The 4 Best Cruises And Boat Tours in South Carolina
South Carolina’s coastline and inland lakes offer some of the most engaging boat experiences on the East Coast. Whether you want to chase dolphins along the Myrtle Beach waterway, explore the scenic Atlantic from Little River, or enjoy a peaceful private tour on Lake Murray, this state delivers. You’ll find tours suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those craving a tranquil escape. From lively dolphin cruises to private island explorations, the options are diverse and authentic.
In this guide, we’ll take you through four standout boat experiences: two dolphin-focused cruises in Myrtle Beach and Little River, a whale-of-a-time dolphin watch with a guarantee, and a personalized Lake Murray adventure. Each offers unique highlights, different price points, and varying durations. Understanding what each tour includes helps you pick the perfect way to enjoy South Carolina’s waters—whether you’re on a budget, traveling with kids, or seeking a peaceful getaway.
1. Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise
The Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise stands out for its playful approach to wildlife viewing, making it a top pick for families and water lovers. For only $28.00 per person, this approximately 2-hour cruise offers a high-energy ride on a yacht-style vessel, gliding over the Intracoastal Waterway and into the Atlantic. The main draw is the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat, often just feet from the boat, making it a memorable experience for all ages.
What makes this tour special is its informal, fun atmosphere and easy access—meet your captain at Big M Casino’s waterfront dock, a central and convenient location. The route covers Calabash, Sunset Beach, and other scenic coastal spots, offering a quick yet immersive taste of South Carolina’s shoreline. The crew’s enthusiasm and friendliness earn consistent praise, with reviews highlighting how engaging and humorous the staff are. One traveler remarked, “Fantastic crew! Made it a memorable experience. Not a bad seat on the boat!”
This tour is well-suited for those who want a lively, interactive experience without breaking the bank. Its short duration and frequent trips make it flexible for day planning. One minor consideration is that it’s a fast-paced cruise—if you prefer a tranquil, scenic ride, this might feel a bit energetic. Overall, it offers excellent value and a good chance to see dolphins up close.
Bottom Line: Great for families and first-timers, this cruise balances affordability with fun, wildlife viewing, and coastal scenery.
2. Sea Thunder Cruise – 2 Hour Tour Surrounded by Dolphins in S.C
The Sea Thunder Cruise in Little River is a top-rated, 5-star experience that combines scenic storytelling with the thrill of dolphin sightings. At just $30.74 per person for a roughly 2-hour tour, it offers a relaxed, narrated journey along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. After a quick start from the historic harbor, your boat meanders inshore, often spotting Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and other birds, giving you a good dose of local wildlife.
What sets this tour apart is its combination of inshore and offshore cruising—you’ll go from the scenic waterway into the open ocean, increasing your chances of spotting Bottlenose Dolphins and other ocean life like sea turtles and stingrays. The crew’s knowledgeable narration adds context to the landscapes and animals you encounter, making it more than just a boat ride. Reviews praise the crew for their “awesome” attitude and the boat’s “very accommodating” nature, especially for travelers with disabilities.
Seating is “First Come, First Served”, so arriving 45-60 minutes early helps secure a good spot. This tour is ideal for families who enjoy wildlife and scenic views but want a gentle, less hurried pace. The only potential downside is that if the weather turns rough, the tour might be canceled or shortened for safety. Still, the flexible approach and wildlife sightings make it a popular choice.
Bottom Line: A family-friendly, narrated waterway tour with a good chance of dolphin encounters and scenic wildlife viewing, all at a reasonable price.
3. Sea Screamer Cruise – 2 Hour Dolphin Watch Tour in South Carolina
The Sea Screamer Cruise in Little River is a lively, group-oriented dolphin-watching trip that guarantees dolphins or a second trip free—a unique promise making it attractive for budget-conscious travelers. For $30.74 per person, this 2-hour cruise navigates the Intracoastal Waterway before heading out into the Atlantic, where dolphins are often seen swimming and playing.
What makes this tour stand out is its interactive, fun atmosphere. The crew’s narration adds a layer of entertainment, and the emphasis on dolphin sightings provides a clear goal. Many guests enjoy the chance to “see how many dolphins they can count”, which makes it especially appealing for families and groups. Some reviews mention that dolphins can be elusive, but the crew’s efforts and the guarantee of a second trip if no dolphins are seen help manage expectations.
The meeting point is straightforward in Little River, and bringing cash for drinks is recommended. As a short, engaging, dolphin-focused trip, it’s best suited for families or groups wanting a quick, memorable experience. The experience’s main drawback is that dolphins are wild creatures—sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the tour’s double-or-nothing promise reduces risk.
Bottom Line: Perfect for dolphin enthusiasts and families wanting a lively, no-frills boat ride with a money-back guarantee on sightings.
4. Lake Murray Private Boat Tours
For a more personalized experience, the Lake Murray Private Boat Tours offer a flexible, intimate alternative. Starting at $139, these tours last 2 to 3 hours and are tailored to your interests—whether that’s watching the sunset on Bomb Island or exploring the lake’s islands. You can swim, relax, or simply take in the scenery—this is your trip.
The most popular option is the Sunset/Purple Martin Tour, where you can see millions of Purple Martins roosting on Bomb Island during July and August. The tour includes pick-up at the Hilton Recreation Area, with a guided exploration of the islands, and a chance to enjoy quiet lakeside moments away from the crowds. The flexibility allows you to customize your itinerary, making it especially suitable for couples or small groups seeking a peaceful escape.
The bottom line is that this tour offers a luxurious, relaxed experience with the benefit of exclusivity—no crowded boats, just your party. However, the higher price point makes it less suitable for budget travelers or larger groups. The focus on natural beauty and tranquility is a major selling point, but if you’re looking for wildlife encounters, you might want to check availability during peak seasons.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those seeking a tailored, private experience on Lake Murray, especially for sunset viewing and island exploration.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in South Carolina
When deciding between these options, consider your priorities: budget, interest in wildlife, duration, and group size. If your main goal is to see dolphins on a budget, the Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise or Sea Screamer are excellent starting points. For a more comprehensive wildlife experience with narration and scenic waterway views, the Sea Thunder offers a little more depth.
If you prefer a private, customizable outing, especially for a special occasion or a peaceful escape, Lake Murray’s private tours are hard to beat. For families or travelers with limited time, quick trips with guaranteed dolphin sightings (like the Sea Screamer) help maximize your chances of a memorable encounter.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons—summer months are prime for dolphin activity and wildlife sightings. Check the weather forecast, as some tours may be canceled or rerouted if waves get rough.
Final Thoughts
South Carolina’s coastal waters and lakes have a lot to offer — from lively dolphin cruises to serene private tours. For an energetic, wildlife-rich experience, the Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise is hard to beat. If you want a highly rated, scenic ride with a narrated touch, the Sea Thunder Cruise is ideal. For dolphin lovers who want a risk-free shot at sightings, the Sea Screamer’s guarantee is a bonus. And for those seeking a private, tranquil escape, Lake Murray’s bespoke tours are unbeatable.
No matter your choice, these tours offer a genuine taste of South Carolina’s waters and wildlife. Be sure to book ahead, dress comfortably, and bring your camera—these experiences tend to be some of the most memorable moments of your trip.
Enjoy your time on South Carolina’s waters—whether chasing dolphins, exploring islands, or relaxing on a lake, the adventure is waiting.