Jekyll Island: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour & Wildlife Sighting

Summary

Jekyll’s wild dolphins, salt marshes and shrimp boats drifting by

You’ll feel the wind in your hair as wild dolphins surface near your boat on this Jekyll Island dolphin tour. Watch shrimp boats pass by and spot sea turtles or manatees in quiet marshes while your local captain shares stories. Perfect for families or anyone who wants to feel close to Georgia’s coast for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s a big one!” someone shouted, and for a second I thought it was just another wave — but then the bottlenose dolphin arched out of the water right next to our boat. The guide, Captain Ray, grinned like he’d seen it a thousand times but still loved it. He started telling us about how these dolphins stick around Jekyll Island year-round, which I didn’t know. The air smelled briny and sharp, and there was this soft slap of water against the hull that made me want to just close my eyes for a second (but I didn’t — didn’t want to miss anything).

We drifted past some shrimp boats — old wooden ones with nets hanging like tired laundry — and I caught this whiff of diesel mixed with salt. It’s weirdly comforting. Captain Ray pointed out an egret stalking through the marsh grass (“they’re basically the local celebrities,” he joked), and then we saw two manatees rolling in the shallows. Honestly, I’d come for the dolphin tour but seeing those slow gray shapes gliding under the surface was kind of magic in its own way.

The sun cover on the boat helped because Georgia heat is no joke, even with the breeze off the water. There were families with strollers and even someone with a service dog — nobody seemed out of place or rushed. At one point, a little kid asked if dolphins ever get bored living here; Captain Ray just laughed and said, “If you had this much fish and sunshine, would you?” That stuck with me for some reason.

I still think about how quiet it got when everyone watched a pod swim alongside us — not talking, just watching their fins slice through that green-brown water. You can book this Jekyll Island dolphin tour pretty easily (just show up at the Wharf early), and yeah, there’s even a bathroom onboard if you’re worried about that sort of thing. Anyway… I left feeling lighter than when I arrived.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin and wildlife sightseeing tour

• Arrive 20 minutes early
• Board comfortable USCG certified boat
• Travel scenic Jekyll Island waterways
• Observe bottlenose dolphins in habitat
• Learn dolphin behavior and feeding habits
• See sea turtles, manatees, and birds
• Pass shrimp boats and luxury yachts
• Return to Jekyll Wharf

Top questions

How long is the Jekyll Island dolphin tour?

The tour lasts 90 minutes from departure at Jekyll Wharf.

Is there a bathroom on board during the dolphin tour?

Yes, each boat is equipped with a bathroom for passenger use.

Are children or infants allowed on this dolphin tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome onboard.

Will we see other wildlife besides dolphins?

You may also see sea turtles, manatees, egrets, herons, spoonbills, ospreys and more.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, boats are wheelchair accessible for all guests.

Do tours run if it rains?

Tours generally operate rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe; check ahead if unsure.

Where does the Jekyll Island dolphin tour depart from?

The tour departs from Jekyll Wharf on Jekyll Island.

Who leads these dolphin tours?

Tours are led by Master Mariners experienced in local history and ecology.

What’s included

Your day includes a 90-minute narrated cruise along Jekyll Island’s waterways with a seasoned captain at the helm; sun cover overhead; MP3 stereo music; full bathroom facilities onboard; space for wheelchairs or strollers; plus plenty of chances to spot dolphins and other wildlife before returning to shore.