Catamaran Dolphin Cruise Myrtle Beach: Barrier Island Stop

Wild dolphins in their habitat, then sand between your toes on an island no road reaches.

A 2-hour catamaran tour from Myrtle Beach that combines dolphin and sea turtle spotting on the Intracoastal Waterway with a beach stop on one of two barrier islands — Waites Island or Bird Island — where you swim, shell-hunt or just walk the undeveloped sand. The boat carries a live English-speaking guide; life jackets and safety equipment are provided. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise with island stops

• Pass Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
• Pass Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
• Pass Governors Lighthouse in Little River
• Stop at Bird Island for beach exploration
• Stop at Waites Island for beach time

The Experience

What makes this tour work is the two-part rhythm: the first hour moves through the Intracoastal Waterway where bottlenose dolphins and leatherback sea turtles surface in their natural range, and the boat passes the Governors Lighthouse in Little River and the Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens before turning toward open water. The catamaran itself is built for this — stable enough for families with small children, fast enough to cover ground without eating the whole morning.

The second half is the barrier island stop. You land on either Waites Island or Bird Island, both undeveloped — no construction, no crowds, just 1,000 acres of salt marsh, high dunes and protected shoreline. Bring a swimsuit if you want to wade in; the water is shallow near the islands. Most people shell-hunt or walk the sand, and the guide stays with the group to point out what lives there. Infants and toddlers can come in a stroller or pram, and the sand is firm enough that wheels work.

The whole tour runs two hours, which means you're back by early afternoon. Refreshments — coffee, sodas, snacks — are sold onboard, so you can grab something while you're watching for dolphins. Life jackets fit all sizes and ages, and the crew handles the safety briefing before departure. No experience needed; families with young kids and older adults both run this tour regularly.

What’s included

• 2-hour catamaran cruise with live English-speaking guide.
• life jackets and safety equipment for all passengers.
• 30-minute beach exploration stop on Waites Island or Bird Island.
• passage through the Intracoastal Waterway past the Governors Lighthouse and Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Southern Shores Island And Dolphin Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this tour for a first morning in Myrtle Beach or a free afternoon when you want to see wild dolphins without planning a separate boat rental — the catamaran, the guide and the island access are all arranged, so you just show up and step aboard.

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Top questions

What dolphins and sea turtles will I actually see on the catamaran?

Bottlenose dolphins and leatherback sea turtles are the main wildlife the tour targets in the Intracoastal Waterway. The guide watches for them and points them out when they surface, but sightings depend on the day and the season — there's no guarantee, though dolphins are common in these waters.

Can I bring my toddler on the catamaran dolphin cruise?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the catamaran is stable enough for families with young kids.

What are Waites Island and Bird Island like?

Both are undeveloped barrier islands — the last of their kind in South Carolina with no buildings or roads. Waites Island and Bird Island each have pristine sandy beaches, high dunes, salt marsh, and are home to birds, plants and wildlife. You can swim, hunt for seashells, build sandcastles or just walk the sand during your 30-minute stop.

How long is the whole tour and when does it end?

The tour runs 2 hours total: roughly one hour on the water spotting dolphins and passing Little River and the Governors Lighthouse, then 30 minutes exploring one of the barrier islands before heading back to Myrtle Beach.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

Life jackets, safety equipment and the guide are included. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard — coffee, sodas and light food — but are not part of the tour price.

Is there a meeting point, and do I need to arrange my own way there?

The tour departs from Myrtle Beach; public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have a car. Confirm your exact departure point and arrival time when you book.