Tide Runner: A 90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour Through Tybee’s Secret Marshes
Slow down, Step back and Soak up Something Different… The Savannah River Delta
The boat noses out from The Crab Shack’s dock, Chimney Creek slipping past like a silver ribbon. The tide breathes in, the marsh breathes out, and the spartina grass nods as if welcoming you into its million-acre maze. A heron lifts, deliberate and unbothered. The outboard hums low. Then the creek bends, the water widens, and the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins announce themselves—not with a splashy circus act, but with a quiet exhale that sounds like a held note finally released.
Trail Wisdom
Aim for Early or Late Light
Book morning or late afternoon for softer light, cooler temps, and less boat traffic—ideal for spotting dorsal fins and nailing photos.
Dress for Wind on Water
It always feels cooler on the creek; bring a light windbreaker even on mild days to stay comfortable underway.
Polarized Lenses Pay Off
Polarized sunglasses cut surface glare so you can read subtle ripples and spot dolphins sooner.
Mind the Tide
Tidal flow can change where wildlife feeds. Ask your captain about timing—low and rising tides often concentrate activity in bends.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Quiet dolphin hangouts around deeper bends of Tybee Creek on a rising tide
- •Pelican roosts near channel markers at dusk
Wildlife
Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin, Brown Pelican
Conservation Note
Observe wildlife from a respectful distance and never feed dolphins; human interaction alters natural behavior. Pack out all trash to protect the marsh’s critical nursery habitat.
Tybee Island has long served mariners as a coastal waypoint near the Savannah River delta, with shrimping and pilotage shaping local livelihoods; the region sits within the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temperatures, Active wildlife
Challenges: Occasional wind, No-see-ums at dusk
Fresh breezes and fewer crowds make spring a prime time; dolphins are active and visibility is excellent.
summer
Best for: Family outings, Long daylight hours
Challenges: Heat and humidity, Afternoon thunderstorms
Expect hot, bright conditions and busier waterways; book early or late for cooler temps and calmer creeks.
fall
Best for: Golden marsh scenery, Stable weather
Challenges: Breezy fronts, Shorter days
Crisp air and glowing spartina make fall standout; wildlife remains active and boat traffic thins.
winter
Best for: Clear skies, Quiet waterways
Challenges: Chilly winds on open water, Limited departures during cold snaps
Bundle up for serene rides with sharp visibility and minimal crowds; dolphins are present year-round.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Cuts glare so you can spot dolphins and read the water more easily.
Light WindbreakerEssential
Wind over water can feel cooler than expected, especially in spring and fall.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen (SPF 30+)Essential
Protects skin during bright, reflective conditions while minimizing impact on marine life.
Small Dry Bag
Keeps phones, keys, and a wallet dry during splashes and brief rain.
Common Questions
Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
Wildlife is unpredictable, but Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins are common here and sightings are frequent year-round.
Where do we meet and is parking available?
Check in 10 minutes early at The Crab Shack on Tybee Island (Chimney Creek). On-site parking is available.
Can children join the tour?
Yes. Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket; the captain provides appropriately sized PFDs.
What if the weather turns bad?
Safety comes first. The captain monitors conditions and may delay or reschedule due to lightning, high winds, or severe storms.
Can we bring food and drinks?
Yes. A 48-quart cooler with ice is provided. You’re welcome to bring snacks and non-glass beverages.
Will I get seasick?
Tours mostly run in protected creeks and marsh channels, so motion is generally light. If you’re sensitive, take preventative measures before departure.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses to cut glare and spot fins; light windbreaker for breeze over water; reef-safe sunscreen to protect skin and the ecosystem; grippy sandals or deck shoes for stable footing on a moving boat.
Did You Know
Georgia’s coast contains roughly one-third of all salt marsh on the U.S. Atlantic seaboard, making it a powerhouse nursery for fish, birds, and marine mammals.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 10 minutes early to sort parking and bathrooms at The Crab Shack. Book morning or late-day slots for best light and cooler temps. Bring cash or a card for a post-cruise meal at the dockside restaurant. Cell service is generally reliable near Tybee but can dip in remote creeks—download maps in advance.
Local Flavor
Before or after your ride, crack into local shrimp and low-country boils at The Crab Shack—your boat departs right from the dock. Back in town, Huc-A-Poos pours cold drinks and slings big slices, while A-J’s Dockside offers sunset views over the marsh. In Savannah, two standouts—Service Brewing and Two Tides Brewing—reward the 30-minute drive with well-crafted pints.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV), ~45 minutes to Tybee. Meeting point: The Crab Shack docks on Chimney Creek. Drive time from downtown Savannah: ~30–35 minutes (18–20 miles). Cell service: Generally good, spotty in remote creeks. Permits: None required for passengers. Arrive 10 minutes early; parking available on-site.
Sustainability Note
Keep hands and objects inside the boat and never attempt to touch or feed dolphins; it’s illegal and disrupts natural behavior. Choose reef-safe sunscreen and secure all trash so it doesn’t blow into the marsh.