Beaufort Dolphin Adventures: River Cruises on Saint Helena Island

Saint Helena Island, located just off the coast of South Carolina, offers one of the Lowcountry’s richest outdoor adventures on the water. Beaufort Dolphin Adventures invites visitors to connect intimately with this coastal ecosystem through a variety of river and eco-tours along the Beaufort and surrounding waterways. Their fleet of captained boats provides intimate, small-group experiences ranging from 90-minute tours to custom excursions tailored for wildlife sighting and cultural discovery.

The Beaufort River is the centerpiece of these tours, a sprawling tidal waterway that winds through salt marshes, maritime forests, and islands teeming with wildlife. Trips like the Beaufort River Tour (available in 90-minute or two-hour versions) offer close encounters with bottlenose dolphins that frequently escort boats, as well as bald eagles, sea turtles, and occasional alligators. The morning tours capture the serene light of dawn across glassy waters, while sunset cruises bring a warm glow to historic plantation homes and untouched shorelines.

For those looking to combine wildlife with cultural history, the A.C.E. Basin and Monkey Island tour is a standout. This route ventures into a protected estuary known for its dense wetland habitats and delivers front-row views of a playful colony of rhesus macaques inhabiting Morgan Island. More than just animal watching, captains share insights into the unique landscapes shaped by centuries of tide and tradition.

Beaufort Dolphin Adventures strikes a balance between education and recreation, making it suitable for multi-generational groups and even well-behaved pets. With knowledgeable captains like John and Michele guiding each journey, guests receive rich commentary about local history, ecology, and conservation while out on the water. Their commitment to minimal environmental impact and authentic storytelling elevates every trip, ensuring visitors leave with memories of unfiltered nature and a deeper appreciation for South Carolina’s coastal heritage.