Ace Basin Dolphin & History Tour on Edisto Island, SC
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the tour involves minimal physical activity while seated on the boat.
Overview
Join a private 1.5-hour cruise through ACE Basin on Edisto Island, SC, spotting dolphins and exploring historic plantations. A perfect blend of nature and history awaits!
ACE Basin/Dolphin Boat Tour
Starting at $50 per Adult | 1.5 Hours | Most Popular!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 1.5-hour river cruise through the stunning ACE Basin, where you’ll encounter playful dolphins, diverse wildlife, and the rich history of Edisto Island. Experience the beauty of salt marshes and historic plantations while enjoying quality time with family and friends on this unforgettable adventure.
Online booking encouraged!
Rates
Adult (Ages 11+): $50 Child (Ages 10 & under): $30
Duration
1.5 Hours
About
Enjoy a 1.5 hour scenic river cruise through the beautiful ACE Basin. Sit back and relax while the captains show you bottle nosed dolphins, an amazing variety of birds and wildlife, and give you a taste of the history of Edisto Island.
Edisto was home to many of the finest plantations in South Carolina producing the legendary sea island cotton - not to mention rice and indigo. These cash crops made the island planters wealthy and they built homes to reflect their status, some of which are visible from the water.
This is a great outing allowing you to enjoy the beautiful salt marsh creeks and rivers with friends and family of all ages.
Please be advised that pets are not allowed on tours!
⚠️Availability Policy Minimum of 5 adult guests or equivalent is required per tour. Parties less than 5 adults will be combined and may be asked to move to an alternate tour date/time. We appreciate your flexibility!
⚠️Cancellation Policy Customer cancellations made more than 7 days in advance will receive a full refund/waiver of fees. Customer cancellations made within 7 days but at least 48 hours in advance will be charged 50% of fees. Any short-term customer cancellations within 48 hours of reservation will be charged full fees. Full refunds will be issued or fees waived for tours canceled due to inclement weather or mechanical/operator issue.
Adventure Tips
Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting
Binoculars help you see distant dolphins and birds more clearly during the river cruise.
Wear sun protection
Apply sunscreen and wear a hat, as the open water means direct sun exposure for much of the trip.
Dress in lightweight layers
Early mornings may feel cool while afternoons can warm up quickly, so layers keep you comfortable.
Keep cameras ready
The changing scenery and frequent wildlife sightings make this tour perfect for photography.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Great blue herons
History
Edisto Island has a rich Gullah heritage and historic plantations that shaped its cultural landscape over centuries.
Conservation
ACE Basin is a protected estuarine reserve encouraging sustainable tourism to preserve its delicate marsh ecosystems and wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Charleston
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars
Enhances your ability to see dolphins and birds from a distance during the cruise.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from strong sun exposure while on the open water.
summer specific
Lightweight jacket
Keeps you comfortable during cooler mornings and breezy conditions on the river.
spring specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture stunning views of wildlife, marshes, and historic sites throughout the tour.