Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruise
Why We Love This
- Observe the dolphins’ habits and playfulness
- Knowledgeable naturalists serve as guides
- The natural beauty of the low country at sunset
Barrier Island Eco Tours
What You'll Do
Excursion along the South Carolina coast in search of bottlenose dolphins to observe. The guide will illuminate guests about the qualities and habits of these dolphins. Depending on the season, the threatened loggerhead sea turtle may be observed as well. Once the boat arrives at Capers Island, passengers will have about an hour to explore its pristine Boneyard Beach, as well.
Meeting Location
50 41st Ave, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
When To Arrive
Please arrive at the Isle of Palms Marina at least 15 minutes prior to departure time. Meet at the green "Barrier Island Eco Tours" sign on the right side of the "Marina Market" general store.
Parking
On-site parking is available. Parking can be difficult at the Isle of Palms Marina in the spring and summer months so please allow enough time to find parking. Your captain will give you a free parking pass and direct you where to park and check in for the trip.
Cancellations & Refunds
Tickets are non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled by us but you may reschedule your tour with at least 24 hours notice prior to the scheduled departure time. Be sure to provide us with the best phone number to reach you the day of the trip. And allow time to arrive at the boat at least 15 minutes early for check-in and boarding.
Restrictions
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Post Booking Info
Weather Policy - Please show up unless you hear from us. Isolated, pop-up thunderstorms are common in the summer months are may delay the trip by a few minutes or may miss us completely. We will contact you if the trip is cancelled, otherwise please plan on checking in at the scheduled time. You are welcome to bring your own refreshments and pack your own cooler for the trip. Beer and wine is welcome for passengers ages 21 and over. Please feel free to bring a bag with sunscreen, towels, cameras, binoculars, bug spray, or anything else that will make your trip more enjoyable.
"Fantastic Dolphin Discovery Tour!"
November 10, 2017 - J.
Our family of 5 loved it! The guide was a Master's student who was passionate about marine life - fascinating from start to finish!
"Kids and parents enjoy"
October 24, 2017 - R.
My daughter has a blast in the trip as well did my husband and I. Our guide Courtney was so knowledgeable and entertaining
"Wonderful!"
October 21, 2017 - C.
My sons & I loved every minute of it! We wish it could have lasted longer!
"Wonderful experience "
October 12, 2017 - R.
Knowledgeable guides, very personable, especially with our young child! Great experience for the whole family!
"great experience for the whole family"
October 12, 2017 - F.
something for every age
"Fun and Educational"
October 9, 2017 - K.
Our guide was excellent. Many stories about Isle of Palms and the islands around them. We had an hour to explore an "untouched" island where no humans are allowed to live. Very enjoyable.
"Dolphin Boat Ride"
September 21, 2017 - C.
Great experience. Great tour.
"Great!"
September 16, 2017 - O.
Tour guides were great! Definitely recommend!
"Great Trip"
September 9, 2017 - C.
Really informative guides - was great to get off the boat and be able to explore during the trip.
"amazing dolphin sitings"
August 27, 2017 - F.
It was the highlight of our week vacation. I never imagined we could spend so much time viewing the dolphins from close range. The guide was a great source of information about the dolphins and the environment.
"Fantastic"
August 21, 2017 - M.
Kelsey, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. The scenery and sunset were gorgeous - we loved exploring Capers Island and seeing all of the dolphins and other wildlife!
"Not worth the time nor the money "
August 19, 2017 - m.
No dolphins in site and they know thre will be none in the area. The tour is more about an island were you get to spend 1hr looking for shells. Very misleading
"No dolphins on the "dolphin" cruise"
August 18, 2017 - L.
I believe this cruise's title is Mia-leading. It's very nice- however you take a 30 minute boat ride to an "island". Explore the island for an hour and then cruise back. Dolphins are not the focus and we didn't even see any! The Captain talked more about crabs & birds. Which is fine but the title of this excursion is mis- leading. It should say "wildlife" sunset cruise......
"Please don't call it a dolphin tour! "
August 16, 2017 - F.
This tour should be called "boat ride to island to look for shells" if u see a dolphin on your way that's great, but the entire trip was really about dropping you off at an island where u walk around in the mud for 45 min. then a return boat ride on a muddy boat back to where u started! The tour guide was really sweet, but this in no way should be described as a dolphin tour!
"Amazing!"
August 12, 2017 - B.
The whole experience was amazing! It was so much more than a dolphin watching cruise- we learned all about the area's sea life and saw parts of the islands that we didn't know existed. It was the highlight of our vacation!
"Fantastic family experience"
August 12, 2017 - M.
John and Jesse were fantastic and we learned a great deal about the area wildlife. Seeing dolphin pods close to the boat was incredible! And the island walk to take family pictures just topped off the excursion. Thanks for a really fun adventure.
"Very Informative"
August 1, 2017 - C.
The guide was great with kids while being extremely funny, energetic, and educational. I would highly recommend.
"Great experience "
July 24, 2017 - B.
My family had a great time. We saw dolphins, crabs, pelicans and other sea left. The captain and guide were fun and entertaining.
"We have recently gone on the Sunset Cruise two times. We had grandchildren visiting and they all loved it!"
July 21, 2017 - R.
Our Captains and Crews were exceptional and knowledgeable. I learned something new each time I went.
"Wonderful and relaxing tour of the barrier islands."
July 15, 2017 - G.
We enjoyed our cruise very much and learned a lot about the eco system as well. The stop at Capers Island was really nice and our captain and naturalist were wonderful. It was our first evening in the Charleston area and it was a great way to start our vacation.
"Great excursion with bonus"
July 3, 2017 - B.
Educational, fun and bonus stop ofor to collect shells. Loved it.
"Interesting and great fun"
June 30, 2017 - F.
Very good trip. Captain and guide were friendly and informative. Saw lots of dolphins and Boneyard Beach was stunningly beautiful...highly recommend.
"Excellent "
June 28, 2017 - C.
The tour guides are very educated! Kelsey has a wicked sense of humor. Thank you for singing Happy Birthday to my daughter Jennifer and the other tourist- Evan.
"Beautiful sunset Family Cruise"
June 28, 2017 - S.
Family of 4, 2 teenagers, we had great time on this eco cruise. We saw dolphins 10 minutes into this 2.5 hour cruise. The "naturalists" dog Hobbes barked every time dolphins were near. Also the stop on Caper Island was great. 5 stars!!!
"Very good! "
June 22, 2017 - R.
Learned a lot, very educational.
"So much fun"
June 16, 2017 - M.
Trip was great, we saw dolphins and many different birds.
"5"
June 12, 2017 - C.
It was great, Captain Kelsey and Mike were great!
"Fun Family Experience"
June 10, 2017 - A.
We took the sunset cruise with two kids. It was a great time. The captain and the guide really took the time to interact with the kids. They both were both really knowledgeable and seemed to really love what they were doing. Even though the boat was at full capacity, it did not feel crowded, plenty of space. We did not expect the display of materials on the boat, which was really nice. Would definitely recommend this to anyone.
"Beautiful evening"
April 21, 2017 - A.
Excellent and knowledgeable guides. Very entertaining and fun. Always felt safe and all questions were answered with ease! Would set recommend to others!
"Fantastic!"
April 11, 2017 - O.
Beautiful sunset cruise, fantastic crew. Loved learning about animals in their natural habitat.
"The guild was very informative and interesting he made it really fun. The kids liked the interaction with him. We saw several dolphin it was a beautiful evening too "
April 3, 2017 - R.
See above review
"Great"
April 2, 2017 - H.
Great
"Great experience!"
March 30, 2017 - C.
Guide was very knowledgeable and personable, great for younger children
"Excellent"
March 11, 2017 - O.
Really good.
"Loved Capers Island"
December 29, 2016 - H.
Great cruise and staff!! Our party of 20 (adults and our kids -ages 8 thru 21) enjoyed it all. Time spent on Capers Island exploring and watching dolphins was perfect! Thank you!!!!
"Five stars "
November 20, 2016 - T.
Captain Mike very knowledge and witty . Perfect cruise . Only wish I had brought a jacket
"Informative, fun and beautiful "
November 19, 2016 - B.
We had a wonderful time on the Dolphin Sunset Cruise. Our guide, Mike, was knowledgeable, funny and thoughtful. We saw a dolphin in the first five minutes of being on the water, learned a lot of great information about the area and had the opportunity to explore a gorgeous beach. And the sunset was breathtaking!
"Dolphins and Turtles Oh My"
August 10, 2015 - B.
I’ve never written an on-line review before. But I was so impressed with Barrier Island Eco Tours that I thought they deserved my plug. My kids had a total blast with the two women captains who were engaged with all the kids and full of really interesting information for the adults. As advertised, we saw tons of dolphins and even a turtle. I kept thinking my parents would have loved being a part of the trip as well. Do it!
"Our 3rd Time"
August 2, 2015 - P.
We look forward every year to going on a cruise with Casey and Courtney. The kids love the dolphins – we love just relaxing on the water and then walking on the island’s beach. We will be back again next year. Thanks for all the memories.
"Good Time"
July 20, 2015 - U.
We had a fun time on the tour and my family enjoyed it
"My Kids Loved It"
July 20, 2015 - R.
I took my five and seven year old on this tour. They of course wanted to see the dolphins, which we did. What we did not expect was to go to Caper’s Island but this was really the highlight of the trip. The kids saw an alligator and the Captain caught a crab which they loved touching and then releasing. The two captains could not have been nicer or better informed.
"Beautiful Eco Tour"
July 12, 2015 - B.
I went with my friend from home and am so glad we went. I am an avid birder and found the eco tour fascinating. I was less interested in the dolphins (which are beautiful) than I was in the birds. We had a wonderful time walking along the shore of the island spotting everything from ibises playing the waves to nesting osprey. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys being outdoors.