Savannah & Tybee Island: Dolphin Cruise, Lighthouse Stop & Crab Shack Lunch

Summary

From Savannah to Tybee: dolphins, old lighthouses, and messy crab lunches

You’ll ride from Savannah to Tybee Island by trolley or bus, eat lunch at The Crab Shack (on your own), then set off on a dolphin cruise through Tybee’s waterways with local guides who know every story. There’s a stop by the historic lighthouse for photos before heading back — expect sea breezes and maybe some laughter you didn’t see coming.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, we nearly missed the trolley because I couldn’t find my sunglasses (they were in my bag — classic). But we made it out of Savannah just as the humidity started to settle in, windows fogging up a little as we rolled past those mossy oaks. Our guide, Angela, joked about “island time” and I guess she meant it — everything slowed down once we hit Tybee. At The Crab Shack, there were cats weaving under picnic tables and that salty smell from the marshes mixing with fried shrimp. I ordered too much food. No regrets.

The dolphin cruise was next. I didn’t expect to laugh so much — everyone kept pointing and shouting when a fin popped up, like we’d never seen dolphins before (I hadn’t, not like this). The captain knew every sandbar and called out osprey nests as we passed Fort Pulaski in the distance. Sun on my arms, wind tangling my hair. I still think about that view back toward Cockspur Island Lighthouse — kind of hazy but beautiful in its own way.

We stopped by Tybee Island Lighthouse after the boat ride. You can’t go inside unless you buy a ticket (which isn’t included), but honestly just standing there with the Atlantic stretching out behind it felt enough for me. Some folks lined up for photos; others just leaned against the fence quietly. On the way back to Savannah, Angela handed out wet wipes for our crabby fingers and told us how storms sometimes knock out power on Tybee for hours — she said it like it was just another part of life here. And then someone’s phone rang with a ringtone that sounded like seagulls, which made half the trolley laugh for no good reason.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Tybee Island and Dolphin Cruise

• Travel via trolley or bus to Tybee Island
• Have lunch on your own at the Crab Shack
• Board boat for dolphin cruise
• Pass by Fort Pulaski during cruise
• Pass by Cockspur Island Lighthouse
• Stop at Tybee Island Lighthouse for photos
• Return to Savannah

Top questions

Is lunch included in the Tybee Island dolphin cruise tour?

No, lunch at The Crab Shack is not included in the ticket price; you'll pay separately.

Does this tour include entry to Tybee Island Lighthouse?

No, admission to the lighthouse or museum is not included; you can stop for photos outside.

How long is the day trip from Savannah to Tybee Island?

The excursion lasts about 5-6 hours total.

Is pickup included from hotels in Savannah?

The tour departs from Savannah Visitors Center; hotel pickup is not mentioned.

Are infants allowed on this dolphin cruise?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

Times may change due to local traffic or weather conditions; check ahead if storms are expected.

Can you enter Fort Pulaski or Cockspur Lighthouse during this tour?

No entry is included; you'll pass them by boat during the dolphin cruise.

Is parking available at the departure point?

Piad parking is available at Savannah Visitors Center where the tour starts.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transport by trolley or bus from Savannah to Tybee Island, a guided dolphin cruise through local waterways with admission covered, free time for lunch at The Crab Shack (lunch cost not included), plus a photo stop by Tybee Island Lighthouse before returning to Savannah in late afternoon.