Wildlife by boat
Get up close with a private dolphin cruise
Dolphins aren’t a “maybe” on a Low Country Drifters Dolphin Tour — they’re part of nearly every trip we run. Because every charter is private and your captain sets the pace, we stop when dolphins are nearby, not just when a fixed schedule allows it.
Glide along the Intracoastal Waterway, drift through secluded marshes, and discover the incredible wildlife and rich history of Savannah’s coastal waterways. Every tour, whether it’s a sunset sail, a fossil hunt, or an island hop, is designed to be a dolphin-first experience.
Why a Private Dolphin Tour
Most Savannah dolphin-watching trips put 30–40 people on one large tour boat, following a set route and schedule. A Low Country Drifters Dolphin Tour works differently:
- Small and private: your group only, up to 6 guests, not a crowd of strangers
- Closer to the water: our boats sit lower and move slower than the big tour vessels, so dolphins are easier to spot and photograph
- No fighting for a view: with 6 guests instead of 40, everyone gets a real look, not a glimpse over someone’s shoulder
- Flexible timing: if dolphins show up, we stay. If they don’t, your captain knows the creeks and inlets where they usually are
- We Stop for Sightings: When we spot a pod, we don’t just drive by. We pause, cut the engine, and let you watch them hunt and play
- Education Included: Our CARE-certified captains share fun facts and fascinating insights into dolphin behavior, including our famous local “strand feeding”
Experience Savannah’s Low Country like never before, where every trip is an eco-adventure, and every view tells a story.
What to Expect on Your Private Dolphin Cruise
Dolphins in the Savannah area feed and travel through the same tidal creeks and marsh edges your captain already knows well. On a typical trip with Low Country Drifters, you can expect:
- Multiple dolphin sightings, often within the first 20 minutes
- Time to actually watch and photograph them, not just pass by
- A mix of dolphin watching with other wildlife — osprey, egrets, and the occasional alligator along the banks
- A private, unhurried pace built around your group, not a boatload of other passengers
Trip Details
Pro tip: Local history, wildlife viewing & ecology tidbits are part of every boat trip.
Other Wildlife to Enjoy
While dolphins are the highlight, the Low Country is teeming with life. Keep your binoculars ready. Wildlife you may encounter:
- Birds: Roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, great blue herons, ospreys, anhingas, cormorants, and more.
- Marine Life: Beyond our daily dolphin sightings, look for manatees in the summer, sea turtles (nesting May–Oct), river otters, and blue crabs in the shallows.
- Reptiles: American alligators and various marsh frogs in the brackish backwaters.
Each tour offers a unique opportunity to witness this vibrant ecosystem firsthand. Whether you’re seeking a dedicated birding excursion or a wildlife-focused dolphin tour, our captains guide you to the best hotspots.
Areas we may visit
- Georgia barrier islands: Wassaw Island and Little Tybee Island
- Savannah River, Bull River, Wilmington River, salt marshes, and creeks
- Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Eco Tours & Coastal History
The Low Country’s ecology is deeply intertwined with its history. While you explore, you’ll glimpse the sites that tell Savannah’s story—from early settlers and Gullah-Geechee cultural landmarks to Revolutionary and Civil War sites.
Our boat tours provide a seamless way to experience both nature and history, with the option to delve deeper into coastal history.
FAQs
Why Low Country Drifters?
- Expert Guides: Private charter with captains passionate about the region’s ecology and history.
- Scenic Routes: Navigate winding creeks, barrier islands, and untouched coastal landscapes.
- Personalized Experience: Private charters tailored to your interests—whether it’s wildlife photography, history, or pure relaxation.
- Outstanding Hospitality & Attentiveness: Our crew is known for our big personalities and warm Southern hospitality.
Quick Links
Dolphin & Eco Tour Gallery
Wood Storks and Egrets congregate in a rookery
Showy plumes evident during breeding season on the Georgia Coast
Every Charter
- Reserved as a private experience for up to six guests per boat
- Children and pets are welcome (dogs are not allowed on all beaches, so please discuss with us)
- We provide a cooler with bottled water and ice (accommodating additional beverages), as well as limited space for your personal belongings and snacks
- BYOB for ages 21+
- Includes a Coast Guard-licensed captain as your private guide, as well as fuel
- Veteran-guided and CARE Certified crew members: safety and stewardship come standard on every trip
Popular Activities, Destinations & Tours
See what our guests have to say about Low Country Drifters Boat Tours
Low Country Drifter is, by far, the most experienced in the business.
Their expertise, contagious attitude, love of the area, and personable attitude are BY FAR above and beyond expectations.
I will DEFINITELY book with him again.
Jacqueline A. – Richmond Hill, GA
June 2022
Enjoyed our outing with Captain Matt last Thursday! He provided us lots of history on the area and took us everywhere we wanted to see.
He made it more special when he knew we loved seeing dolphins and made intentional stops for us to view them and take pictures.
Had a great time! Thanks Matt!!
Crystal M. – Fort Lauderdale, FL
July 2026
Went on a tour last week. Fabulous.
Steph is very knowledgeable. Stopped in Savannah for lunch. Saw lots of islands and inlets. Learned a lot about the history of the area. What a tour!
Rose N. – West Chester, PA
February 2023
Couldn’t wait for a second trip- now looking forward to a third one!
This was our second trip with Low Country Drifters, and we have a third one planned!
This time, we went to Shark Tooth Island, where we found not only shark teeth but dolphin teeth and dinosaur bones!
There is nothing they don’t know about this island or its history!
They are also a wealth of information on the waterways and Daufuskie Island, where we also had a great tour…and a visit to the rookery where the birds were abundant!Highly, highly recommended for adults, families, you name it. You won’t be disappointed!
Lauren M. – Tybee Island, GA
June 2024
Matt was our captain and he was so nice, friendly, and informative.
We found lots of teeth and even a couple Megalodon pieces. So worth the $$$ to do a guided trip.
Carrie W.
January 2026 – Nashville TN
Low Country Drifters transported my friends and I to Daufuskie Island and back for my birthday weekend – they were amazing! Communication was excellent.
Both captains were great and so helpful with getting all of our belongings to and from the cottage. We also got to see a good bit of wildlife on our trips!
Maggie B. – Savannah, GA
July 2025
The BEST. What an awesome experience and an even better price and the value was incredible. Definitely worth an extra tip!
The sunset river cruise was just what we wanted and more. Went with couples as an informal and intimate “grooms dinner”. The owner, Steph, was phenomenal! Steph was very helpful in finding us a charcuterie board, as we are from out of town, from a friend who made a beautiful and delicious board. Steph also helped us get a bottle of champagne, napkins and glasses to make it all perfect! She was the best!
Our captain couldn’t have been any better. Very fun guy. Very knowledgeable of the area and so enthusiastic. The cruise was about 2 hours long and it was just absolutely perfect! Thank you guys for an incredible time!
We all really appreciated how special you made the night!
Deanna K. – Bloomingdale, MN
May 2026
We had a fantastic experience on our half-day boat trip with Captain Matt. He brought us shark tooth hunting and then to Daufuskie Island where we got a great tour of the island on his golf cart and to a beautiful non busy beach. Matt was the perfect match for what we wanted in this experience. I highly recommend Low Country Drifters for anyone looking to experience a boat charter without going out in the main waters of the ocean.
Chloe B. –Tulsa, OK
August 2025
My wife and I spent the day on the water with Low Country Drifters on Monday.
It was both exciting and relaxing at the time. Stopped at Tubby’s for lunch. Highly recommend.
Frank N. – West Chester, PA
February 2023
Wonderful experience! Would highly recommend.
Our captain, Matt, was exceptional. As a couple of women jumping on a boat with a stranger, we really appreciated that he was very respectful and comfortable to be around.
He was knowledgeable about the area and helped us find lots of shark teeth (including a humongous meg!)
Tiara P. – Greenville, SC
April 2026
If you are visiting Savannah, this is a must! Great way to experience Savannah’s waterfront and surrounding marshlands.
They are very knowledgeable and very personable. We enjoyed every part of the trip. Do yourself a favor and book a trip with Low Country Drifters.
You will be happy you booked.
Barbara F. – Summit, NJ
February 2023
I recently went on an incredible boat tour in Savannah, and it exceeded all my expectations!
We had the chance to see manatees, dolphins, and even ventured to Shark Island. To top it all off, we spotted some alligators along the way.
The entire experience was thrilling and memorable.Our guide was the best – knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure everyone had a fantastic time.
Highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to explore the natural wonders of Savannah!Meagan L. – NYC
June 2024
My work team recently booked an outing with Low Country Drifters and our tour was wonderful!
Our captain was such a great guide. He shared so many interesting stories and history about the area that made the trip even more special. It was such a unique way to spend time together as a team.
We stopped at a little beach and found shark teeth, which was one of the favorite parts of the trip with our group of coworkers. Then, we headed over to Daufuskie Island for a golf cart tour, where we learned even more history and got to see the island, where we rode along the beautiful beach and had a chance to hear the waves. The whole experience felt so welcoming and relaxed.
The communication booking the trip with Steph, and the day of the trip was great as well. Our questions were answered in a timely manner and their website has a ton of useful info. Low Country Drifters’ hospitality is top notch.
I highly recommend this boat tour for anyone looking for a memorable adventure!
Kelli N.
August 2025 – Statesboro, GA
What a great day out on the water and visiting Shark Tooth Island.
Highly recommend Low Country Drifters for a great experience.
Lisa B. – Gastonia, NC
March 2023
My husband and two young boys had the absolute best time on the water today with Low Country Drifters!
We learned about the history of the Georgia & South Carolina low country, hunted for fossils, explored Daufuskie Island, and saw all the wildlife… crabs, dolphins, and a pair of bald eagles!
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure in Savannah, please consider supporting this veteran-owned small business.
Captain is the very best!
Lindsay T. – Woodstock, GA
November 2022
Matt was our captain and he was so nice, friendly, and informative.
We found lots of teeth and even a couple Megalodon pieces. So worth the $$$ to do a guided trip.
Carrie W.
January 2026 – Nashville TN
This veteran-owned business provided the most memorable time we had during our vacation in Savannah!
We had an incredible day! All of their insights and historical info enhanced the experience.
The day was full of excitement: found all kinds of fossils and shark teeth including pieces of Megaladon, followed a group of feeding dolphins, enjoyed delicious food, the wildlife, and a distillery on Daufuski Island. They never rushed us to the next place; they allowed us to be fully in the moment.
With his reasonable prices, we definitely got more than we paid for!
Nicole G. – Hastings, NE
June 2024
Low Country Drifters is the best on the ICW!
Excellent captains and guides. My boys loved “Shark tooth island”. We found multiple fossils and shark teeth, and my boys carried them around for weeks. They knew the best fishing and crabbing spots.
They were flexible with our wants and kept us entertained the entire time. We can’t wait to go out for another excursion!
Alex C. – Statesboro, GA
July 2022
Great experience!! We had never chartered a boat before and Matt answered the phone, worked with me to customize a trip that was a blast!
Would definitely recommend!
Annonymous
August 2026
What a treat! Went out with Captain Chris for a sunset cruise from 6:30 to 8:30.
We saw lots of birds and quite a few dolphins. Made some wonderful memories together as a family! Short drive from downtown Savannah.
Josh B. – Norcross, GA
July 2026
Low Country Drifters is an exceptionally knowledgeable fossil hunter and tour guide.
Steph guided my wife and daughter out today to look for shark teeth, dinosaur bones, pottery shards, and other relics of ages past, and we were fully satisfied.
She gave us an ecological and historical tour of the Savannah ICW, brought us to Daufuskie Island in South Carolina for an excellent lunchtime meal, and made sure our photo opportunities were numerous and perfect.
10/10 would recommend to anyone wanting to tour the Savannah area!
Chris B. – Statesboro, GA
January 2023
What a gorgeous and fun day we had with Low Country Drifters!
Their knowledge of the history of the area made the already beautiful scenery even more interesting. We rode their golf cart around Daufuskie, had a delicious lunch at The Distillery, then went back out on the boat to Shark Tooth Island to hunt for treasures.
We saw so much wildlife – eagles, egrets, cranes, alligators, and dolphins, to name a few. Would highly recommend to anyone!
Hayden L. – Statesboro, GA
March 2025
Amazing experience for the entire family. Our captain is the epitome of a true professional.
He made us all feel so comfortable; it was like being out on the water with a trusted family member. He is so knowledgeable and has so many interesting facts about the area. We had some really good finds on our shark tooth tour, but we enjoyed the rest of the experience just as much.
Already looking at the calendar so we can book another trip. Thank you, sir for the trip, and also your devoted service to our country.
Spahos Family – Statesboro, GA
April 2023
Took a boat ride out with Low Country Drifters – outstanding!
Enjoyed cruising around Savannah and ended up at Shark Tooth Island 40 shark teeth, some cool dolphin bones and a pepsi cola bottle from the 1940s!
Kayli T. – Guyton, GA
March 2023
Captain was great! He is a fun guy and a very safe operator. We saw several groups of porpoises and had an amazing time touring the salt marsh. I highly recommend!
Lance M. – Statesboro, GA
July 2022
Great Private Charter
We did a private four-hour charter and was able to stop at around five different places to hunt for teeth.We had some nice shark teeth fossils including great white, hastalis, and megaladon teeth plus other finds like a whale tooth and horse teeth, Captain Matt was a wonderful guide.
We felt safe and enjoyed the time. You do need to be physical enough to slide off the front of the boat and unafraid to wade through maybe knee deep intercoastal waters. We would absolutely do this again!
Sharon P. – New Bremen, OH
June 2026
Matt was our captain and he was so nice, friendly, and informative.
We found lots of teeth and even a couple Megalodon pieces. So worth the $$$ to do a guided trip.
Carrie W.
January 2026 – Nashville TN
We had a fun day!
We explored a beach, found cool fossils, had a tasty lunch, and saw some dolphins.He also shared a lot about the history of the area. They took great care of us, and we had an amazing time.
Our trip was kid-approved – two thumbs up from our 4-year-old!
Highly recommended!
Larissa G. – Stonington, CT
June 2024
Great trip, highly recommended. Been doing this 10+ yrs and been on a lot of chartered Shark Tooth Fossil Hunting Tours. You will not be disappointed with the customer service, knowledge, and experience with Low Country Drifters.
They know the area and where to give you the best chance at successfully finding your dream Tooth.
A. Smith
May 2026
We had an amazing experience on the water taxi with Captain Matt! He was incredibly fun, friendly, and made the entire ride memorable.
What really stood out was that he took extra time to help us spot dolphins and made sure we got a great view of them.
You could tell he genuinely wanted everyone to have the best experience possible. His personality, knowledge, and enthusiasm made the trip so much more enjoyable. We had an absolute blast and would highly recommend Captain Matt to anyone looking for a fun and unforgettable time on the water!
Zeynep B. – Atlanta, GA
June 2026
Would not want to explore the low country waters with anyone other than Low Country Drifters!
They personalize your trip to accommodate whatever it is you are looking to do, when, and how you want to do it. I’ve been fossil hunting, taken to Daufuskie from Tybee, even picked up by boat in front of our hotel in Savannah and taken to Daufuskie.
The history and lore shared by the captain along the way on the water and on the island was VERY interesting. The wildlife was abundant–dolphins, birds and gators oh my! And the staff!!!! Steph could not be more professional, kind, and FUN! Would give them 25 stars if I could 😉
Alice A.
April 2026 – Shelby, NC
The boat cruise and Daufuskie Island adventure with Captain Matt was the highlight of our trip to Savannah. Matt was knowledgeable, kind, welcoming, and fun.
If/ when we are back that way, we will certainly book with Low Country Drifters again. Book your boat adventure with them if you find yourself in the Savannah area!
Allie S. – St. Clair Shores, MI
June 2026
We had so much fun with Capt. Matt. He was so sweet and accommodating with our kids.
We found many teeth and had a great day!
Kelli D. – Saint Louis, MO
July 2026
Our charter with Low Country Drifters was the best part of our whole trip by far!
We had such a fun time finding shark teeth and dinosaur bones and had an amazing lunch on Daufuskie Island!
Cannot recommend Low Country Drifters enough!:)
Courtney W. – Cedar Rapids, IA
April 2023
Who knew I was going to book a custom private boat experience and feel like I walked away with a new friend? The owner, Steph, took charge and planned an amazing day, even picking up supplies I needed since my group was from out of town.
We saw local treasures off the beaten path, met some great locals at a few stops, and sang country music as we headed back in with cloudy skies… it was absolute perfection, and no one was going to rain on our parade that day. My only regret is that we didn’t have enough time with our captain.
Not only is he exceptionally skilled, he’s an interesting gentleman. If you’re looking for a unique and personalized day trip, you can end your search here. We will all miss you, Captain, and be assured we will be back!
Amy R. – St. Louis, MO
October 2024
Spent the day on the water with Low Country Drifters and had an amazing time!
They knew all the best spots in the area and made sure everyone in our group had a great experience.
Highly recommend!
Robert P. – Clarksville, TN
June 2022
The best of the best! Professional and knowledgeable! We have taken several trips with other companies and their attention to detail exceeds over all others. They know the lay of the land and picks the location that best suits your group. We will only be going fossil hunting with Low Country Drifters!
Justin A. – Savannah, GA
June 2024
Amazing experience. Captain is a true professional who knows his stuff. Historical facts, deserted islands, dinosaur bones, hidden distilleries, this tour has it all. 12/10 would do this every day! Great time with a truly great Professional.
Mike B. – Savannah, GA
September 2024
Incredible charter experience! My wife and I took our 2-year-old daughter and her grandparents on a half-day trip and had an absolute blast.
Our captain arranged a fantastic trip touring the area and was extremely knowledgeable about the local history and ecology. We saw tons of wildlife, including dolphins and eagles, and visited The Wyld restaurant for lunch before heading back in.
We learned that our captain is a US Army veteran and it showed in his attention to safety and professionalism.
Amazing experience, totally recommend, especially for families!
Gregory L. – Ambler, PA
March 2023
10/10 Worth every penny. Captain Matt took us to 5-6 different spots, helped the kids look for shark teeth, and gave a private tour of the history of the Savannah River. If you’re considering private charter vs public.
I would 100% do private again especially if you have kids. The public charter will just leave you on a beach, and that’s it. If you’re looking to get your money worth if the experience choose Low Country Drifters!
Josiah B. – PA
August 2026
We had the best time on our charter! We explored a private little island and found sharks teeth, fossils, and crabs. He has a wealth of knowledge and kept us all engaged. We had an absolute amazing time and will be booking future charters with Low Country Drifters!
This will be a memory we will treasure for years to come!
Thank you, Captain Bryan, for making this such a special day for us!Taryn N. – Orlando, FL
November 2022
We booked a tour, and it did not disappoint!
Bachelorette party of 5, plenty of room for us all and our things for the day. Our captain was an amazing guide and remained flexible with our adventures!
We got history, shark teeth, views of alligators/wildlife, and an overall amazing time. You will not regret booking this tour!
Amanda C. – Tollhouse, CA
March 2024
Low Country Drifters was great! They are very knowledgeable of the inter-coastal waters. You want to find shark’s teeth and fossils? They know the spot. You want to see dolphins? They know the spot. They are easygoing and highly entertaining. Will be booking with Low Country Drifters again soon.
Justin H. – Savannah, GA
July 2022
If you’re looking at other options, stop right now and just book Low Country Drifters.
Seriously we had an amazing time, the boat was great, captain was very personable, knowledgeable and flexible. 10/10 would definitely book again in the future.
We found tons of shark teeth, bones, and just hung out and had a good time.
Brandon C.
August 2025
Steph and Co. are A-MAZING. Book it, book it, book it! Incredible time from beginning to end.
Great conversation, beautiful sights, and super fun activities! They asked about our interests, planned the day, and the execution was flawless!
Top-tier experience that you should NOT miss out on!
Sarah C.
August 2025
We had an amazing experience on the water taxi with Captain Matt! He was incredibly fun, friendly, and made the entire ride memorable.
What really stood out was that he took extra time to help us spot dolphins and made sure we got a great view of them.
You could tell he genuinely wanted everyone to have the best experience possible. His personality, knowledge, and enthusiasm made the trip so much more enjoyable. We had an absolute blast and would highly recommend Captain Matt to anyone looking for a fun and unforgettable time on the water!
Zeynep B. – Atlanta, GA
June 2026
Captain Matt was an amazing tour guide. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and a joy to be around for our 6 hour tour.
He even helped us find the coveted shark teeth on shark tooth island when we were unknowingly walking over them. Our crew of 6 felt comfortable the entire time.
I would highly recommend this adventure. We got to do and see so many things we wouldn’t have been able to on our own. Thank you, Captain Matt!
Natalie D. – Salt Lake City, UT
April 2026
We went on a private boat tour with Low Country Drifters, and it was an unforgettable experience!
Captain was so knowledgeable and friendly, sharing interesting facts about the history and ecology of the area.
We cruised past beautiful scenery, spotted dolphins playing in the water, found several shark teeth on the beach, and enjoyed a delicious lunch of burgers and patty melts from The Burger Boat.Since they do private tours, it was just the 3 of us, and we weren’t crammed into a boat with lots of people.
It also allowed for a completely personalized tour.
Our experience was everything we wanted and more! It was a perfect way to spend our first day in Savannah!Avie C. – Conroe, TX
May 2024
Captain is an absolute gentleman and the salt of the earth American …
He made sure we had an amazing experience and it was worth every penny …
highly recommend and when we come back will definitely book a full-day trip with him.
Gregg L. – NYC
June 2024
10 out of 10 experience. I will be recommending him to all my friends and family!
We had an amazing time.
He was so welcoming and beyond knowledgeable about almost everything.He told us fascinating stories of Savannah history, information on the river and the sharks teeth, and about his own life.
The trip was so fun, the boat is very nice and fit all of our team comfortably. Whenever we needed anything, they were there to assist. Best trip!
Sarah I. – Savannah, GA
September 2024
Low Country Drifters gave us a wonderful family adventure! Loved the shark tooth/fossil hunting experience with our grandson, and exploring the Intracoastal waterways. Enjoyed it all!
Nan T. – Savannah, GA
November 2022
Great experience! We saw dolphins, a sea otter and even found a shark tooth, had a great lunch on Daufuskie Island…
Captain kept us informed every step of the trip, clean spacious boat, and overall A+ experience.
I will definitely be coming back!!!
Sean M. – Brooklet, GA
February 2023
Captain is a very safe operator. We had an amazing time while we were out on his boat. I highly recommend.
Christopher L. – Statesboro, GA
July 2022
Matt was a terrific guide for our trip out into the marshes and creeks and islands!
We saw lots of birds and we really enjoyed the relaxing trip through the creeks. We stopped and got to pick up shark teeth, which was really neat.
We could not have asked for a better guide to take us out for the afternoon. I highly recommend this company – was fantastic!
Linda B. – Albany, NY
June 2025
