Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruise on Isle of Palms, SC
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the cruise involves minimal physical activity and mostly seating.
Overview
Join Barrier Island Eco Tours for a private Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruise around Isle of Palms, SC. Witness dolphins in their natural habitat as the sun dips below the horizon, creating a breathtaking coastal experience.
Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruise
Most Popular! • 2.5 hours • All Ages
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Come with us and locate bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles!
Duration
2.5 hours
About
Join our naturalist on a search and discovery mission on this 2.5 hour boat excursion to encounter the fascinating bottlenose dolphin and loggerhead sea turtle. Bottlenose dolphins are a common resident of our salt marshes and inlets behind the barrier islands. As you observe the dolphins feeding, playing, or simply cruising around in their native environment you will learn all about their social behavior, feeding habits, and much more. Also learn about the life history of threatened loggerhead sea turtle which we often catch sight of during the summer months. You will also have about 1 hour to get off the boat and explore Capers Island's "Bone-yard Beach".
Trips are Sunday through Friday from 6:00pm to 8:30pm during the summer months. (Memorial Day-Labor Day). In the off season trips are Sunday, Weds and Friday evenings with times scheduled to coordinate with sunset.
What to Bring
- You are welcome to bring your own refreshments and small cooler for the trip. Beer and wine is welcome for passengers ages 21 and over.
- Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing and shoes or sandals.
- Bathing suits are optional since you are welcome to get in the water during this excursion.
- Please feel free to bring a bag with sunscreen, towels, cameras, binoculars, bug spray, or anything else that will make your trip more enjoyable.
Adventure Tips
Bring a light jacket
Evenings on the water can get cool; a light jacket keeps you comfortable during the sunset.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin and local marine life by applying reef-safe sunscreen before the cruise.
Bring binoculars for better views
Binoculars enhance your ability to spot dolphins and other wildlife from a distance.
Arrive early to catch the best boarding spot
Arriving 15 minutes early ensures a smooth boarding experience and better seating choices on the boat.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Ospreys
History
Isle of Palms has a rich fishing and maritime history, with its waters long vital to local island communities.
Conservation
Barrier Island Eco Tours supports local habitat conservation efforts and promotes responsible wildlife viewing practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Charleston
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Light jacket or windbreaker
Keeps you warm when temperatures drop after sunset.
fall specific
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin while also preserving marine ecosystems.
summer specific
Binoculars
Enhances your dolphin and wildlife spotting experience.
Camera with zoom lens
Captures beautiful sunset and wildlife moments.