Our 15 Best Charleston Dolphin Watching Tours

1.Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 857 reviews · 1 to 11 hours (approx.) Our pick

Use Charleston’s water taxi to move between Patriots Point, Aquarium Wharf, Waterfront Park, and Charleston Harbor Resort. Your ticket includes the scenic dolphin cruise, though sightings are not guaranteed and attraction admission is separate. Captains such as Bryan and Dallas may add local color, but narration can vary by crew.

“Easy, inexpensive and convenient way to see some of the sights in the Charleston area. We decided not to get off at every stop. Still well worth it.”

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2.Charleston: Sightseeing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 649 reviews · 1h 30m · from $40Best value

Cruise Charleston Harbor for 90 minutes with a licensed English-speaking guide. You’ll pass Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, the Battery, Castle Pinckney, and the Ravenel Bridge while hearing lively stories about Charleston’s past. Dolphins may appear, and snacks, beer, coffee, and restrooms are available onboard.

“A great harbour cruise. All crew friendly and professional. Parking at Patriots Point pick up available at $5. Good location for visiting USS Yorktown before or after. Our guide was professional and had extensive knowledge. Excellent. Refreshments on board were minimal. Snacks and the filter coffee was nice.”

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3.Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 620 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Step aboard the 84-foot Schooner Pride at Aquarium Wharf for a 90-minute, mostly quiet sail around Charleston Harbor. The crew raises the sails by hand, points out Fort Sumter, Patriots Point, the USS Yorktown, the Battery, and the Ravenel Bridge, and may let you help with the lines. Bring snacks, buy drinks on board, and watch for dolphins.

“Beautiful harbor cruise on a sunny day in October. Something different and unique to do. Crew was great!”

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4.Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 395 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Set out from 33 Lockwood Drive on a private 2.5-hour yacht charter for up to six people. Your captain and first mate handle the sailing while you enjoy Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, the Ravenel Bridge, and possible dolphin sightings. Bring drinks and snacks, or request catering. Sunset departures are especially appealing.

“It is a relaxing and beautiful experience. The Captain and First mate made you feel comfortable and was informative of the area. It is not a historical tour experience.”

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5.Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 255 reviews · from $48

Join the captain and crew aboard the 84-foot, three-masted Schooner Pride at Aquarium Wharf for a 90-minute Charleston Harbor sail. Help hoist the sails, pass Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, and watch for dolphins. This is a relaxed sailing experience rather than a fully narrated history tour, with drinks available to buy onboard.

“Traveling by sail was amazing. The guide and crew were awesome. The harbor tour was wonderful, unfortunately we only saw two dolphins. But the trip was well worth it.”

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6.Folly Beach Dolphin Viewing Boat Excursion and Estuary Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $56

Spend 90 minutes aboard a 27-foot Carolina Skiff exploring Charleston’s salt marshes and estuary. Captains such as Luke and Justin share local ecology and history while looking for bottlenose dolphins, birds, oysters, and Morris Island Lighthouse. The small group, cushioned seating, and return to the same dock make this an easy outing from Folly Beach.

“It is an amazing trip Luke was fantastic and gave us so much info on the wildlife estuary History. We were able to see a 2 day old baby dolphin”

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7.Private Morning Sail, Dolphin and History Tour on Mystique

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend two relaxed hours aboard Mystique with your own skipper and crew, sailing Charleston Harbor for views of the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown, and sometimes Fort Sumter. The private boat fits up to six, with shade, restrooms, soft drinks, and bottled water. Dolphin sightings are possible, not promised.

“Capt. Will and Sam were the best! Beautiful boat, knowledgeable and so much fun!! My husband and I highly recommend them. Dr. Alex and Mrs. Rodi”

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8.Charleston: Folly Beach Stand Up Paddleboard Dolphin Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 49 reviews · 2 hours · from $60

Meet at 83 Center St. in Folly Beach for a two-hour beginner-friendly paddle along the Folly River. Your English-speaking guide teaches basic SUP skills, handles the tides and wind, and points out dolphins, crabs, stingrays, plants, and birds. Morning, afternoon, and sunset departures are available, with boards, paddles, leashes, and flotation devices supplied.

“It was a fantastic time! We had fun learning about the ecosystem, seeing a mother dolphin and her baby and learning how to SUP! Our guides were funny and knowledgeable!”

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9.Folly River Dolphin Adventure (options for private or public)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Cruise from Folly River through Charleston’s salt marshes with captains such as Jody or Nick, watching for dolphins and estuary birds. At Morris Island, walk the beach when tides allow, search for shells and sharks teeth, and photograph the lighthouse. The 90-minute trip returns through Lighthouse House Inlet.

“Nick was THE BEST. He shared history and facts about the natural surroundings we were in while making the experience fun. Nick is a native of the area, grew up on the same waters we were on, which gave the tour an authentic, down home vibe. We've been coming to Charleston a couple times a year for over a decade and this is probably the best thing we've ever done here. BOOK IT!”

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10.Private Sunset Sail BYOB Dolphin/History Tours on 43ft Mystique

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.)

Set sail from 17 Lockwood Drive aboard the 43-foot Mystique for a private Charleston cruise lasting about two to four hours. Bring your own wine and food, enjoy complimentary water and soft drinks, and watch for dolphins as the crew points out the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown, and Fort Sumter. Captains and mates may include Scott, Maddie, Will, Sam, or Dustin.

“Great sunset sailing The crew was super nice and friendly I would definitely recommend this experience”

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11.Private Morning Sail/ Dolphin Tour on 50ft Fate, BYOB or Catering

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.)

You’ll sail Charleston Harbor aboard the private 50-foot Fate with your own group of up to six. Choose a two-hour cruise or a half-day outing, bring a picnic and drinks, or arrange catering. Captain Scott and first mate Josh have earned special praise for their sailing, while views include the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, USS Yorktown, and Fort Sumter.

“The boat was gorgeous and the scenery was spectacular but my friend Aubrey and I were most impressed by the ship’s captain Scott and his first mate Josh. Their ability to sail perfectly was noted by Aubrey as he sails regularly in NC where we are from. Thank you for such a memorable experience. We will be back and will request Scott and Josh.”

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12.Private Afternoon Sailing/Dolphin & History Tour on 43ft Mystique

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.)

Spend two to four hours aboard the 43-foot Mystique with a private crew from Charleston Sailing Charters. You may spot dolphins while passing the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown, and Fort Sumter. Captains including Scott, Sam, Rob, Sophia, Adam, Darby, and Dustin have helped make this a relaxed, flexible outing for groups of up to six.

“Amazing experience! Definitely recommend doing a sailing trip in Charleston. We had a wonderful time with Adam and Darby, they were great!”

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13.Charleston: Morris Island Dolphin Cruise with Beachcombing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 2 hours · from $105

Join Captain Billy of Lighthouse Creek Charters for a private two-hour cruise from Folly River to Morris Island. Watch Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, search the beach for shells and shark teeth, and view the historic lighthouse. Bring food or drinks for a custom outing, including a sunset or BYOB cruise.

“Captain Billy was friendly and knowledgeable. The trip was exactly as advertised and very enjoyable.”

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14.Charleston: Folly Beach Morning Kayak Dolphin Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 10 reviews · 2 hours · from $55

Start near Hotel Folly and learn safe, efficient paddle strokes before exploring the Folly River by kayak. Your English-speaking guide, including instructors such as Prudence or John, points out local plants, wildlife, and dolphins. Morning, afternoon, and sunset departures are available, with kayaks, paddles, and flotation devices supplied.

“We enjoyed our guide, Prudence, and being so up close to the dolphins. Everyone at Folly Beach Kayak was so kind and helpful. We just loved every moment!”

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15.Charleston: Folly Beach Afternoon Kayak Dolphin Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · 2 hours · from $55

Learn safe paddle strokes with an English-speaking instructor, then follow the tide and wind along the Folly River while watching for bottlenose dolphins. Kayak, paddle, and PFD are included. You can book a morning, afternoon, or sunset departure, and guide Prudence has earned particular praise for patient instruction.

“Had a great time out in the kayak. The guide was so patient while I was learning . It was a great experience as a beginner.”

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