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Riding the Tides: Savannah’s Two Hour Dolphin Tour Up Close

Riding the Tides: Savannah’s Two Hour Dolphin Tour Up Close

Dolphin Close Encounters • Up to 6 passengers per boat

The marsh wakes first. Before the city shakes the sleep from its squares, spartina grass lifts in a breeze that smells like brine and river mud, and the tide gives a gentle shove to everything floating on its back. Your boat—low, nimble, and intimate—slips from a quiet Savannah dock toward the seam where river and ocean trade stories. You dip a hand to feel the water’s cool push, and a gray fin etches the surface like a punctuation mark. The dolphin surfaces again, exhales, and vanishes with a wink of tail. It’s not a performance; it’s an invitation.

Trail Wisdom

Aim for morning light and calmer water

Early departures often mean glassier conditions, gentler winds, and more predictable dolphin movement.

Wear polarized sunglasses

Polarization cuts glare so you can spot dorsal fins, bait slicks, and subtle current lines where dolphins hunt.

Respect wildlife space

Never feed or attempt to touch dolphins; let them choose the encounter. Captains follow responsible viewing distances and laws.

Pack light layers

Sea breeze can turn cool even on warm days; a thin windbreaker keeps the chill at bay when the boat is underway.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Cockspur Island Lighthouse views near Fort Pulaski at high tide
  • Back River on Tybee Island for sunset-glow water and quiet channels

Wildlife

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin, Brown Pelican

Conservation Note

Georgia’s coast shelters extensive salt marsh; follow Leave No Trace on the water and never feed or touch dolphins—both harm behaviors and violate federal law.

In April 1862, Union troops used rifled artillery to breach Fort Pulaski near Savannah in 30 hours, marking a turning point in Civil War siege tactics.

Seasonal Guide

spring

Best for: Mild temperatures, Newborn calf sightings

Challenges: Pollen, Changeable weather fronts

Spring brings comfortable air temps and lively marsh activity; carry a light layer and antihistamines if sensitive.

summer

Best for: Warm water, Long daylight

Challenges: Afternoon thunderstorms, High UV and humidity

Expect hot, bright conditions and pop-up squalls; book morning slots, hydrate, and use reef-safe sunscreen.

fall

Best for: Clear skies and golden light, Migratory bird activity

Challenges: Occasional tropical systems, Cooler evening breezes

Autumn offers crisp visibility and fewer crowds; keep an eye on forecasts during peak storm season.

winter

Best for: Quiet waterways, Great visibility for photography

Challenges: Chilly winds, Shorter days

Bundle up for brisk rides and bright, low-angle light; dolphins remain active around winter bait.

Photographer's Notes

Use burst mode and a shutter speed of 1/1000s or faster to freeze dorsal fins. Set continuous autofocus (AI-Servo/AF-C) and pre-focus where dolphins are surfacing. A polarizer tames glare but watch shutter speed. For compelling angles, sit low and shoot across the water, keeping horizons straight; protect gear from spray with a simple dry bag.

What to Bring

Long-sleeve UPF shirtEssential

Sun protection is crucial on open water where glare amplifies exposure.

Polarized sunglassesEssential

They cut surface glare so you can spot fins and read water texture.

Light windbreaker

A thin shell blocks breeze when the boat is moving, especially in cooler months.

Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag

Protects cameras and phones from spray while keeping them handy for quick shots.

Common Questions

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

Wildlife is unpredictable, but these waters are prime habitat for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and sightings are common year-round.

How close do the dolphins get?

Captains never chase or crowd dolphins; sometimes dolphins choose to approach the boat on their own, offering very close, lawful encounters.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Yes. The calm inshore waters and two-hour duration make it family-friendly; keep small children seated when the boat is underway.

What should I wear?

Lightweight sun-protective clothing, hat, polarized sunglasses, and non-slip sandals or shoes. Bring a light layer for wind.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. Bring water and snacks; guests 21+ may bring their own beverages. Please pack out everything you bring.

Will I get seasick?

Unlikely. Tours run in protected inshore waters with minimal swell; if prone to motion sickness, consider a preventative beforehand.

What to Pack

Polarized sunglasses for glare and better wildlife spotting; Long-sleeve UPF shirt for sun protection; Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated on warm, breezy rides; Light windbreaker to cut the chill when the boat is moving.

Did You Know

Along Georgia’s coast, bottlenose dolphins have been documented using a cooperative hunting method called mud-ring feeding, in which they create a ring of mud to trap fish—behavior frequently observed near Savannah and Tybee Island.

Quick Travel Tips

Book morning departures for calmer seas and softer light; Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect skin and marsh ecosystems; Allow 25–35 minutes to reach coastal launch points from downtown Savannah; Keep valuables in a small dry bag and plan for light spray.

Local Flavor

Post-tour, keep the coastal vibe going: grab peel-and-eat shrimp with sunset views at A-J’s Dockside on Tybee, or head back to Savannah for oysters and Lowcountry plates along River Street. Craft-beer fans can toast the day at Service Brewing Co., and families shouldn’t miss a scoop at Leopold’s Ice Cream on Broughton Street.

Logistics Snapshot

Closest airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV). Meeting point: Savannah area; exact dock provided upon booking. Drive time: ~25–35 minutes from downtown to many coastal launches near Tybee. Cell service: Generally good in town; patchy on the water. Permits: None required for passengers; BYO beverages allowed for 21+ where permitted by operator.

Sustainability Note

These estuaries are nurseries for countless species. Choose reef-safe sunscreen, keep plastics secured, minimize wake near wildlife, and never feed or touch dolphins—observing respectfully helps protect them and their behaviors.

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