1
$$Editor's Pick
Dolphin guarantee means you WILL see dolphins. Captain Derek has been doing this for decades and knows exactly where to find them. Magic every time.
Tybee Island, Georgia
The Best Boat & Dolphin Tours
in Tybee Island
5 top-rated boat & dolphin tours in Tybee Island, GA. Savannah's Beach. Updated for 2026.
Tybee Island is the hub for boat and dolphin tours in the greater Savannah area, and for good reason—the waters around this barrier island are where the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins live and feed year-round. Most dolphin tour operators depart from Lazaretto Creek Marina on the western side of the island, putting you in prime dolphin territory within minutes of leaving the dock. The resident dolphin pods here are remarkably comfortable around boats, frequently surfacing alongside vessels and riding bow wakes to the delight of passengers. Beyond dolphin watching, Tybee's waterways offer kayak tours through pristine salt marshes, paddling excursions to the undeveloped shores of Little Tybee Island, and private charters for fishing or sunset cruises. The waters between Tybee and Little Tybee are sheltered enough for kayaking even when the open Atlantic is rough. Spring and fall are ideal for wildlife viewing—the marshes fill with migratory birds, and dolphin activity peaks during the warmer months. Book morning tours in summer to beat the afternoon thunderstorms that build over the coast almost daily from June through August.
2
$$$
Private charter means your own boat, your own schedule. Perfect for proposals, special occasions, or just wanting a more intimate experience.
3
$$
Paddle to a deserted island! Little Tybee is undeveloped and feels like you've gone back in time. Dolphins often swim right alongside the kayaks.
4
$
Perfect for first-time kayakers. The guides are patient and knowledgeable, and the Little Tybee Island tour is a Tybee must-do. Plus, they welcome dogs on tours!
5
$$
Great for families with kids. The crew is patient and makes the experience educational without being boring. Dolphins love to show off for the boats.
Tips for Boat & Dolphin Tours on Tybee Island
- •Book morning tours in summer to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms that roll in from the mainland almost daily from June through August.
- •Arrive at Lazaretto Creek Marina at least 15 minutes before your departure time—parking can fill up during peak season weekends.
- •Bring reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a waterproof phone case. There is little shade on most vessels and the glare off the water is intense.
- •Combine your boat tour with lunch at one of Tybee's casual seafood spots and an afternoon on the beach to make a full day trip from Savannah.
- •Ask your captain about the tides—outgoing tides concentrate fish and dolphins in the channels between Tybee and Little Tybee, often producing the best sightings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Tybee Island from downtown Savannah?
Tybee Island is about 20 miles east of downtown Savannah, roughly a 30 to 40 minute drive via US-80. The drive itself is scenic, crossing marshlands and the Bull River. There is no public transit to Tybee, so you will need a car, rideshare, or shuttle service.
What boat & dolphin tours options are available on Tybee Island?
Tybee Island has 5 boat & dolphin tours operators listed in our directory. The island is the primary departure point for dolphin watching tours, kayak excursions, and private boat charters in the Savannah area. Most operators launch from Lazaretto Creek Marina on the island's west side.
When is the best season to visit Tybee Island for boat & dolphin tours?
Spring through early fall offers the best conditions for water activities around Tybee. Dolphin sightings are most frequent from April through October. Summer brings the warmest water but also afternoon thunderstorms, so morning departures are recommended. Fall offers pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
Can I combine a Tybee Island boat tour with other activities?
Absolutely. Morning boat tours leave plenty of time for an afternoon on Tybee Beach, lunch at one of the island's seafood restaurants, or a visit to the Tybee Island Light Station. Many visitors make a full day of it—boat tour in the morning, beach in the afternoon, and fresh seafood for dinner before heading back to Savannah.