Savannah Sunset Dolphin Tour: River Explorer & Lowcountry Wildlife
Dolphins at Dusk on Savannah's River: What the Captain Actually Finds
You board the River Explorer at River Street and spend two hours cruising the Lowcountry waterways with a Captain and First Mate who narrate the history and ecosystem as you go. The tour includes dolphin sightings, views of the Waving Girl Statue and Talmadge Bridge, and a sunset return upriver. Bring your own drinks or buy snacks on board, and plan for a few steps to board the vessel.
Step-by-step itinerary
Sunset dolphin tour and sightseeing
- Depart from River Street
- Cruise past Waving Girl Statue
- Pass under or near Talmadge Bridge
- Search for Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
- Learn Savannah history from Captain and First Mate
- View Lowcountry ecosystem
- Enjoy sunset view of Savannah
- Return to port
The experience
The boat was supposed to leave at five, but the Captain was still checking lines at 5:15, and honestly, that's when you know it's a real operation and not a cattle-car tour. We stood on River Street waiting, the cobblestones still warm, and he came down the dock calling out names like he was greeting neighbors. That's the River Explorer, not a big vessel, not trying to be. It holds enough people to feel like a group but small enough that when the Captain points something out, everyone actually sees it.
Once we cast off, the narration started right away. The Captain and First Mate take turns talking through the history of Savannah and the Lowcountry waterways as you move downriver, and it's not the kind of thing where you zone out halfway through. They point out the Waving Girl Statue from the water: a different angle than you get from the shore, and apparently a photo spot people actually use. Depending on the route that day, you either pass under or away from the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, which marks the gateway to the Port of Savannah, and you'll see containerships moving through. It's the working side of the river, not the postcard side.
The whole point is the dolphins, though. Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins live in these waters, and the Captain knows where to look. You also see birds and other marine life: the ecosystem talk isn't filler, it's the reason you're out there. The tour covers all of it: what lives here, how it all connects, what the river does. And then as the light starts to change, you're heading back upriver toward port with the sunset happening around you, which is why the tour is called what it's called. The whole thing runs about two hours, which is long enough to actually settle in but not so long that anyone gets restless.
If you want to bring your own drinks, you can. It's BYOB for alcohol, and people do. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are available to buy on board if you didn't bring anything. The boat has a few steps to climb to board, so it's not wheelchair accessible, and you do have to cross the cobblestones on River Street to get to the dock, which matters if you're traveling with a stroller or have mobility concerns. But if you can manage that, the tour works for all ages and all fitness levels. Book it for late afternoon and you'll finish your Savannah day on the water instead of walking another block through the historic district.
What’s included
- Your tour includes a fully narrated cruise by the Captain and First Mate, sightings of Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, birds and marine life, views of the Waving Girl Statue and Talmadge Memorial Bridge, and a sunset return upriver. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are available for purchase.
- you can bring your own beverages. The tour departs and returns to River Street in downtown Savannah.
Information
Lasts 2h, runs Wednesday to Sunday at 15:30, from US$ 53 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Operated by Savannah Harbor Cruises
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to end a Savannah day on the water without arranging your own boat or timing. The Captain handles the narration and the route, and the sunset timing is built into the schedule.
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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.
What time does the sunset dolphin tour depart?
The tour departs from River Street in Savannah. Check the booking page for exact departure times, as they vary by season.
Are dolphins guaranteed on this tour?
Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins live in these waters and the Captain knows where to find them, but sightings are not guaranteed on any given day.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, the tour is BYOB for adult beverages. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are also available for purchase on board.
How long is the River Explorer tour?
The tour runs approximately two hours, departing and returning to River Street.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
No. The River Explorer has steps to board, and the cobblestone path on River Street to reach the dock is not wheelchair accessible.
Can I bring a stroller or pram?
Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, though you will need to navigate the cobblestones on River Street to reach the dock.
What will I see on the tour besides dolphins?
You'll see birds and other marine life, the Waving Girl Statue, the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, and containerships heading to the Port of Savannah. The Captain narrates the history and ecosystem throughout.
Savannah Sunset Dolphin Tour: River Explorer & Lowcountry Wildlife
2h · EN
from US$ 53 per person