South Carolina’s coast offers much more than just beaches and barbecue. Its waterways buzz with activity, wildlife, and opportunities to see dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds in their natural habitat. With miles of Intracoastal Waterway, protected bays, and Atlantic access, the state is a prime location for cruises and boat tours that combine scenic sightseeing with wildlife encounters. Whether you’re after a lively dolphin cruise, a relaxing private boat, or a tour that mixes history with nature, South Carolina has something to float your boat.
What makes these tours especially appealing is their ability to deliver up-close wildlife viewing without the need for extensive planning or physical exertion. Many tours are just a couple of hours long, making them a perfect addition to a beach day or a family outing. Plus, most tours are easy to access from popular spots like Myrtle Beach, Little River, and Lake Murray, so you won’t have to travel far to find your water-based adventure.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find a variety of cruise and boat tour options in South Carolina, ranging from dolphin safaris to private lake explorations. Each offers a unique perspective on the area’s natural beauty:
- Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise: Up-close dolphin sightings on a 2-hour yacht-style ride along the coast.
- Sea Thunder Cruise: Wildlife and dolphin watching with a narrated trip through Little River’s historic waters.
- Sea Screamer Cruise: A fun-filled dolphin watch with a guarantee to see dolphins or get a second trip free.
- Lake Murray Private Boat Tours: Customizable private experiences exploring islands or enjoying sunset views.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these top-rated tours to help you decide which best fits your interest and schedule.
1. Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise
Starting our list, the Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise offers a lively 2-hour adventure that is perfect for families and wildlife lovers alike. This tour operates out of the Big M Casino waterfront dock, where you’ll hop aboard a yacht-style vessel designed for comfort and speed. The goal? To find dolphins in their natural habitat, often just feet away from the boat.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of wildlife viewing and scenic exploration of the South Carolina coastline, including Calabash and Sunset Beach. The crew is known for being friendly and energetic, with Ireland, the guide, earning praise for her humor and interaction. Tourists love how close they get to dolphins and the chance to see wildlife like ospreys and sea turtles. The boat also ventures into the Atlantic, offering a different perspective on the area’s beaches and barrier islands.
Pricing at only $28 per person makes this an affordable yet memorable outing. Reviewers frequently mention that the crew’s enthusiasm and the opportunity for photos make the experience well worth the price. However, some note the possibility of getting soaked at the back of the boat, so pack accordingly.
Bottom Line: This tour delivers a quick, fun, and wildlife-rich experience that’s ideal for families or anyone craving a fast-paced adventure with lots of dolphin sightings.
2. Sea Thunder Cruise-2 Hour Tour Surrounded by Dolphins in S.C
At number two, the Sea Thunder Cruise offers a 2-hour trip starting from Historic Little River. This tour is notable for its narrated tour of the Intracoastal Waterway, where Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and other wildlife often make appearances. After exploring these protected waters, the boat heads out into the Atlantic to look for Bottlenose Dolphins.
What makes this cruise unique is its famous wildlife sightings and the friendly crew known for making everyone feel comfortable. Arriving early is advised for the best seating, but once underway, the crew shares plenty of info about the local ecosystem. Passengers often mention that the crew is accommodating, especially to travelers with mobility challenges.
Pricing at about $30.74 per ticket offers excellent value, especially given the chance to see dolphins multiple times during the trip. Some reviewers highlight how the crew’s helpful attitude and captain’s safety-first approach added to their enjoyment, even when ocean conditions change unexpectedly.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-rounded, narrated tour with reliable dolphin sightings and wildlife spotting, this is a top pick. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate educational commentary along with the fun.
3. Sea Screamer Cruise – 2 Hour Dolphin Watch Tour in South Carolina
Next on our list, the Sea Screamer Cruise guarantees dolphin encounters—if you don’t see dolphins, you get a second trip free. This tour is based in Little River and is perfect for travelers who want a lively, no-pressure environment, with the added bonus of a dolphin guarantee.
The cruise begins with a narrated tour along the historic waterfront, offering insights into the local scenery and history. Once out into the Atlantic, the captain navigates the waters in search of dolphins, with many reviewers noting they saw dolphins swimming, playing, and jumping. The crew helps keep the atmosphere fun and interactive, with some guests mentioning how the crew’s humor and helpfulness made the trip memorable.
This tour costs about $30.74 per person, with a focus on dolphin sightings and waterfront scenery. The easy-to-find meeting point and the promise of seeing dolphins or a second trip make it a straightforward choice for families or first-timers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a fun, guaranteed dolphin experience without much fuss, and who enjoy a friendly, engaging crew.
4. Lake Murray Private Boat Tours
For a more personalized experience, the Lake Murray Private Boat Tours offer flexible, custom outings on South Carolina’s largest reservoir. With reviews rating it a perfect 5.0, this tour is a great choice for couples, families, or small groups seeking privacy and tailored experiences.
Options include exploring the islands, swimming, or just relaxing as you watch the sunset from Bomb Island, where Purple Martins flock in the summer. The tours typically last 2 to 3 hours, with pricing starting at $139 for a private experience. The tour operator can accommodate your preferences, whether that’s a scenic cruise, wildlife viewing, or simply unwinding on the water.
What makes this tour stand out is the ability to craft your itinerary—whether you want to explore, fish, or just soak in the scenery. The owners are known for their hospitality and knowledge of Lake Murray’s best spots. Some reviews note that it’s the perfect choice for those wanting a quiet, exclusive outing.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking privacy and customization, or celebrating a special occasion. It’s a more expensive option, but the flexibility and exclusivity are worth it.
How to Choose Your South Carolina Water Tour
When selecting the best cruise or boat tour, consider your main priority—wildlife sightings, relaxation, or a private experience. For reliable dolphin sightings combined with fun narration, the Sea Thunder Cruise and Sea Screamer offer great options, especially if seeing dolphins is your top goal. If you prefer a more exclusive, customizable day on Lake Murray, the Private Boat Tours are perfect.
Budget-conscious travelers should note that the dolphin cruises generally cost around $28-$31 per person, offering good value for wildlife and scenic viewing. For a more private, romantic, or family-oriented experience, the private boat tour provides tailored options but at a higher price point.
Booking early is advised during peak summer months, especially for popular tours like Myrtle Beach dolphin cruises and private lake experiences. No matter your choice, South Carolina’s waterways promise engaging wildlife encounters and serene scenery.
Final thoughts
South Carolina’s boat tours provide a range of experiences that bring you face-to-face with dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds, all set against the backdrop of charming coastal towns and tranquil lakes. If you’re after a lively dolphin cruise, the Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise offers a fun, affordable option with plenty of wildlife. For a more narrated or guaranteed dolphin sighting, the Sea Thunder and Sea Screamer are excellent choices. And if you prefer a bespoke day on the water, the Lake Murray Private Boat Tours provide flexibility and privacy.
Whatever your preferences, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable South Carolina water adventures. Get ready to enjoy some of the most engaging boat tours in the Southeast—your adventure on the water awaits.