What is the best time to book for seeing dolphins?

Dolphins are most active during calm tide periods, typically mid-morning or late afternoon; Outside schedules trips based on tides to maximize sightings.

Are children allowed on the beachcombing cruise?

Yes, the trip is family-friendly and suitable for children, though supervision during shore exploration is recommended.

What wildlife might I see besides dolphins?

Guests may encounter shorebirds, starfish, sand dollars, crabs, and occasionally sharks teeth along the sandbars.

How do tide changes affect the trip?

Low tide uncovers sandbars and the vanishing island, which are inaccessible at high tide, so departures shift daily to coincide with these conditions.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Due to the boat’s size and terrain on the sandbars, this trip may not be suitable for wheelchair users; contact Outside for specific accommodations.

What should I bring with me on the cruise?

Bring water, sun protection, suitable footwear, and a camera; binoculars and light jackets are optional depending on conditions.

Private Beachcombing & Dolphin Tours with Outside | Boat Tour

Set along South Carolina’s coastal Lowcountry near Bluffton, Outside offers an immersive three-hour private beachcombing cruise for up to 12 passengers that marries wildlife watching with hands-on shoreline discovery. Departing from the Paddle House dock, this trip weaves a 90-minute dolphin tour through tidally revealed sandbars, guiding guests to a remote, fleeting island only accessible during low tide. These vanishing islands form and erode with the shifting currents, offering a rare chance to encounter coastal ecosystems that are constantly evolving.

Aboard a spacious vessel captained by naturalists well-versed in local marine life, travelers glide past marbled salt marshes and gently lapping estuaries before reaching the sandy shores. The naturalists' insights illuminate the rich biodiversity: pods of bottlenose dolphins frequently surface nearby, while along the shore, starfish, sand dollars, colorful shells, and crab tracks invite curiosity and careful collection. Visitors might even find a shark’s tooth—remnants of ancient seas that hint at the region’s geological past.

This experience is distinctly tied to the tidal rhythms of the Lowcountry, meaning departure times vary daily to align with low tide and access these delicate habitats without disruption. The careful stewardship by Outside underscores a commitment to preserving this fragile environment while offering a genuine connection to its rhythms.

Outside’s private beachcombing cruise stands out as a unique gateway to South Carolina’s coastal wilderness. Its blend of naturalist-led education, once-in-a-day beach access, and intimate wildlife encounters reflects the company’s role as a trusted guide to Lowcountry’s outdoor adventures. For travelers seeking a blend of wildlife observation, island discovery, and tactile nature immersion all within a single trip, Outside crafts an authentic coastal experience that reconnects you to the ocean’s edge in a deeply memorable way.