Savannah to Tybee Island Dolphin Cruise: Half-Day Trolley, Sea Air, and Lighthouse Views
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; suitable for most travelers who can board a small boat and walk short sandy paths
Overview
Board a trolley in Savannah, taste local seafood, then glide through Tybee Island’s tidal waterways in search of dolphins. This half-day cruise pairs easy island exploration with coastal history and practical tips for making the most of your outing.
Savannah to Tybee Island Dolphin Cruise: Half-Day Trolley, Sea Air, and Lighthouse Views
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You step off the trolley into salt-snap air and the Atlantic greets you in a chorus of gulls and the low thud of surf. The town feels small but busy: shingled cottages, bicycles leaning like punctuation, and the squat white-and-red Tybee Island Lighthouse standing watch near the beach. From Savannah, the drive relaxes you—moss-draped oaks give way to marshes and oyster beds—until the harbor opens and the boat waits, bobbing gently, promising a close encounter with the bottlenose dolphins that patrol these shoals.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring motion-sickness remedies
Sea conditions can be gentle but choppy; take medication or use acupressure bands if you are prone to nausea.
Pack sun protection
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential—reflections off the water intensify UV exposure.
Plan for lunch costs
Lunch at the Crab Shack is not included; bring card or cash and expect casual, picnic-style dining.
Check lighthouse hours
The Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum are closed on Tuesdays and admission is not included, so schedule accordingly.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Willet and other shorebirds
History
Tybee Island served as a navigational point for colonial and Civil War-era shipping; nearby Fort Pulaski and Cockspur Island Lighthouse reflect its maritime strategic value.
Conservation
Tidal marshes here are sensitive; stay on marked paths to avoid trampling eelgrass and nesting shorebirds, and dispose of trash properly to protect marine life.
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Adventure Hotspots in Savannah
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Protects against strong UV from reflected sunlight on the water.
summer specific
Light windbreaker
Shields you from cool sea breezes and sudden spray.
spring specific
Motion-sickness remedy or bands
Useful if you feel queasy on small-boat cruises.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the half-day outing and while exploring the island.
summer specific