Tybee Island Dolphin Cruise Day Trip from Savannah

4.7 (382 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

Duration5.5 hours
Daily
Group

Tybee Island Dolphin Cruise Day Trip from Savannah

5.0 on Google

Fair, honest prices
Real people, not bots
Confirm, then pay
Secure payment

Overview

This 5.5-hour day trip takes you from Savannah to Tybee Island, Georgia's beach island on the Atlantic coast, with transport by trolley or bus included. On the island you board a boat to look for wild bottlenose dolphins in the tidal creeks and open water, with a live guide explaining the wildlife and the coast. It suits couples, families and anyone who wants a break from city sightseeing with sea air, views of the Atlantic and a gentle, unhurried outing on the water.

Highlights

A boat cruise to look for wild dolphins off Tybee Island
Transport from Savannah to Tybee Island by trolley or bus, so you do not need a car
Views of the Atlantic Ocean, salt marsh and the island shoreline
A live guide who explains the wildlife, the coast and the island's history
Time on a classic Georgia barrier island with its beach and seaside town
A relaxed 5.5-hour day that fits easily around other Savannah plans
A departure at 11:30, with the meeting point shown on your voucher after booking

Full Description

Tybee Island, Savannah's beach island on the Atlantic

Tybee Island is the beach town of Savannah, a small barrier island where the Savannah River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The road from the city runs through salt marsh and across a series of bridges, and the trip by trolley or bus takes around half an hour, so the day trip from Savannah to Tybee Island is easy without a car. This outing is built for people asking how to get to Tybee Island from Savannah without driving or parking.

The island has a wide sandy beach, a pier and pavilion, small local shops and a relaxed seaside feel. The historic Tybee Island Light Station and the old Fort Screven area sit on the northern end and are popular with visitors who want some history alongside the water. Food and drinks are available to buy on the island.

The Tybee Island dolphin cruise

The heart of the day is the Tybee Island dolphin cruise. Bottlenose dolphins live along the Georgia coast and are often seen in the tidal creeks, channels and open water around Tybee, where they hunt for fish and sometimes ride the wake of boats. The boat moves slowly through the best areas while the guide points out where to look, and the deck gives you a clear view in every direction.

Sightings cannot be guaranteed, because these are wild animals, but the chance of seeing dolphins on a Tybee Island dolphin tour is high in the warm months. Along the way you may also see shorebirds, pelicans and the long line of the marsh, and you can take photographs of the ocean and the shoreline.

The Atlantic coast, marsh and the best time to go

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for a dolphin cruise from Savannah, with mild air, moderate sun and usually calm water. Summer is warm and humid, with the warmest sea and many dolphins active, but afternoon thunderstorms are possible and the sun is strong, so bring sun protection. Winter is cooler and the water can be choppier on windy days.

Wear layers and closed, non-slip shoes, because the deck can be damp, and keep a light jacket for the breeze on the water even in warm weather. If the weather or sea conditions are unsafe, the operator may adjust or cancel the cruise, and our desk will contact you with the options.

Is a Tybee Island day trip worth it?

If you have two or three days in Savannah and have already walked the squares, Tybee gives you a different side of the coast. The mix of ride, boat and seaside is why many travellers ask whether a Tybee Island day trip is worth it; for families, couples and anyone who loves animals and open water, it usually is.

The outing lasts 5.5 hours from departure, so it fits between a morning in the historic district and a late afternoon or evening in the city. Keep your voucher ready, arrive a little before the 11:30 start and allow time for the return transport, which brings you back to Savannah.

Itinerary

Meet in SavannahCheck in at the meeting point shown on your voucher shortly before the 11:30 departure.
Ride to Tybee IslandTravel by trolley or bus across the marsh to the island, around half an hour, with a live guide on board.
Board the boatSettle on deck for the dolphin cruise, where the guide explains the wildlife and the coastline.
Dolphin spotting and Atlantic viewsLook for wild dolphins in the creeks and open water and take photographs of the ocean and shore.
Time on Tybee IslandWalk the island at your own pace; food and drinks are available to buy locally.
Return to SavannahRide back by trolley or bus, arriving in the city after about five and a half hours in total.

What's included

Boat cruise to spot dolphins
Transport to Tybee Island by trolley or bus
Views of the Atlantic Ocean
Live guide

Not included

Parking fees
Food and drinks available for purchase
Tips

Is this right for you?

Great for

Families with children — a child price for ages 3–12
Nature and wildlife lovers
Anyone who wants to see it from the water
Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.7/5 by past travellers

Think twice if

You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
You get seasick easily

Not suitable for

Travellers who need a guaranteed dolphin sighting, since the animals are wild
Visitors who want a private charter or a swimming and snorkelling trip
Guests who are prone to seasickness and dislike boats, even on calm water
Anyone expecting hotel pickup, which is not part of this tour

Meeting point

Meet at the meeting point in Savannah, shown on your voucher after booking, a little before the 11:30 departure. Transport to Tybee Island by trolley or bus starts from there. Hotel pickup is not included, so please plan your own way to the meeting point.

Important information

Bring your voucher, printed or on your phone.
Arrive at the meeting point a little before 11:30 so the group can leave on time.
Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and bring sun protection, a hat, sunglasses and a light jacket for the breeze.
Food and drinks are available to buy on the island and are not included; parking fees and tips are also not included.
Dolphin sightings cannot be guaranteed because the animals are wild.
Weather and sea conditions can change the cruise; our desk will contact you if there is a change.
Bring a camera or phone with enough battery for photographs of the ocean and wildlife.
Age ranges for adults and children are shown in the booking panel.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the Tybee Island dolphin cruise cost?

The price depends on the number of adults and children in your group. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and for children before you pay.

Is transport from Savannah included?

Yes. The tour includes transport to Tybee Island by trolley or bus, the boat cruise to look for dolphins, views of the Atlantic Ocean and a live guide. Hotel pickup is not included.

How long is the Tybee Island dolphin tour?

The whole outing lasts about five and a half hours, starting at 11:30 from Savannah and including the ride to the island, the cruise and the return.

How do I get to Tybee Island from Savannah?

The island is about half an hour from Savannah by road. On this tour, transport by trolley or bus is included, so you do not need to drive, find parking or arrange a taxi.

Will we definitely see dolphins?

Dolphin sightings cannot be guaranteed because they are wild animals, but bottlenose dolphins live along this coast and are often seen, especially in the warmer months.

What is the best time to visit Tybee Island for dolphins?

Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable, with mild weather and calm water. Summer is warm with active wildlife, and winter is cooler and sometimes choppier.

Is the dolphin cruise suitable for children?

Yes. Children can join with a child ticket, and the booking panel shows the age range. Bring sun protection and keep children close to the adults on deck.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothes and non-slip shoes, and bring sun protection, a light jacket, water and a camera. Closed shoes help on a damp deck.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are available to buy on the island, but they are not part of the ticket.

Can I book for today or tomorrow?

Usually yes, subject to availability. The booking panel shows which dates are open for the 11:30 departure.