Glide out from the Westin Savannah Harbor at sunset to watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins play along tidal marsh channels. This two-hour, small-group eco cruise blends wildlife viewing with Lowcountry history and practical tips for a smooth outing.
Glide out from the Westin Savannah Harbor at sunset to watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins play along tidal marsh channels. This two-hour, small-group eco cruise blends wildlife viewing with Lowcountry history and practical tips for a smooth outing.
The sun leans low over the Savannah River, gilding pilings and marsh grass as your boat slips away from the Westin Harbor. Salt air tugs at your jacket and the river—calm, deliberate—seems to dare you to find what lives just beneath its surface. Within minutes the city’s brick chimneys recede and the marsh opens: tidal channels braid through reeds, and dolphins begin to arc and answer the wake.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Outside Hilton Head · Savannah, Georgia
The sun leans low over the Savannah River, gilding pilings and marsh grass as your boat slips away from the Westin Harbor. Salt air tugs at your jacket and the river—calm, deliberate—seems to dare you to find what lives just beneath its surface. Within minutes the city’s brick chimneys recede and the marsh opens: tidal channels braid through reeds, and dolphins begin to arc and answer the wake.
This two-hour eco cruise follows stretches of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the edge of the Lowcountry’s tidal marshes, environments shaped by Pleistocene sea-level shifts and the slow deposition of silt from the Savannah River. Pass by Old Fort Jackson, a Civil War-era earthwork, and imagine how these channels guided commerce and conflict through the centuries. Local culture here is braided with the marsh—shrimping, oystering, and a cuisine that reads the tides.
Onboard, a licensed captain and small group setup make the outing as much about learning as sighting: expect commentary on dolphin behavior, marsh ecology, and nearby landmarks. Trips vary with dolphin movement and wind; the captain adapts the route to increase sightings while minimizing disturbance.
Practical details: meet in the Westin Savannah Harbor lobby at 1 Resort Drive 15 minutes before departure; tours run about 120 minutes and are suitable for most fitness levels. Bring sun protection, a light wind layer for the water, and a camera with a fast shutter. If you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions before you board. The trip is an accessible, low-impact way to connect with coastal wildlife and the living history of Savannah’s waterfront.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires boarding a small boat and standing or moving on deck for portions of the cruise.
The tour departs from the Westin Savannah Harbor; meet the captain in the hotel lobby at 1 Resort Drive 15 minutes before departure.
Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are commonly seen on these routes, but sightings depend on animal movement and weather; the captain adjusts the route to maximize opportunities.
Yes—infants and small children can ride in a stroller and service animals are allowed; parents should supervise on deck and secure small children during movement.
For a full refund cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure; trips may be canceled for bad weather and refunds depend on timing of cancellation.
The Savannah River and Intracoastal channels have long supported trade and military activity; nearby Old Fort Jackson dates to the early 19th century and guarded the river approach.
Operators aim to minimize disturbance by adjusting distance and speed around marine life; use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid feeding or touching wildlife to protect the ecosystem.
Outside Hilton Head operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The sun leans low over the Savannah River, gilding pilings and marsh grass as your boat slips away from the Westin Harbor. Salt air tugs at your jacket and the river—calm, deliberate—seems to dare you to find what lives just beneath its surface. Within minutes the city’s brick chimneys recede and the marsh opens: tidal channels braid through reeds, and dolphins begin to arc and answer the wake.
The sun leans low over the Savannah River, gilding pilings and marsh grass as your boat slips away from the Westin Harbor. Salt air tugs at your jacket and the river—calm, deliberate—seems to dare you to find what lives just beneath its surface. Within minutes the city’s brick chimneys recede and the marsh opens: tidal channels braid through reeds, and dolphins begin to arc and answer the wake.
This two-hour eco cruise follows stretches of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the edge of the Lowcountry’s tidal marshes, environments shaped by Pleistocene sea-level shifts and the slow deposition of silt from the Savannah River. Pass by Old Fort Jackson, a Civil War-era earthwork, and imagine how these channels guided commerce and conflict through the centuries. Local culture here is braided with the marsh—shrimping, oystering, and a cuisine that reads the tides.
Onboard, a licensed captain and small group setup make the outing as much about learning as sighting: expect commentary on dolphin behavior, marsh ecology, and nearby landmarks. Trips vary with dolphin movement and wind; the captain adapts the route to increase sightings while minimizing disturbance.
Practical details: meet in the Westin Savannah Harbor lobby at 1 Resort Drive 15 minutes before departure; tours run about 120 minutes and are suitable for most fitness levels. Bring sun protection, a light wind layer for the water, and a camera with a fast shutter. If you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions before you board. The trip is an accessible, low-impact way to connect with coastal wildlife and the living history of Savannah’s waterfront.