The 8 Best Dolphin Watching Tours in Savannah
Savannah’s waterways are a playground for bottlenose dolphins, and its proximity to salt marshes, historic ports, and barrier islands makes it an ideal spot for wildlife viewing. Unlike many coastal destinations, Savannah offers a range of dolphin tours that combine nature, history, and relaxed cruising. Whether you’re after a quick sunset cruise or a full-day expedition, these tours promise encounters with playful dolphins in their natural habitat, often along with other marine life and scenic backdrops. With calm waterways that cross through historic sites and lush marshes, Savannah’s dolphin tours are an experience that feels authentic and intimate.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, a romantic sunset cruise, or a learning adventure, Savannah has options. Some tours feature narration about the local ecosystem, while others focus on close-up wildlife encounters or a combination of sightseeing and dolphin spotting. Keep in mind, booking early is wise in peak months, and some tours include lunch, drinks, or private options that elevate the experience further. For a memorable trip, decide if you want a half-day, evening, or full-day outing and pick the tour that best matches your style.
Quick Overview
This list highlights the best dolphin watching tours in Savannah, covering eco cruises, full-day trips, sunset sails, and private adventures. Each offers a unique twist — from family-friendly outings to more intimate, personalized experiences. For instance, the Savannah: Tybee Island Dolphin Tour provides a scenic combination of lunch, wildlife, and ocean views, while the Sunset Dolphin Eco Tour offers a shorter, romantic sunset experience. The Dolphin Spotting and Wildlife Eco Cruise emphasizes wildlife education and nature, and the Private Dolphin Tours in Savannah Marsh give you a personalized, up-close encounter.
Now, let’s explore each of these top tours in detail.
1. Savannah: Tybee Island Dolphin Tour
Starting with this popular full-day adventure, the Savannah: Tybee Island Dolphin Tour combines a scenic trolley ride, a delicious lunch, and a dolphin cruise—all in one package. The tour departs from Savannah and heads to Tybee Island, a favorite local beach that’s just a short drive away. Once there, you’ll enjoy a dolphin cruise through the waterways, offering prime opportunities to spot these lively creatures. The tour also passes by Fort Pulaski and the Cockspur Island Lighthouse, adding some local history and iconic scenery.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive experience: a mix of wildlife viewing, coastal scenery, and a chance to relax at the Crab Shack, a well-loved eatery. Reviewers often mention the dolphins—they’re described as “all over the place,” making for exciting encounters. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, with one reviewer noting, “Stephanie was just wonderful, accommodating, kind, very knowledgeable.” The tour offers good value for money considering the length and variety of experiences, perfect for travelers who want a full-day outing with ample wildlife and scenic highlights.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a great balance of nature, history, and local flavor, ideal for those who want to make a day of their dolphin adventure.
2. Sunset Dolphin Eco Tour
For around $48, the Sunset Dolphin Eco Tour offers a shorter, more intimate experience focusing on the beauty of Savannah’s waterways at sundown. This 2-hour cruise is perfect for those who want a romantic or relaxing evening with a chance to see bottlenose dolphins in their natural setting. The tour takes you past the famous Waving Girl Statue and under or around the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, with spectacular views of the port.
Captain-guides share insights into the flora and fauna, and the sunset reflection on the water makes for stunning photos. Visitors rave about the friendly staff, describing the cruise as informative and fun, with many noting dolphin sightings within minutes. One reviewer highlighted the beautiful sunset and the informative narration from the crew, making it an unforgettable moment. The tour also allows you to bring your own alcoholic drinks, adding a personal touch to the experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or anyone seeking a peaceful, scenic cruise with the bonus of sunset views and dolphin sightings, this tour balances relaxation with wildlife.
3. Savannah: Dolphin Spotting and Wildlife Eco Cruise
At number 3, this Dolphin Spotting and Wildlife Eco Cruise offers a two-hour journey into Georgia’s coastal wetlands. The focus is on learning about the local ecosystem and biodiversity while searching for dolphins, birds, manatees, and other wildlife. The knowledgeable captain shares historical facts and environmental insights, making the trip both educational and fun.
Guests consistently mention the ability to see dolphins in their natural habitat, with some even observing a mother and baby pod. The tour is praised for its relaxed pace and informative commentary, making it suitable for families and nature lovers. Pricing is competitive at $42, and BYOB is permitted, allowing for a personalized experience. Reviewers often highlight the friendly crew, with many noting how the guides go above and beyond to maximize dolphin sightings.
Bottom Line: This tour combines wildlife education with up-close encounters, making it perfect for those interested in learning about Savannah’s marine environment.
4. 2 Hours Dolphin Eco Tour
The 2 Hours Dolphin Eco Tour is a compact but rich experience that explores Savannah’s Lowcountry. Running from downtown to the port, it emphasizes marine life spotting, including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and salt marshes. The tour is informative, with on-board commentary about the area’s environment, history, and local industry. The 2-hour length makes it an easy addition to your day, and snacks and drinks are available for purchase, with BYOB allowed.
Guests have enjoyed this tour’s friendly crew and dolphin sightings—including a baby dolphin with its mother. Despite some weather issues like rain, reviewers still appreciated the informative nature of the trip. Several mention how less crowded and more personal it feels compared to larger boats, and they find it well worth the price.
Bottom Line: Perfect for shorter outings that combine marine wildlife with local scenery, especially if you want a relaxed, educational cruise.
5. Savannah: Sunset Dolphin Watching Eco Tour by Boat
The Sunset Dolphin Watching Eco Tour is a 2-hour evening cruise designed for nature lovers who want to see dolphins, birds, and port activity at sunset. For about $51, this tour offers an informative narration from the captain, who guides you past marine traffic and into prime dolphin habitat. As you watch the sun dip below the horizon, you’ll also see splashing dolphins and soaring birds, making it a visual treat.
Guests appreciate the friendly staff and the relaxed atmosphere. Many reviews mention the dolphins appearing quickly after departure, adding to the thrill of the trip. The sunset enhances the experience, providing ample opportunities for beautiful photos. Bring your own drinks or purchase soft drinks on board for a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: This cruise is perfect for romantic evenings or small groups seeking a scenic, wildlife-rich outing with memorable sunset views.
6. Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise
For those who prefer a full-day trip without the hassle of driving, the Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise is a fantastic choice. This 5 to 6-hour tour includes transportation from Savannah, a dolphin cruise, and free time on Tybee Island. The ferry-style cruise passes notable landmarks like Fort Pulaski and the Cockspur Island Lighthouse, providing both wildlife viewing and scenic sightseeing.
This tour excels for travelers who want to combine beach time with marine wildlife. The dolphin cruise is a highlight, with reviewers noting “lots of dolphins” and a friendly crew. One challenge is the long drive—but for many, the convenience of included transportation outweighs that. The tour is well-rated, with many mentioning it as a favorite activity.
Bottom Line: Ideal for day-trippers who want beach access and dolphin sightings without the stress of driving or planning logistics.
7. Savannah Coastal Dolphin Eco Tour
With only two reviews, the Savannah Coastal Dolphin Eco Tour is limited in popularity but still worth mentioning. At $77 per person, this 2-hour cruise offers dolphin sightings along with breathtaking coastal views and insight into the tidal marsh environment. The route varies based on dolphin locations and weather, making each trip potentially unique.
While the reviews are sparse, the focus on marine mammals and scenic coastlines makes it appealing for travelers seeking a personalized experience. It’s a good fit if you’re after a smaller group and customized route but keep in mind the limited review data.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a more intimate tour, especially if they are flexible on schedule and route.
8. Private dolphin tours in the amazing Savannah Marsh
Finally, for those seeking a personalized, up-close encounter, the Private Dolphin Tours in the Savannah Marsh are an excellent choice. Costing $340 per group (up to 4 people), this customized 2.5-hour tour lets you observe dolphins, manatees, eagles, and seabirds in their natural habitat. You’ll explore historic sites, mansions, and even a deserted beach.
Guests love the personalized attention and the chance to see wildlife in a less crowded setting. The tour is quite flexible and tailored to your interests. Some mention the ability to see dolphins with their calves, and the exploration of pristine beaches that go on for miles. The main drawback is the price, which is high but reflects the private, intimate nature of the experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families or small groups wanting a custom experience with plenty of wildlife and scenery.
How to Choose Your Savannah Dolphin Tour
When selecting a dolphin watching tour in Savannah, consider your budget, time commitment, and what kind of experience you seek. If you want an all-in-one day trip with lunch and beach time, the Tybee Island Tour offers great value. For a romantic evening, the Sunset Eco Tour provides a beautiful, relaxed setting.
If learning about local ecosystems appeals, the Dolphin Spotting and Wildlife Eco Cruise or the 2-Hour Eco Tour are excellent choices. For those wanting a personalized experience, the Private Dolphin Tours are unmatched but come at a higher cost.
Booking early, especially in peak months (spring through early fall), ensures a spot on these popular tours. Most tours operate from spring through fall, with fewer options in winter.
Final Thoughts
Savannah’s waterways offer a rich tapestry of wildlife and history, and these dolphin tours are your best bet for witnessing playful dolphins in action. Whether you prefer a half-day eco cruise, a full-day adventure to Tybee Island, or a private tour for a special occasion, there’s a great fit for you. The key is deciding whether you want a relaxed sunset sail, an educational trip, or an all-in-one sightseeing experience.
For many travelers, the Tybee Island tour delivers a full experience, while the Sunset Eco Tour offers a romantic, shorter escape. Whichever you choose, book early and get ready for close encounters with Savannah’s playful dolphins and scenic waterways. This is one adventure you’ll remember long after your trip ends.