Best Dolphin Watching Tours Charleston, SC
#1-Rated Private Dolphin Experience

Glide through calm tidal creeks, watch playful dolphins appear out of the blue, and witness the natural beauty of the Lowcountry around.

One of the most memorable boat tours in Charleston for families, birthdays, couples, and wildlife lovers of all ages.
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QUICK DETAILS

  • Kids 5 & under: FREE
  • Duration: Starting at 2 hours
  • Capacity: Up to 10 passengers
  • Boat: 2024 Tidewater (new, comfortable, shaded)
  • Wildlife: Bottlenose dolphins & a variety of coastal birds
  • Onboard perks: Bottled water + Bluetooth stereo (The DJ? That’s you.)
  • Departure: Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant
  • Pricing: $375 for 1–4 guests; +$50 per additional guest (max 10)
  
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Explore the Coast. See Dolphins. Let’s Make a Memory

Try our unforgettable Lowcountry dolphin adventure! This dolphin tour Charleston SC is the favorite choice of our clients. Families, couples, and kids of all ages enjoy this experience full of coastal nature and magic.
How can we describe our Dolphin Tours Charleston SC? Definitely, it’s not a typical cruise. It’s a fascinating story in a few hours. A chance to feel the ocean breeze, soak in the Lowcountry scenery, and experience the joy of watching beautiful wild dolphins. Imagine, they will play just a few feet away!
Little ones love the excitement of spotting their first dolphin leap. Adults enjoy a relaxing, scenic harbor cruise on the peaceful waters of Charleston Harbor, sipping a refreshing drink as their favorite music sets the vibe.
Every trip brings its own moments of wonder – from many fun and laughs, admiring the dolphins gliding all around you, to sweeping harbor views. You’ll remember this tour long after you’re back on shore!
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Why Our Dolphin Tours Stand Out

- Private & Comfortable: New 2024 Tidewater boat – up to 10 guests
- Depart from Iconic Shem Creek: Dolphin sightings often begin before we even cast off
- Flexible Departures: Choose from morning, midday, or a magical sunset cruise with dolphin sightings
- You’re the DJ: Bluetooth stereo system for your own custom vibe
- Local Captains: Charleston-born guides who know where to find sea life
- Kid-Friendly & Senior-Approved: Smooth ride, shaded seating, and calm waters
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What You’ll Experience on the Water

The Route: From Shem Creek Into the Harbor
Launching from Shem Creek, you’ll cruise through peaceful estuaries. You’ll pass Castle Pinckney and head into the dolphin-rich waters around Crab Bank an

Dolphin Behaviors You May See
Our guests often spot dolphins:
  • Leaping,
  • bow-riding,
  • tail-slapping,
  • or swimming right alongside the boat.
Brief note: On longer excursions, the Charleston dolphin tours may reach as far as Morris Island, offering even more wildlife and scenic views.
Other Wildlife You Might Spot
Along the Charleston dolphin tour, guests may encounter:
  • pelicans,
  • ospreys,
  • sea turtles,
  • rays,
  • and occasionally manatees.
You’ll enjoy a dolphin tour Charleston SC from the comfort of a stable, shaded vessel. A perfect tour for those who love taking photos (you’ll get truly impressive shots), wildlife enthusiasts, and families with children.d Charleston Harbor. 

Guest Testimonials

“We had an unforgettable experience on our dolphin tour in Charleston SC! The boat was comfortable, the captain was super knowledgeable, and we saw multiple Atlantic bottlenose dolphins near Shem Creek. This private dolphin cruise was perfect for our family — calm waters, beautiful views, and even a dolphin jump! Highly recommend LowCountry Coastal Excursions for anyone looking for a family-friendly wildlife tour in Charleston.”
— Christina P. via Google
“Our private dolphin tour with LowCountry Coastal Excursions was the highlight of our Charleston vacation! We cruised through the peaceful waters of Shem Creek and saw at least a dozen dolphins, including a baby swimming alongside its mom. The captain shared fun facts about Charleston’s marine life and made the trip unforgettable. If you’re looking for the best dolphin cruise in Charleston SC, this is it!”
— Eddie R. via Google

Book Your Charleston Dolphin Cruise Today

Spots fill quickly in spring and summer! Call 843-508-1600 or use our online calendar to reserve your dolphin adventure today. Great for birthdays, family vacations, couples, and wildlife lovers of all ages.
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A playful dolphin jumping beside another dolphin during a Charleston Harbor dolphin tour with LowCountry Coastal Excursions
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Before You Go

To help you prepare for your dolphin adventure, here are a few important details to know about our Dolphin Tours Charleston SC before you step aboard:
Beverages (21+) & personal playlist
You can bring snacks & beverages, including alcohol, as you wish. A cooler with ice is provided to keep everything chilled. Also, every boat is equipped with a Bluetooth stereo system to brighten your time. Grab your favorite songs and set the perfect vibe for your trip!

Swimming & beach stops
To make the most of time on the water, swimming or sandbar stops are available only on cruises 3 hours or longer.

Weather policy
We monitor conditions closely and may adjust departure times to avoid rain or storms. Sure, our Dolphin Tours Charleston SC are never conducted during thunder or lightning, but your budget is protected. If we cancel due to unsafe weather, your payment will be credited toward a future trip within 12 months.

Cancellation policy
  • Cancellations 15+ days before the trip receive a full refund.
  • Within 15 days, refunds are only issued if we cancel due to weather, and the optional weather protection was purchased.

Damage policy
We always maintain our vessels in top condition. While no damage deposit is required, any permanent damage to boat fixtures (upholstery, fiberglass, railings, 

Important Booking Notes (Participants & Children)

  • Please double-check the number of participants before completing your reservation (Some guests accidentally leave the default set to 1, resulting in an incomplete booking).
How to Select Participants
  • Choose the number of paying guests (ages 6 and up) using the dropdown menu.
  • Pricing is based on the total number of paid participants.
  • Boats have strict USCG-regulated capacity limits.
Children 5 & Under
  • Children 5 and under are free, but they still count toward total passenger capacity (under U.S. Coast Guard rules).
  • When booking your dolphin cruise Charleston SC, please select only the number of guests ages 6 and up.
  • We will confirm your full group size (including children under 5) after booking.
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Frequently Ask Questions

Q: What kind of dolphins will we see?
A: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Charleston’s most common and charismatic marine mammals.

Q: Are these Charleston SC dolphin tours good for kids?
A: Absolutely! Kids love spotting dolphins, and our boat offers safe, calm rides.

Q: Can we bring snacks and drinks?
A: Yes, you’re welcome to bring snacks and drinks (no glass bottles, please).

Q: When is the best time to see dolphins?
A: Early morning and sunset Charleston dolphin cruise often yield the best sightings and light.
 
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