphins, shore birds, and other wildlife on this family-friendly tour by experienced local operators and a knowledgeable captain and crew, who share facts and insights along the way.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Book this group dolphin watch tour where you’re guaranteed to see dolphins, or you get a second trip free. Your captain navigates the way through the Intracoastal Waterway and then you get out to the big ocean. Here keep your eyes peeled for dolphins swimming and playing in the Atlantic Ocean.

Experience the enchanting beauty of Charleston Harbor during a sunset cruise that showcases the vibrant hues of the sky as day transitions to night. Sail past iconic landmarks such as the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Fort Sumter, while enjoying the serene atmosphere and the gentle sounds of nature. This cruise, suitable for all ages, is perfect for celebrations, romantic evenings, or simply unwinding with friends. With both public and private charters available, you can enjoy a memorable evening on the water with breathtaking views of downtown Charleston and its sparkling skyline as the backdrop. - 1.5-hour shared sunset cruise(small group: up to 18) - Experience iconic sights like the Ravenel Bridge and Fort Sumter - Suitable for ages 6 and up; perfect for celebrations and relaxation

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.

Set sail on the Charleston Princess for an unforgettable evening of live music, stunning harbor views, and Southern BBQ. Enjoy a buffet of pulled pork, smoked chicken, mac and cheese, and more—all while local musicians provide the perfect soundtrack. With three spacious decks, open seating, and a lively onboard atmosphere, this cruise is ideal for date nights, group outings, or a laid-back night on the water.

Set sail with Calabash Fishing Fleet on a peaceful 2‑hour Sunset Waterway Excursion, the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the Calabash River and Intracoastal Waterway. As the sun dips toward the horizon, watch the sky burst into shades of gold, pink, and orange from the comfort of a modern, spacious vessel. Bring your friends, your family, or your special someone and let the calming coastal breeze set the mood. With an attentive crew handling every detail, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy an unforgettable evening on the Carolina coast.

Combine Costal Expedition's 90-minute Dolphin & History Boat Cruise with a Historic Bus Tour of the City of Beaufort. Departing, from the downtown Beaufort Marina at the Waterfront Park (1006 Bay St), this Land & Sea tour is a fun and family-friendly escape. Take our air-conditioned bus on a Historic Tour of the City of Beaufort at either 10 am or 12:30 pm. Then take a break for lunch or to walk around the park before your 3 pm Boat Cruise along the waterway. You will get another perspective of Beaufort's incredible history and abundant wildlife. Learn stories about Native Americans, Spanish exploration, French settlement, and English colonization - all while seeing playful dolphins, bald eagles, and ospreys. This 90-minute cruise is a relaxing–and cool–break from land that will entertain the whole family! **The boat only goes out on certain days of the week, so please expect a call from a Kelly associate to clarify scheduling.

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.