Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, is a popular destination for tourists looking for adventure tourism experiences.
And one of the most popular activities in the area is dolphin tours.
With miles of coastline and a thriving dolphin population, Ocean Isle Beach offers visitors the opportunity to see these beautiful marine creatures up close in their natural habitat.
In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide to dolphin tours available near Ocean Isle Beach, NC, including reasons to take one of these exciting excursions, trip options, what to expect on a dolphin tour, and tour tips.
Reasons to Take a Dolphin Tour
Among the many activities offered in the area, taking a dolphin spotting outing is one of the most popular and exciting options.
Dolphin tours provide visitors with an opportunity to witness the beauty and grace of these intelligent marine creatures up close and in their natural habitat:
- Experience Nature: A marine tour is a chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior.
- Adventure Tourism: The tours offer a unique adventure tourism experience that is sure to be memorable.
- Educational: These tours offer an opportunity to learn about the local marine life and their habitats.
- Scenic Views: The voyage by boat provides a chance to take in the beautiful scenery and coastline of Ocean Isle Beach and its Intracoastal Waterway.
Tour Options Around Ocean Isle Beach
There are several tour operators that specialize in dolphin tours in Ocean Isle Beach, including private charters, group tours, and eco-tours.
Private charters offer a more personalized experience and the ability to customize the tour.
Group outings are a great option for those traveling in a larger group (kids included) while eco-tours focus on educating visitors about the local marine life and the environment.
Here is a list of operators near Ocean Isle Beach, NC:
Voyager Deep Sea Fishing and Dolphin Cruises
Operating out of nearby North Myrtle Beach, SC, Voyager offers deep sea fishing charters, as well as dolphin spotting tours that travel the inland waterways out into the Atlantic Ocean where their experienced captain takes visitors to their favorite viewing spots.
Calabash Fishing Fleet
Departing from nearby Calabash, this operator often takes guests up close and personal near working shrimp boats where dolphins love to feast on the easy pickings, on the way through the Intercoastal Waterway, and beyond to the Atlantic Ocean. Choose from dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and deep sea fishing charters with Calabash.
Hurricane Fleet
Hurricane Fleet has been taking tourists deep sea fishing out of North Myrtle Beach for over 75 years. In addition they offer dolphin tours and sunset cruises along the Intercoastal Waterway and out into the Atlantic.
Tideline Charters
Tideline Charters offers eco-tours (which frequently encounter dolphins near Bald Head Island), fishing charters, and sunset cruises setting sail from nearby Sunset Beach, NC.
Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises
Operating out of nearby Little River, SC, the experienced team at Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises offers a two hour voyage that features a narrated cruise up the Intracoastal waterway, past several uninhabited islands on the way out into the ocean to view dolphins. This one’s a wet one, so dress accordingly.
Wilmington Water Tours
The Wilmington Water team offers sunset cruises and full moon cruises that feature live acoustic music, eco-tours, a history cruise, a wine tasting cruise, and much more from nearby Wilmington, NC.
Southport By Seaside Charters
Setting sail from nearby Southport’s marina, Southport By Seaside offers marine and sunset tours that cruise lower Cape Fear River, Bald Head Island, Oak Island and the Intracoastal Waterway.
These are just a few of the operators in the area. Visitors should research each company and tour option to find the best fit for their needs and preferences.
What to Expect
During one of these tours, visitors can expect to see a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
The tours typically last 1-2 hours and may include a guide who will provide information about the marine life and the area’s ecosystem.
Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride on the water.
Tour Tips
Dress in layers: It can be cooler on the water, so it’s important to dress in layers and wear appropriate clothing.
- Bring sunscreen: The sun can be intense on the water, so it’s important to wear sunscreen and bring a hat and sunglasses.
- Bring a camera: One of these outings is a great opportunity to capture some memorable photos, so make sure to bring a camera or phone with a good camera.
- Be respectful of marine life: Visitors should be respectful of marine life and their habitat by not touching or disturbing them.
“Dolphin sighting off the starboard bow captain!”
The operators available near Ocean Isle Beach, NC, offer visitors a unique adventure tourism experience and the opportunity to witness the beauty of nature up close.
With a variety of tour options to choose from, visitors can find the perfect tour to fit their needs.
Visitors can expect to see a variety of ocean life, learn about the local ecosystem, and take in the stunning scenery of Ocean Isle Beach.
So, if you’re looking for an exciting and educational adventure tourism experience, be sure to add one of these exciting tours to your itinerary when you visit Ocean Isle Beach.
You’ve got your boat tour booked. Next up: the perfect vacation home or condo rental. Book a stay with Coastaway, Ocean Isle Beach’s top vacation rentals outlet today.
