A Myrtle Beach trip might already be on your SC bucket list, but one thing that you shouldn’t miss is dolphin watching. The warm waters of Myrtle Beach attract many sea creatures, including dolphins, especially Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Watching them playfully jump through the waterways in their pods or alone is a feast for the eyes.
One of the best and most guaranteed ways to see these majestic creatures in Myrtle Beach is by taking a dolphin cruise. These tours will take you close to dolphins’ natural habitat and feeding areas without disturbing them. Sometimes, they’re so close you’ll be splashed as they playfully leap by.
In this article, I’ve listed the top 8 dolphin cruises in Myrtle Beach, SC. Whether you’re searching for adventure cruises, eco-tours, or sunset cruises, you’ll find everything here. Let’s dive in!
Summary: Best Dolphin Cruises
Southern Shores Island and Dolphin Cruises
- Only catamaran dolphin cruise in Myrtle Beach
- Offers Private Charter Cruise and Jet Boat Ride
Sea Racer Dolphin Tours
- Four departures daily
- 1.5-2 hours dolphin watching cruises
- Friendly captains and crew
Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises
- Popular boat types: Sea Screamer and Sea Thunder
- Private charters are available
Action Water Sportz
- Jet ski dolphin watching trip
- Personal encounter with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
Express Watersports
- Dolphin watch tour and ocean sightseeing cruise
- Starts from Murrells Inlet
Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Watch Tours
- Four dolphin-watching cruises
- Private charters available
Voyager Dolphin Cruises North Myrtle Beach
- 2.5-hour dolphin adventure cruise
- Skilled captains and crew
Hurricane Fleet
- 2-hour dolphin cruise
- Comfortable boats
- Air-conditioned cabins
Southern Shores Island and Dolphin Cruises
Location: 2201 Little River Neck Road, North Myrtle Beach
Start your aquatic adventure with Southern Shores Island and Dolphin Cruises! It is the only catamaran dolphin cruise in Myrtle Beach. They offer the Catamaran Dolphin Cruise Myrtle Beach, starting from $35.
This 2-hour Myrtle Beach dolphin tour starts on the ICW in North Myrtle Beach and leads you along the South Carolina waterways, stopping to explore its uninhabited islands. Along your journey, you’ll have a chance to see wild bottlenose dolphins, black-tip sharks, leatherback sea turtles, and so much more.
For those who want a private dolphin-watching experience, Southern Shores offers a private charter cruise. This private charter cruise seats up to 30 people, so you can bring your friends or family. From hanging out on the beaches to waterfront dining and seeing dolphins in the deep waters, this private cruise is a perfect adventure.
If you want a thrilling ride, book the 45-minute jet boat ride on the “Thriller Seeker.” This 32-foot custom-built jet boat can accommodate up to 22 passengers. This thrilling ride will take you through the Intracoastal Waterway, making 360-degree spins and high-speed precision moves.
Sea Racer Dolphin Tours
Location: 4491 Waterfront Ave, Little River, SC
Experience the thrill of seeing dolphins up close with Sea Racer Myrtle Beach. Sea Racer tours operate from the Big M Casino boat dock, with a 70-foot boat that can accommodate up to 128 passengers. They offer four departures daily: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm.
During the 1.5-2 hour cruises, you can see dolphins in their natural habitat. You might even spot them feeding behind a shrimp boat or jumping in the boat’s wake. The friendly crew and captains will tell guests about the local waters, dolphin behaviors, and the wildlife around Little River.
For those who want a more personalized adventure, Sea Racer also offers private charters. You can set your own schedule and make the adventure truly special.
Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises
Sea Thunder Dolphin Cruise Myrtle Beach
Location: 1568 Watson Avenue, Little River, SC
Sea Screamer Dolphin Cruise Myrtle Beach
Location: 4473 Minneola Avenue, Little River, SC
Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises offers a fun and exciting way to see dolphins up close. You can choose from two popular boats, “the Sea Thunder” and “the Sea Screamer.” They offer the same tours but leave from different docks.
On the cruise, you’ll explore beautiful waterways and watch dolphins in their natural habitat. They even have a dolphin sighting guarantee. You’ll get a free pass to try again if you don’t see any dolphins on your cruise.
Tickets cost around $29 for adults, $24 for seniors, and $19 for kids (3-12). Whether you’re traveling with a group or want a private charter, Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises can accommodate you. These dolphin tours are perfect for families as you can bring your own food and drinks in a soft cooler and enjoy the ride together.
Dolphin Watch Trip with Action Water Sportz
Location: 1525 13th Avenue N, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Take a relaxing and scenic dolphin watch trip with Action Water Sportz on a jet ski. The trip starts with personal training and safety instructions about jet skis. After training, you’ll hop on your jet ski and head to your adventure.
The tour starts at Dock Holiday Marina and includes beautiful views of waterfront homes, marinas, and the Historic Little River Swing.
During this 2-hour jet ski adventure, you’ll cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway through the no-wake zones. Once out of the no-wake zone, the real fun begins. You’ll speed up toward the ocean to see dolphins up close. Your guide will look for a pod of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. When the dolphins are found, hop back on your jet ski. Your tour guide will lead you close to them for a great view. Besides dolphins, you’ll also spot sea turtles.
This dolphin watch trip costs around $190 per person. Guests must be 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license to operate their own jet ski.
Myrtle Beach Dolphin Watch Trip with Express Watersports
Location: 4042 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC
Take the Myrtle Beach Dolphin Watch Trip with Express Watersports for an exciting adventure. Hop on a 46-foot Newton vessel that can hold up to 42 passengers. This 1.5-hour adventure starts from Murrells Inlet, a saltwater marsh leading to the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll enjoy watching wild dolphins and other sea life playing and feeding in the ocean.
The crew, which includes marine science experts, will guide you about dolphins and other sea creatures. On the boat, you’ll find all the necessary safety gear, including a full-size bathroom, a sun deck, a covered back deck, and a snack bar. The tour ticket costs around $28 for adults and $20 for children (3-12). Kids under 2 can enjoy a free boat ride.
Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Watch Tours
Location: 4123 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC
Blue Water Adventures is one of the top dolphin cruises in Myrtle Beach, and highly recommended for families. They offer four dolphin-watching experiences: Tursi-Ops Dolphin Cruise, Osprey Premium Dolphin Cruise, Tursi-Ops Private Charter, and Osprey Premium Private Charter.
These dolphin cruises feature 360-degree views, so everyone has a perfect seat to enjoy the sights. All cruises begin in Murrells Inlet, just south of Myrtle Beach, and continue along the Atlantic coastline. During this 1.5-hour tour, you’ll search for turtles, rays, jellyfish, sharks, and other wildlife.
Tursi-Ops Dolphin Cruise costs around $28-39 and can accommodate up to 40 passengers. While the Osprey Premium Dolphin Cruise costs around $39-54 and can take up to 15 passengers.
Voyager Dolphin Cruises North Myrtle Beach
Location: 1525 13th Ave. N, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Last but not least! Hop aboard Voyager Dolphin Cruises for a thrilling adventure in Myrtle Beach. On this 2-5 hour dolphin adventure cruise, you’ll glide through the beautiful Inland Waterways and out to the Atlantic Ocean.
Watch the shrimp boats at work and watch for dolphins. The captains are skilled at finding dolphins. If the weather is good, the crew will pull up a net of sea creatures like crabs, fish, baby sharks, and shrimps.
The cruise costs $38 for adults, $30 for kids (3-12), and is free for kids under 2. They also offer a special Monday morning cruise at 10:30 am with discounted prices: $30 for adults and $20 for kids.
Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise with Hurricane Fleet
Location: 1903 Hwy 17 S North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Hop on an amazing dolphin cruise with the Hurricane Fleet, the original dolphin cruise company in Myrtle Beach. They operate from the nearest port to the Atlantic Ocean, allowing less riding time and more time to spot dolphins. The fleet offers several cruises daily, including a popular Sunset Dolphin Cruise.
The cruise lasts 2 hours, and tickets cost $35 for adults and $26 for kids. On special days, they even follow shrimp boats, where dolphins love to gather and feed on leftover scraps. It is a great opportunity to watch these playful creatures in action.
The crew also brings up bags of sea creatures from the shrimp nets, letting you see and touch them. With comfortable boats, air-conditioned cabins, and friendly guides, it is a perfect cruise for families. Your kids will love the free shark tooth they receive as a souvenir. Click here to book your cruise.
FAQs
When is the Best Time of Year to See Dolphins in Myrtle Beach?
Dolphins can be seen in Myrtle Beach year-round. However, the best time to spot these majestic creatures is October and November, when they migrate south from areas like Virginia and North Carolina.
When is the Best Time of the Day to See Dolphins in Myrtle Beach?
Early morning and late afternoons are the best times to spot dolphins, as they are more active during these times.
Can You Swim with Dolphins in Myrtle Beach?
Swimming with dolphins is not allowed in Myrtle Beach to protect the local ecosystem. Alternatively, there are several tours that will take you right up close to view dolphins in their natural habitat.
The Bottom Line
There are numerous ways to see dolphins with a cruise in Myrtle Beach. You can’t go wrong with Southern Shores Island and Dolphin Cruises, which offer catamaran cruises, jet boats, and even private charters. You’re also sure to have a good time with Hurricane Fleet and Action Water Sportz.
Other great tour companies in the area include Blue Wave Adventures and Vogare Dolphin Cruises. You can see dolphins anytime of the year in Myrtle Beach, but October and November are the best months. Swimming with the dolphins is not allowed.
