The Best Places for Dolphin Spotting in Charleston

Charleston’s coast is home to one of the most beloved marine animals: the dolphin. Watching these playful creatures in their natural habitat is a highlight for many visitors, and there are several great spots in the area to do so.

1. Charleston Harbor: Whether you’re on a boat tour or exploring the harbor by kayak, the waters around Charleston are a prime spot for dolphin sightings. The dolphins are often seen in small pods, playing near the boats or swimming in the tidal creeks. Several local companies offer dolphin-watching tours, which provide a unique opportunity to see these intelligent creatures up close while learning about their behavior and habitat.
2. Folly Beach: The waters off Folly Beach are a hotspot for dolphin activity. Visitors often see dolphins swimming near the shore or leaping out of the water in playful displays. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for sightings, as the dolphins tend to be most active during these cooler parts of the day.
3. Kiawah Island: The marshes and tidal creeks of Kiawah Island are another prime location for dolphin spotting. The calm waters in these areas allow dolphins to hunt for fish and interact with one another, providing visitors with an unforgettable wildlife experience.
4. Isle of Palms: This barrier island offers several opportunities to see dolphins, whether from the shore, while kayaking, or on a boat tour. The waters are teeming with marine life, and dolphins are often seen leaping and swimming just beyond the surf.

Whether you’re on a tour or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area, Charleston’s coastline offers ample opportunities to spot dolphins in their natural environment. Here are some options to consider:​

Charleston Outdoor Adventures: Offers eco-friendly boat tours with a 99% chance of encountering wild bottlenose dolphins while exploring the tidal creeks behind Folly Beach.

Barrier Island Eco Tours: Provides a 2.5-hour sunset dolphin cruise to encounter bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles near Capers Island, including a beach exploration.

Flipper Finders: Specializes in thrilling boat tours, dolphin encounters, and kayaking adventures around Charleston and Folly Beach.

Charleston Water Taxi: Offers a unique way to see and photograph Charleston’s harbor while watching dolphins; cruises last about one hour.

Sandlapper Water Tours: Provides a 2-hour dolphin and nature eco-tour, including a visit to the uninhabited Morris Island and opportunities to spot various wildlife.

Charleston SC Dolphin Tours: Run by experienced US Coast Guard certified captains, offering family-friendly and pet-friendly dolphin tours around Charleston and Folly Beach.

Each of these tours offers a unique experience, so consider what aspects are most important to you—such as tour length, additional wildlife sightings, or specific locations—when making your choice.

Happy dolphin spotting!