Dolphin Cruises in North Myrtle Beach: Where to Go

There's something pretty special about spotting dolphins in the wild, especially when you're out on the water and they suddenly appear just a few feet from your boat. North Myrtle Beach is a fantastic place to experience it, with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins regularly making appearances along the coast, around the Little River Inlet.

 

A dolphin cruise takes you beyond the beach for a closer look at this lively stretch of the South Carolina coast. You might cruise past quiet barrier islands, watch fishing boats returning with their catch, or head through the inlet into the open Atlantic. Along the way, keep an eye out for pelicans diving for fish, sea turtles surfacing, and, of course, dolphins swimming alongside the boat or playing in its wake.

 

Ready to see who's swimming offshore? Here are some of the best dolphin cruises to book during your stay in North Myrtle Beach and along the Grand Strand. We'll cover how long you'll be on the water and what makes each experience worth checking out.

 

1. Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises

• Book a Tour: myrtlebeachdolphincruises.com


• Tour Time: 1 ½ to 2 hours


• Ages: All Ages

Dolphin sightseeing should be at the top of your itinerary! Experience the thrill of the Sea Screamer and Sea Thunder, two popular dolphin cruise vessels in Little River. Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises offers a family-friendly adventure where you can bring your own food and drinks in a soft cooler. Arrive early for seating under the canopy. Restrooms are available before and after the cruise for your convenience.

 

Enjoy a close-up view of dolphins and other marine life while cruising along scenic waterways. The Sea Screamer and the Sea Thunder offer the same tours, but they depart from different docks.

 

This exciting dolphin tour offers three experiences in one cruise. Your tour guide will explain the ecosystem of the Intracoastal Waterway and then will take you on a sightseeing tour around uninhabited islands before you pass the jetty and head out to sea to spot your dolphins.

 

Traveling with a big family? Large groups are welcome! They also offer private charters if you plan to bring your extended family.

 

After your dolphin adventure, grab a bite to eat at Crab Catchers on the Waterfront, a cozy seafood spot right on the waterfront, offering fresh catches, fried baskets, and cold drinks. The casual atmosphere and beautiful views make it a perfect post-cruise stop.

 

2. Voyager Deep Sea Fishing Charters

• Book a Tour: supervoyagerdeepseafishing.com/dolphin-adventure-cruise


• Tour Time: 2 ½ hours


• Ages: All Ages

Embark on a Dolphin Adventure Cruise in North Myrtle Beach departing from the Marina at Dock Holidays. This 2½ hour sunset cruise takes you through the Inland Waterways out to the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Watch the shrimp boat fleet at work, which attracts dolphins during feeding time. Weather permitting, the crew may haul aboard a net, bringing up an array of sea creatures like shrimp, crabs, fish, sea urchins, seahorses, sand dollars, seashells, stingrays, and baby sharks.

 

The vessel is equipped with two decks, two restrooms, and a snack bar. You’re also welcome to bring a small cooler with food and drinks.

 

Voyager Deep Sea Fishing Charters also offers fishing charters. And if you’re visiting during the Fourth of July, a Fireworks Cruise allows you to watch the incredible display from the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Are you in the mood for a lively dining spot? Boardwalk Billy's is known for its seafood, sushi, Southern fare, and live music. It offers indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the marina, perfect for families and groups.

 

3. Southern Shores Cruises: Island Excursion Dolphin Watch & Sunset Cruises

Photo Credit: del Monaco

• Book a Tour: southernshorescruises.com


• Tour Time: 2 to 4 hours, depending on the cruise


• Ages: All Ages

Enjoy North Myrtle Beach’s only catamaran dolphin cruise with Island Excursion Dolphin Watch & Sunset Cruises. These cruises offer a relaxing and scenic adventure, perfect for families and individuals looking to experience the beauty of Myrtle Beach's coastal waters.

 

Before you head out to see the majestic bottlenose dolphin, look for sea turtles, black tip sharks, jellyfish, and various species of birds like pelicans, osprey, and seagulls.

 

With varying tour times, you can choose a cruise that fits your schedule, ensuring a memorable dolphin-watching experience.

 

If you’re looking for more speed, their newest boat, the Thrill Seeker, will take you on a thrilling 45-minute sightseeing cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach.

 

Stop at Captain Archie's for fresh seafood, burgers, and Southern favorites. The outdoor seating area provides excellent views of the Intracoastal Waterway, perfect for watching boats go by.

 

4. Sea Racer

Photo Credit: Gonzalo Jara

• Book a Tour: searacermyrtlebeach.com


• Tour Time: 1 ½ hours


• Ages: All Ages

Climb aboard for a journey along the Intracoastal Waterway and Little River Inlet in search of bottlenose dolphins. This isn’t just any boat tour. Sea Racer’s dolphin tour offers a thrilling yet comfortable, smooth boat ride even on choppy seas. Even though the Sea Racer handles waves smoothly, you might still get a little wet. They also have a place onshore to store valuables if you don’t want to risk a splash here and there.

 

This narrated tour offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat. If you can get the captain to make a big wake, you might spot dolphins playing and jumping in the waves. This adventure promises fun and excitement for all ages!

 

After your thrilling adventure, dine at the Grand Strand’s historic Hurricane Juel's waterfront seafood restaurant. This restaurant has been serving fresh seafood and Southern favorites to patrons since 1945.

 

5. Crazy Sister: Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Watch Tour

• Book a Tour: crazysistermarina.com/excursions/dolphin-watch-tour


• Tour Time: 1 ½ hours


• Ages: Ages 3+

Discover the wonders of the coast with Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Watch Tour. In addition to spotting dolphins, you’ll see other amazing sea creatures like sea turtles, fish, stingrays, sharks, eagles, osprey, and herons.

 

This tour focuses on the ecology, wildlife, and natural beauty of the area. With over twenty years of experience in finding dolphins and studying marine mammals, the captain and crew ensure an informative and enjoyable experience for all ages.

 

Head back to Beach Cove Resort to grab a post-cruise drink at the Tipsy Turtle Beach Bar. This beachfront bar has a relaxed, tropical vibe and serves a variety of cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. An arcade and friendly service add to the experience, making it a favorite hangout for Beach Cove Resort guests.

 

6. Crazy Sister: Guided Jet Ski Dolphin Tour

Photo Credit: FiveSeasons

• Book a Tour: crazysistermarina.com/watersports/jet-ski-dolphin


• Tour Time: 1 ½ hours


• Ages: Ages 18+

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure with the Guided Jet Ski Dolphin Tour! This 1 ½ hour thrill ride is the perfect way to experience the stunning coastal waters while zipping around on a high-speed jet ski.

 

Feel the wind in your hair and the spray of the ocean as you race through the waves, guided by expert tour guides who know all the best spots to find playful dolphins. Imagine the excitement of seeing these amazing creatures up close!

 

This tour isn't just about the ride. It's about creating unforgettable memories and getting an up-close look at the vibrant marine life. Whether you're a thrill seeker or just looking for a unique way to enjoy the ocean, this jet ski dolphin tour will surely be the highlight of your trip!

 

7. Hurricane Fleet Dolphin Adventure Cruise

• Book a Tour: hurricanefleet.com


• Tour Time: 2 hours


• Ages: All Ages

Hop aboard Hurricane Fleet's Dolphin Adventure Cruise for a chance to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins along the Carolina coast. Operating since 1948, Hurricane Fleet knows these waters well, making this a great choice for families looking to get out on the ocean and experience the area's marine life.

 

Keep your eyes on the water as the crew searches for dolphins, especially around working shrimp boats, where these curious animals often gather to feed. Along the way, enjoy views of the coastline and the chance to see dolphins swimming and playing in their natural habitat.

 

The spacious vessel offers indoor and outdoor seating, onboard restrooms, and plenty of room for families to enjoy the ride. With a comfortable two-hour tour, it's an easy addition to your North Myrtle Beach vacation, especially for families with younger children.

 

Stay and Explore North Myrtle Beach

From exciting dolphin sightings out on the Atlantic to relaxing afternoons by the pool, there's plenty to fill your North Myrtle Beach vacation. After a great time on the water, head back to Beach Cove Resort, where oceanfront accommodations, tropical pools, lazy rivers, and easy beach access make it easy to settle into vacation mode.

 

With its fantastic location near Barefoot Landing and some of the area's best restaurants and attractions, Beach Cove Resort is definitely a great home base for exploring North Myrtle Beach. Whether you're planning another adventure with the kids or simply enjoying the ocean views from your balcony, you'll have everything you need for a memorable coastal getaway.