Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruise
Overview
Join us on a 2.5-hour evening adventure to discover bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles in their natural habitat! Cruise through scenic salt marshes and inlets behind the barrier islands, where your knowledgeable naturalist guides share insights into dolphin behavior, feeding patterns, and the protected life of loggerhead sea turtles—frequently spotted in summer. Enjoy up-close wildlife encounters and a serene sunset voyage. Midway, explore the unique “Bone-yard Beach” on Capers Island, where ancient tree remains wash ashore. Trips run Sunday–Friday, 6:00–8:30 PM, Memorial Day to Labor Day; off-season trips are Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings timed with sunset. Perfect for nature lovers of all ages!
What's Included
- Captain and Naturalist Guide
- Parking Fee per hour
Meeting Location
50 41st Avenue
Isle of Palms, SC 29451, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Join your naturalist on a search and discovery mission on this 2.5-hour boat excursion to encounter the fascinating bottlenose dolphin and loggerhead sea turtle. Bottlenose dolphins are a common resident of your salt marshes and inlets behind the barrier islands. As you observe the dolphins feeding, playing, or simply cruising around in their native environment, you will learn all about their social behavior, feeding habits, and much more. Also, learn about the life history of the threatened loggerhead sea turtle, which we often catch sight of during the summer months. You will also have about 1 hour to get off the boat and explore Capers Island's "Bone-yard Beach".
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- What to bring:
- You are welcome to bring your own refreshments and small cooler for the trip. Beer and wine is welcome for passengers ages 21 and over.
- Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing and shoes or sandals.
- Bathing suits are optional since you are welcome to get in the water during this excursion.
- Please feel free to bring a bag with sunscreen, towels, cameras, binoculars, bug spray, or anything else that will make your trip more enjoyable.
- Credit card to pay for parking. Text to pay system located in parking lot
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 42 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5628560P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.94 out of 5 stars based on 17 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruise. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- Captain and Naturalist Guide.
- Parking Fee per hour.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruise is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Captain and Naturalist Guide
- Parking Fee per hour
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- What to bring:
- You are welcome to bring your own refreshments and small cooler for the trip. Beer and wine is welcome for passengers ages 21 and over.
- Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing and shoes or sandals.
- Bathing suits are optional since you are welcome to get in the water during this excursion.
- Please feel free to bring a bag with sunscreen, towels, cameras, binoculars, bug spray, or anything else that will make your trip more enjoyable.
- Credit card to pay for parking. Text to pay system located in parking lot
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 42 travelers
