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The beautiful barrier islands along South Carolina’s untouched coastline offer visitors the opportunity to experience the most magical encounters with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. The vast Atlantic Ocean and wild waterways surrounding Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island are home to a permanent population of intelligent and playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that delight visitors at every turn!
Wild dolphin encounters on Seabrook Island happen all the time. The small barrier island encompasses 2,200 acres of lush Lowcountry landscapes with 3.5 miles of private natural beaches and miles of marshes, estuaries, and coastal rivers weaving through the island, all teeming with local wildlife, marine life, and Seabrook Island’s majestic mammals – the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. The chances are you can even spot bottlenose dolphins from Seabrook Island’s award-winning oceanfront fairways!
Eco-Friendly Dolphin Watching Tours
Experiencing a dolphin watching tour on Seabrook Island is a bucket-list adventure that cannot be missed while visiting the area. Dolphin watching tours are one of the top attractions on the island, and there are a variety of responsible and sustainable tours to choose from. Our local experienced naturalist guides understand the behaviors and habits of these majestic mammals, have epic dolphin encounter stories to tell, and know all the secret spots for up close and personalized dolphin encounters in the wild.
From paddle adventures along the Kiawah River (aka Dolphin Highway!) to powerboat and sailboat dolphin tours in the deep blue sea, here’s our guide to the best eco-friendly dolphin watching tours on Seabrook Island.
*Prices Valid for 2023 Spring/Summer Season
1. Sonny Boy Charters | Bohicket Marina
Located at Bohicket Marina, Sonny Boy Charters are known for their top-rated nearshore and inshore fishing charters, along with sunset tours and eco dolphin watching tours aboard a 25’ SeaVee. View local wildlife and tour surrounding areas, all while learning about the historic landmarks, salt marshes, and river ecosystems.
Duration
Dolphin Watching Tour
$350 – 2 hours
*6 passenger limit
Location
Bohicket Marina
1880 Andell Bluff Blvd.
Johns Island, SC 29455
Contact
(843) 708-1486
brad@sonnyboycharters.com
2. Captain Jack’s Sailing & Dolphin Watching | Bohicket Marina
Captain Jack has spent years studying Lowcountry dolphins and loves to share his experiences aboard his sailboat, Palmetto Tide. Captain Jack’s Dolphin Watching Eco-Tour embarks from Bohicket Marina and is customized to suit each charter group individually.
The dolphin watching eco tour starts at Bohicket Marina, which is located between Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island just south of Charleston, South Carolina. This is probably the best place on the East Coast for wildlife viewing, and is home to the northernmost & largest permanent population of Atlantic bottlenose dolphin! In addition, hordes of migratory “biker dolphin” seasonally come through the area as well, upsetting the local pod’s pecking order. No matter what the circumstances, a day with Captain Jack cannot be missed!
Duration
Dolphin Watching Tour
$490 – 3 Hours
$530 – Sunset Cruise
Location
Bohicket Marina
1880 Andell Bluff Blvd.
Johns Island, SC 29455
Contact
(843) 343-1772
kiawahsailing@gmail.com
3. Water Dog Paddle Co. | Kiawah Island Bridge
Water Dog Paddle Co. provides immersive and eco-friendly kayak and SUP dolphin experiences from the Kiawah Island Bridge along the waterways of Kiawah and Seabrook Island – with a photo album of your experience included!
The signature guided on-water eco-adventure experience will take you on an unforgettable Kayak or SUP tour through the salt marsh estuaries of Charleston’s southern sea islands, Kiawah & Seabrook, searching for sea life, bird life & dolphins of course! Fun & educational for the whole family, all ages and experience levels are welcome.
The ideal SUP and/or Kayak paddle adventure for families or groups that want to go at it on their own. VIP Tours are exclusive to your group and lead by an experienced guide. The two hour venture will take you paddling on the Kiawah River, into the salt marsh estuaries, searching for sea life, learning about the barrier island’s lively ecosystem, and exploring in ways you can’t by boat. Create the play time and memories you have been waiting for by booking your own VIP Tour.
Tour Options
2-Hour Tour Options
Standard Kayak & SUP Dolphin Tour
VIP Kayak & SUP Dolphin Tour
Location
Kiawah Island Bridge
32.60325392114008, -80.13133188306456
Kiawah Island Parkway, SC
29455
Contact
843-593-7877
4. Charleston Paddle Company | Kiawah Island Bridge & Charleston Harbor
The Charleston Paddle Company launch their guided paddle board and kayak tours and lessons from the Kiawah River Bridge and the historic Charleston Harbor, providing endless opportunities to interact with our local dolphins in nature. Kiawah Island is a secluded paradise and perfect for those looking for a relaxed outdoor adventure. Kiawah offers a diverse array of scenery and wildlife. Kiawah Island kayaking is is a great way to explore. Your guided paddle board or kayak tour is a great way unwind on the water and get a workout while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
This paddle boarding/kayak tour is by far our most secluded. Surrounded by 360 degree views of natural beauty that includes woodlands, marsh, and an abundance of local wildlife. If your looking to get off the busy streets and lose yourself in nature this is the eco-paddle tour for you.
Discover the sights and sounds of the Lowcountry like you never have before from atop a paddleboard. Our scenic Kiawah river tour is unrivaled as you cruise through immaculate marsh fields, secluded creeks and tidal mud flats. An experienced guide will lead you and the group through this saltwater wilderness, taking time to point out and discuss the local ecosystems, wildlife, and culture!
Duration
90 Minutes – From USD$60.00
Location
Kiawah Island Bridge
32.60325392114008, -80.13133188306456
Kiawah Island Parkway, SC
29455
Contact
843.452.4833
5. Lil Darlin’ Charters | St. Johns Yacht Harbor
Located at St. Johns Marina, Lil Darlin’ Charters Harbor, Sunset or Dolphin Tour takes you on a 25’ Pathfinder powerboat searching for bottlenose dolphins along the Stono River and through the Lowcountry waterways of Charleston, SC.
Whether you enjoy a sunset cruise, dolphin watching, creek cruise, sport crabbing, or simply a sightseeing tour, you know you’ll be in good hands with a local captain who is well-versed in the waterways of Charleston.
Duration
2 Hours – From USD$35.00
Location
2408 Maybank Highway
Johns Island, SC 29455
Contact
843.442.4706
6. Pirates of Charleston | Charleston
We had to throw this one in for the kids (and the kids at heart!) a pirate adventure cruise with the Pirates of Charleston and Sneaky Pete aboard The Black Ghost, a 45-foot wooden pirate ship. Cruise the historic Ashley River in Charleston while searching for stolen treasure … and keeping a keen eye out for friendly dolphins amidst all the swashbuckling fun!
Duration
90 Minutes – From USD$60.00
Location
56 Ashley Point Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
Contact
843-970-2771
Spot Dolphins from the Shore
Not interested in booking a charter or tour? No problem! There are other ways to see the wildlife here in our little slice of paradise.
Seabrook Island’s 3.5 mile stretch of shoreline runs from Pelican Beach, situated at the southern tip of the island where the Atlantic Ocean and Edisto River meet, to North Beach on the north end of the eastern shoreline, where the Atlantic meets the Kiawah River at Captain Sam’s Inlet. Whether you’re reclined in your beach chair, cruising the shoreline, playing in the ocean waters, or sipping cocktails at the Beach Club oceanfront pools, our resident dolphin pods are easily spotted right from the beach!
See Dolphins Strand Feeding at Captain Sam’s Inlet
Captain Sam’s Inlet at North Beach separates the barrier islands of Kiawah and Seabrook and is one of only a few destinations in the world where dolphin lovers can experience the rare phenomenon of dolphins strand feeding. This unique phenomenon occurs when a pod of dolphins comes together to force fish to the shoreline for feeding, launching their bodies right out of the water to gather their prey.
It’s an absolute feeding frenzy, and a fantastic phenomenon to witness! Please note that it is illegal to touch dolphins, you are required to keep a distance of at least 15 yards away, and please keep your curious pets leashed.
Dolphin Watching With Seabrook Exclusives
Watch the dolphins frolicking in the tidal creeks and ocean waters from the comfort of a luxury Lowcountry home when you stay with Seabrook Exclusives.
Our exclusive collection of Seabrook Island vacation rentals ranges from charming creekfront villas with community swimming pools and crabbing docks to luxury oceanfront rentals with private boardwalks to the beach and sea-facing porches for dolphin watching!
For the ultimate wild dolphin encounter on Seabrook Island, this rare and exceptional 4-bedroom luxury vacation home is perfectly perched where the Kiawah River meets the Atlantic Ocean at our local pod’s favorite feeding ground, Captain Sam’s Inlet.
Enjoy crabbing, fishing, and paddle adventures from your own private dock, panoramic ocean views, and tranquil creek views from almost every corner of this elegant vacation home. The best dolphin watching experience from home on Seabrook Island!
Start planning your family’s wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin encounters today with our team at Seabrook Exclusives. With a collection of 75+ of the finest vacation rentals on Seabrook Island and personalized guest services for a stress-free stay, your Lowcountry retreat is only a click away!
