Beaufort Dolphin & History Cruise

SEE BEAUFORT FROM THE WATER

You haven’t seen Beaufort until you’ve seen it by water. And our captains are natural storytellers that can give you a deeper understanding of Beaufort’s layered history. Step onto the boat and onto adventure!

EXPLORE THE BEAUFORT RIVER

Departing from the downtown Beaufort Marina at the Waterfront Park, this 1.5 hour fun escape is the perfect introduction to Beaufort’s incredible history and abundant wildlife.

LOCAL TALES & NATIVE WILDLIFE

As we cruise along the waterfront, the captain shares stories about local history, beginning with Native Americans and into Spanish exploration, French settlement and English colonization. Along the way, we’re likely to see playful bottlenose dolphins, nesting bald eagles and ospreys on the hunt.

GATHER A GROUP AND COME ON!

Offered year round, this 1.5 hour cruise along the historic waterfront and the Beaufort River is how Beaufort was meant to be seen.

Private tours are also available.

Beaufort Dolphin & History Cruise Details

TOUR INFO

Adults: $40
Children 3-12: $20
Children 2 & under: Free

1.5 hours

WHERE TO MEET

BEAUFORT MARINA OUTPOST
1006 Bay Street
Beaufort, SC 29902

Arrive 15 minutes early and check in at the top of the dock. Parking is available for $1/hour in the marina lot. (free on Sundays and after 6 p.m.)

THINGS TO KNOW

Dress for the weather and wear a hat and sunglasses. A light windbreaker or raincoat is often welcome, even on warm days! Bring drinking water (and binoculars if you have them)

“Captain Henry Brandt offers a boat tour that cruises through the area’s Native American, Spanish, and French history; union occupation…all interspersed with musings on the estuary ecosystems and the fecund marvels of pluff mud.”

-SOUTHERN LIVING

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottlenose dolphins, Eastern brown pelicans, bald eagles, ospreys (and their nests!), herons, egrets, wood storks, shorebirds and more.

This is a good choice for intergenerational family outings because of the variety of topics covered during the tour. We tend to see more dolphins and wildlife in the late spring, summer, and early fall. Depending on their presence, this tour can be more history-heavy which may or may not be captivating for your child.

If you have any questions about the suitability of the tour for your group, please give us a call at (843) 929-2047 and we’d be happy to recommend the perfect tour for y’all!

This tour typically goes south on the Beaufort River and addresses colonization and exploration of the Beaufort area! From the time of Native Americans up until British settlement (with a little touch of Civil War history), this is a great opportunity to get a taste of the history that makes Beaufort so great.
Motor vessel Godwit is a US Coast Guard-certified passenger carrying vessel with a master captain at the helm. This boat holds more than 30 people comfortably and has a sun shade that covers the boat.
You’ll need to cancel 48 hours prior or you will not be eligible for a refund for the tour.

Weather (thunderstorms or high winds) may impact this excursion. Cancellations usually occur due to lightning, thunder or high winds and we will make sure to reschedule your group if needed. Our general cancellation policies apply unless our experts determine it is potentially unsafe or unwise to venture out. In the event that we decide to cancel due to weather, we will make every effort to call you at least two hours before your departure and help you reschedule or credit/refund the full cost of your trip.
Gratuity is not included in your tour price. Our guides go above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic time out on the water! Average gratuity ranges from 15%–25% of your tour cost based on your experience. It is not required, but always greatly appreciated!