Best of Savannah

Savannah, Georgia

The Best Boat & Dolphin Tours
in Savannah

4 top-rated boat & dolphin tours in Savannah, GA. The Hostess City of the South. Updated for 2026.

Savannah's riverfront is the departure point for most boat tours in the downtown area, with the Savannah Riverboat Cruises docking right on River Street. The paddlewheel riverboat offers sightseeing, dinner, and brunch cruises along the Savannah River, passing massive container ships heading to and from the port—an unexpectedly dramatic sight. Sunset cruises are popular and provide some of the best views of the city skyline as the light fades over the Historic District. For dolphin tours and wildlife excursions, you will generally need to head east toward the coast, where operators run trips from marinas along the route to Tybee Island. Bull River Cruises, located between downtown and Tybee, offers a convenient middle ground with sunset dolphin tours through the coastal waterways. The river itself is tidal, so cruise schedules sometimes shift with the tides. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions on the water, though summer trips have the advantage of longer daylight and warmer water temperatures.

Boat Tour Tips for Savannah

  • Book morning tours during summer months. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from June through August, and calm morning water makes for better dolphin sightings.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses regardless of cloud cover. UV exposure on the water is intense and there is limited shade on most tour vessels.
  • If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a Savannah River cruise over an open-water dolphin tour. The river is calmer and the larger vessels are more stable.
  • Ask about BYOB policies before boarding. Some operators welcome coolers with drinks and snacks, which can make a sunset cruise even more enjoyable.
  • Spring and fall offer the best overall conditions: comfortable temperatures, active wildlife, and fewer crowds than the peak summer tourist season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many boat & dolphin tours are in Savannah?

Our directory lists 4 vetted boat & dolphin tours in Savannah. Each has been selected based on local reputation, customer reviews, and verified credentials. We focus on quality over quantity to help you find the right fit without wading through hundreds of unvetted listings.

What area of Savannah has the most boat & dolphin tours?

The Historic District is the heart of Savannah's boat & dolphin tours scene. Most are concentrated between River Street to the north and Forsyth Park to the south, with many clustered around the city's famous squares. This area is highly walkable, so you can easily explore multiple options in a single outing.

What is the best time to visit Savannah for boat & dolphin tours?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the best weather and comfortable conditions for exploring. Summer is peak tourist season with hot, humid conditions. October brings special events and Halloween-themed activities. Winter is mild but some seasonal operations may have reduced hours.

Do I need to book boat & dolphin tours in advance in Savannah?

For popular tours and fine dining, advance booking is recommended, especially during peak season and weekends. During slower months and midweek, walk-ins are more feasible. Holiday weekends and special event dates like St. Patrick's Day sell out well in advance.

How were these Savannah boat & dolphin tours selected?

We research and vet every business in our directory using a combination of verified Google reviews, local reputation, years in business, proper licensing, and firsthand knowledge of the Savannah market. We do not accept payment for listings or ranking position. Our goal is to surface the businesses that locals actually trust and recommend.