Savannah: 2-Hour Dolphin & Lowcountry Eco Tour on River Street

Two hours watching dolphins work the salt marshes while the Port of Savannah moves cargo past you.

You spend two hours on the Savannah River spotting dolphins and learning the Lowcountry ecosystem from the Captain and First Mate. The boat departs from downtown River Street, includes narration and marine wildlife sightings, and welcomes BYOB beverages. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with strollers and service animals accommodated.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin eco tour on Savannah river

• Board River Explorer on River Street
• Learn Savannah history from Captain and First Mate
• Travel down river past containerships
• Search for Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
• Explore Lowcountry ecosystem and salt marshes

The experience

You board the River Explorer right on River Street in downtown Savannah, and within minutes you're moving downriver with the Captain and First Mate narrating as you go. The boat heads out into the Lowcountry waterways where the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins actually live, not in the open ocean, but in the protected salt marshes where the ecosystem starts. You'll pass containerships heading upriver to the Port of Savannah, which sounds industrial until you realize you're watching the actual working side of the city most visitors never see. The whole thing takes two hours, and it's narrated the whole way, so you're not just floating around hoping to spot something.

The dolphins show up because this is where they feed. The Captain knows the patterns, where they hunt, when they surface, what the birds are doing overhead. You learn about the Lowcountry ecosystem as it unfolds in front of you, not as a lecture. Kids sit fine on this tour, and if you've got an infant, a stroller works. The boat moves at a pace that suits all fitness levels, which really just means you sit and watch. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are for sale onboard, but the tour is BYOB for anything stronger. Bring your own beer or wine if you want, and drink responsibly. That detail alone changes the vibe from a typical tour boat to something more relaxed.

The River Street location means no long drive, no shuttle, no waiting around. You walk down, you board, you're on the water. The sightings aren't guaranteed (dolphins are wild), but the Captain knows where they usually are, and the narration covers the whole ecosystem whether they show or not. Service animals are welcome, and public transportation is nearby if you're not driving.

What’s included

• Two-hour narrated eco-tour on the Savannah River with the Captain and First Mate, dolphin and marine wildlife sightings, views of the Port of Savannah containerships, and education on the Lowcountry salt marsh ecosystem. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks available for purchase.
• BYOB welcome for adult beverages.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SundayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Savannah Harbor Cruises

Is this one for you?Right for travelers staying downtown Savannah who want to see the river and its wildlife without arranging transport. The boat leaves from River Street itself. The two-hour length fits between other plans, and it works for families with young children and strollers.

Traveler reviews

4.84★★★★★★★★★★

329 verified traveler reviews

5 ★297

4 ★21

3 ★4

2 ★3

1 ★4

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the dolphin tour?

Two hours total, departing from River Street in downtown Savannah.

Will we definitely see dolphins?

Dolphins are wild and sightings are not guaranteed, but the Captain knows the salt marshes where they feed and narrates the ecosystem throughout the tour regardless.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Yes, the tour is BYOB for adult beverages. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are also available for purchase onboard.

Where does the boat depart from?

The River Explorer is located on River Street in downtown Savannah, with public transportation options nearby.

What else will we see besides dolphins?

You'll see birds, other marine life, and containerships heading upriver to the Port of Savannah. The Captain narrates the entire Lowcountry ecosystem throughout the tour.