Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise: Fast Boat Tour & Wildlife Sighting

Summary

Speed boat adventure from Little River searching for dolphins and sea life

You’ll feel the wind on your face during this Myrtle Beach dolphin cruise as you speed down the Intracoastal Waterway with a local guide pointing out wildlife—maybe even bald eagles or sea turtles if you’re lucky. Watch for dolphins surfacing near Little River inlet before drifting past remote Bird Island. It’s lively but somehow peaceful too—you might find yourself thinking about it later.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s waving from the Big M Casino dock as we shuffle onto the Sea Racer — I nearly trip over my own flip-flop, but nobody seems to notice. The boat’s bigger than I pictured, with families squeezing in together, kids already peering over the rails. Our captain — I think his name was Mike — grins and tells us to hang on tight because “she’s got some kick.” He wasn’t kidding; when we hit the open stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway, there’s this salty spray in the air and everyone’s hair goes wild. It smells like sunscreen and diesel and something green I can’t quite place.

The dolphin cruise from Myrtle Beach isn’t just about dolphins, though. Mike keeps up this running commentary — he points out ospreys circling above, and at one point, someone shouts “bald eagle!” (I missed it, too slow with my camera). We pass these shrimp boats that look half-asleep in the sun, ropes dangling everywhere. There’s a moment where everything gets quiet except for the engine hum and you can hear gulls fighting over scraps behind us. Didn’t expect to feel so small out here.

We do spot dolphins eventually — just a couple at first, then more surfacing near Little River inlet. Everyone rushes to one side of the boat (which makes it wobble in a way that gets a few nervous laughs). A little girl next to me squeals every time she sees a fin; her dad keeps trying to film but mostly catches his own thumb. The guide jokes about how dolphins always show up late for their own party. After that, we drift past Bird Island, which is all wild dunes and tangled grass — apparently you can only get there by walking or by boat. Didn’t know that before. The whole thing feels both fast and slow at once, if that makes sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin cruise and narrated waterway tour

• Depart from Big M Casino dock
• Enjoy narrated Intracoastal Waterway tour
• Search for dolphins and wildlife
• Pass by southern North Carolina waterfront town
• View Bird Island barrier island
• Return to Big M Casino dock

Top questions

How long does the Myrtle Beach dolphin cruise last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but most tours cover several key spots along the Intracoastal Waterway and Little River inlet.

Where does the dolphin cruise depart from?

The tour departs from the Big M Casino waterfront dock in Little River.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, Sea Racer has a restroom available for passengers.

Are children allowed on this dolphin cruise?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome; infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap.

Will I definitely see dolphins?

Dolphin sightings are likely but not guaranteed since they’re wild animals in their natural habitat.

Is wheelchair assistance available?

Yes, wheelchair assistance is available onsite for boarding.

What wildlife might I see besides dolphins?

You may see bald eagles, ospreys, sea turtles, stingrays, and other local wildlife during the cruise.

Does this tour include any food or drinks?

No meals or drinks are included; only all fees and taxes are covered in your ticket.

What’s included

Your day includes all fees and taxes covered up front—just show up at the Big M Casino dock in Little River and hop aboard Sea Racer for your narrated dolphin cruise along Myrtle Beach’s waterways. There’s plenty of space to move around on deck plus an onboard restroom for comfort throughout your wildlife search before returning back where you started.