South Carolina’s charming town of Marietta offers plenty of natural beauty and southern hospitality, but when it comes to dolphin tours near Marietta, South Carolina, options are simply not available. Marietta is located well inland, surrounded by rolling hills and forested landscapes rather than coastal waterways where dolphins are typically found.

Dolphin tours are usually centered around coastal areas or river estuaries where dolphins frequently swim, and in South Carolina, prime spots include Charleston, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach. These locations provide the right environment—with tidal creeks, estuaries, and open ocean close by—that support dolphin populations and organized tours.

While Marietta itself does not offer dolphin tours, adventurers staying in or near Marietta can access several excellent dolphin watching experiences by traveling towards the South Carolina coast. Charleston, about two and a half hours southeast, stands out as the closest urban gateway for dolphin encounters on boat tours. These tours show dolphins cutting through the waves, playful and inquisitive, darting just beyond the boat’s bow.

For those planning their journey, it’s good to keep in mind that the drive from Marietta gives you a chance to experience the varied landscapes of coastal South Carolina—from pine-covered hills descending to tidal salt marshes alive with birdcalls. If dolphin tours are a must, use Charleston or other coastal hubs as your base, then return inland to explore the calmer charms of Marietta’s outdoor adventures.

To complement your visit, be sure to check out the best adventures in Marietta, South Carolina, right here on our site. From forest trails to historic sites, the region invites exploration beyond the shorelines. Adventure awaits in every direction, even if the dolphins keep to the sea.