Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise

A Practical and Fun Day Out: Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise

If you’re visiting Savannah and looking for a straightforward way to explore Tybee Island, this tour might be just what you need. It’s designed for travelers who want to enjoy the beach, spot dolphins, and learn some local stories without the hassle of driving or parking. We’ve seen so many good reviews of this experience, and it’s clear why it’s a favorite for many.

What really stands out are the comfortable transport and the opportunity to see dolphins up close—a crowd-pleaser no matter your age. Plus, the chance to try the famous Crab Shack seafood makes the whole trip a little more special. On the flip side, a common consideration is that the tour timing can feel a bit tight, especially if you want to explore the lighthouse or museum.

This tour is perfect for those who want an easy, stress-free way to enjoy Tybee Island’s highlights without planning every detail themselves. If you appreciate knowledgeable guides, scenic boat rides, and a mix of beach time and local bites, you’ll find a lot to love here.

Key Points

• Convenient transportation means no parking stress or driving yourself.
• Wildlife spotting, especially dolphins, is a core highlight, with many travelers seeing plenty of marine life.
• Flexible schedule with enough time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the beach.
• Includes a seafood stop at The Crab Shack, with options to purchase lunch.
• Tour guides and crew are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
• Duration of around 5 to 6 hours makes it a full but manageable day trip.

What to Expect on This Savannah to Tybee Island Tour

If you’ve ever tried planning a trip from Savannah to Tybee Island on your own, you’ll appreciate how this tour simplifies the process. It’s a roughly 5 to 6-hour excursion that covers transportation, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and leisure time.

Starting point in Downtown Savannah ensures you don’t need to hunt for parking or worry about navigating unfamiliar roads. You hop aboard a trolley bus, which is comfortable and includes round-trip transit. The guide onboard is usually friendly and eager to share stories, making the journey informative and lively.

Arrival at Tybee Island means a quick visit to one of Georgia’s most popular beaches. Here, you get free time—usually enough to walk along the sand, snap photos in front of the lighthouse, or just soak up the sun. Keep in mind that the lighthouse and museum are closed on Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.

The highlight of most trips is the dolphin cruise. This boat ride takes you through the island’s waterways, with opportunities to spot dolphins, pelicans, and sometimes even baby alligators or other wildlife. Passengers consistently rave about how many dolphins they see—some even mention they saw more dolphins than in previous trips. The cruise also passes by historic landmarks like Fort Pulaski and Cockspur Island Lighthouse, adding a touch of scenery and history.

Food and dining are an optional but popular part of the tour. The stop at The Crab Shack is renowned for its delicious seafood and relaxed vibe. Most reviews agree it’s worth the visit, though some mention the seating arrangements can attract bugs, especially if you go during warm weather.

The Itinerary: Breaking Down the Day

The tour kicks off in downtown Savannah, where you’ll meet your guide and hop onto a comfortable trolley or bus. The round-trip transit means you don’t have to worry about parking or directions, which is a real plus for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

First stop: Tybee Island. Within no time, you’re on the island, a quick drive from Savannah. As you arrive, the guide shares stories about the island’s history and local culture, helping you get oriented.

Next: Dolphin cruise. The boat departs from the dock and takes you into the waters, where dolphins are almost always present. Many travelers have described it as “very entertaining,” with the crew making sure everyone gets good views. Some mention the crew, captain, and first mate as being “amazing,” dedicated to ensuring everyone has a chance to see wildlife.

Landmarks en route: During the cruise, you’ll pass by Fort Pulaski and Cockspur Island Lighthouse, adding scenic and historical flavor to your ride—though admission to the lighthouse and museum is not included. If you’re interested, you might find these are worth exploring if your schedule allows.

After the boat ride: You’ll have some free time on the beach, which is your chance to walk along the sand, take photos, and enjoy the ocean breeze. Many reviews highlight the lighthouse, pointing out that there’s plenty of photo opportunities, especially in good weather.

Lunch at The Crab Shack: This is a beloved local spot, famous for its seafood. You’ll need to buy lunch separately, but many agree it’s worth the stop. The view from the restaurant is a highlight, and the seafood, especially the shrimp, gets rave reviews—even if some mention the seating and bugs as minor inconveniences.

Returning to Savannah: The tour concludes with the trolley ride back downtown, often arriving in time for dinner or more sightseeing.

What Travelers Love About This Tour

The most commonly praised aspect is the knowledgeable and friendly guides and crew. Many reviews mention guides who are informative, funny, and considerate—making the experience more memorable. For example, one reviewer called the driver “super knowledgeable,” and many appreciated how the crew made sure everyone saw dolphins.

The scenic boat cruise is another highlight. Seeing dolphins in the wild is a magical experience for many, and this tour seems to deliver on that. Several mention they saw “tons of dolphins,” and the boat ride itself is described as “very entertaining.”

Food stops at The Crab Shack also receive positive feedback. While not included in the ticket price, the seafood is often described as “delicious” and “worth it,” especially with the relaxed island atmosphere.

The timing and flexibility appeal to travelers wanting a manageable day trip. With roughly six hours, it’s long enough to see the highlights but not so long that it eats up your entire day.

The Downsides and Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, some travelers point out minor issues. The bus seats have been described as “very uncomfortable” by a few, which can be a concern if you’re sensitive to seating. The lighthouse and museum are closed on Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly—otherwise, you might miss out on that part of the experience.

Timing can be tight for those wanting to explore the lighthouse or museum in depth—many feel the schedule leaves just enough time for a quick walk on the beach. If you’re a history buff or want to explore more thoroughly, you may need to prioritize or extend your stay on Tybee Island.

Weather can also impact the experience, especially the dolphin cruise. Since the tour is weather-dependent, poor conditions could mean a canceled trip or a different experience, though the policy allows for full refunds or rescheduling.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price of around $74 per person, this tour offers what many travelers see as good value. Transportation, the dolphin cruise, and a chance to enjoy Tybee Island’s best spots are bundled together, saving you time and effort. The reviews confirm that many find the experience worthwhile, especially with the chance to see dolphins and enjoy local seafood.

It’s an especially good fit for visitors who want a guided, all-in-one day trip that covers transportation, sightseeing, wildlife, and food without the stress of planning every detail.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re someone who prefers organized trips with knowledgeable guides, this is a solid choice. It’s ideal for those who want to relax, enjoy wildlife sightings, and get some beach time without the hassle of driving or parking. The tour is also suitable for travelers who appreciate good reviews about crew friendliness and scenic boat rides.

However, if you’re eager to explore every museum or lighthouse in depth, you might find the schedule a little rushed. Also, those sensitive to uncomfortable seats or prone to bad weather should weigh these factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes round-trip transit via trolley bus from Downtown Savannah, making it easy to get to Tybee Island without worrying about parking.

How long does the tour last? The total experience takes about 5 to 6 hours, including travel, the dolphin cruise, and free time on the beach.

Can I explore the lighthouse or museum? The lighthouse and museum are not included in the tour price and are closed on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly if you want to visit them.

Is food included? No, food and drinks are not included. You can purchase lunch at The Crab Shack, which many travelers recommend for its delicious seafood and relaxed vibe.

What wildlife might I see? Dolphins are the main attraction, and many travelers report seeing large pods. You might also spot pelicans, baby alligators, and other local wildlife.

What is the group size? The tour can have up to 40 travelers, so it’s a small enough group for a friendly atmosphere but large enough to feel lively.

In summary, this Savannah to Tybee Island tour with dolphin cruise offers a well-rounded, easy-going way to enjoy a coastal day. It’s perfect for those who want a mix of scenic views, wildlife, and local flavor without the stress of planning. The friendly guides, comfortable transport, and chance to see dolphins in the wild make it a popular choice, especially if your time in Savannah is limited. Just keep in mind the schedule and weather considerations, and you’ll likely come away with some wonderful memories of Georgia’s coast.