FAQs

Planning a Low Country adventure?

We’ve pulled together a list of FAQs for some of the most common questions we get about our tours, what to expect on the water, and how to prepare for your day with us. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned boater, this page is here to help you feel confident and ready for your adventure.

If you don’t see your question here, don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re always happy to help!

Quick Links

What should I bring?

Please know space is limited, and what to bring is always dependent on what type of tour you’ll be going on and during what time of year.

A cooler with complimentary cold water is available on every trip. We also have two additional coolers for you to stow any personal items, beverages, and snacks. Be sure to bring your wallet and some sunscreen!

Captain Bryan will review other items you may want to bring once you book your tour. In the meantime, check out our list of ideas here.

Dry storage is limited, so please pack only the necessities.

If the weather is bad, can we cancel our trip?

Your comfort and safety are our #1 priority. Because we’re located in the south on the coast, a rain shower is possible, especially in the summer! That being said, showers pop up and can go away quickly so they hardly ever ruin a charter. However, if bad weather is imminent, we can reschedule or cancel altogether.

Can we bring beer or wine?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are welcome for those ages 21 and over but please avoid bringing glass for safety reasons. Cans and/or boxed wine can be compacted in the trash can and take up less room on board.

Can we tip our Captain?

Absolutely. Gratuity is not included in the charter price. If you’ve enjoyed your experience, tips for our hardworking crew are greatly appreciated for the service they provided. Gratuity aboard a charter boat works similarly to other service-providing industry gratuities and ranges from 15-25% of the cost of the boat tour.

Are the Captains licensed?

Short answer: Our captains are licensed!

Long answer: Captain Bryan Neal has a 6-pack Captain’s license and is a retired Army Veteran. He has over 20 years of experience in and around the waters of Savannah, Georgia, and is also CPR/First Aid certified. Captain Matt Merriam is also a Veteran, has his 25-ton Master Captain’s license and is CPR/First Aid certified.

To have a Captain’s license, you must pass/have the following:

United States Coast Guard-approved course and exam
physical exam and drug test
First Aid/CPR course
a certain amount of sea time experience
Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) card (background check required)

What should I wear?

Since we book tours year-round, first consider the season! Savannah weather can be unpredictable, so layering is a good idea. Comfortable, casual attire is generally recommended.

Warmer weather

You’re on a boat! If you plan to swim or splash, consider bringing a swimsuit or other quick-drying clothing. Flipflops, water shoes, Crocs, or the like for your feet. Something to protect you from the sun, like a UPF shirt, is a great idea, too. Sunscreen is key. A hat (baseball hats usually work better when the boat speeds up, but brimmed hats are great for the beach).

But remember–the middle of the summer is hot.

Cooler weather

A lightweight shirt, sweater, and a jacket can help you adjust to changing conditions. A rain jacket can serve as a windbreaker, too. While we’re in the South–be mindful that the winters can get cold and if it’s cold, it’s a “wet cold” so you’ll want to dress accordingly.

Shark Tooth Hunting PSA

The beach can be slick or muddy. Going barefoot is ideal as the clay accumulates on your shoe. In turn, you lose traction, and cleaning the clay off is a chore. Wear quick-drying clothing as you will step into the water to access the beach (there are no docks). But if you must, consider water shoes or Crocs as you walk in the water.

How many people can go on a tour?

Our tours are available for six people, not including the captain or possible mate. If you’d like to bring more than six, please c ontact us and we will discuss options.

Can my kids come?

100%, yes! We, too, are a family with children. We love having them onboard and sharing our love of the water, wildlife, and history with them! However, any kids ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or over.

How long is the charter?

It depends on what you want to do!

Our most popular boat tour is our half-day tour (4 hours).
Long summer days allow for an extended time on the water, however! Our full-day tours run 6-7 hours.
The water taxi takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the elements.
Our sunset tours last 2 hours.

If you’re on a half-day tour and want to spend some more time, the day is yours! Just talk to your captain to see if it’s possible; while on the boat, he accepts both cash and Venmo to extend the tour.

View Rates

Can I bring my dog?

Yes! We are dog friendly and welcome your four-legged friend(s) on board! However, depending on where you’d like to go, your pup may or may not be allowed. Please bring your own doggie life jacket (though not required).

Due to migratory birds and nesting shorebirds and sea turtles, dogs are NOT allowed at the following destinations:

Wassaw Island/Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge
Ossabaw Island
Portions of Little Tybee

Other areas may require dogs to be on a leash, so bringing one is mandatory if your pup joins your tour.

As with all migratory bird species, shorebirds and seabirds in Georgia are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Some species have additional protections under the Endangered Species Act.

Do I need to bring/wear a life jacket?

Life Jackets are available for everyone on board in case of an emergency.

Children under age 13 must wear an appropriately sized PFD when the vessel is underway. Low Country Drifters has various children’s life jackets available, but if you have your own, you’re welcome to bring them along. If not, you will be prompted to enter your child(ren)’s weight while checking out.

Do you offer Dolphin Tours?

We don’t specifically offer ‘Dolphin Tours’ but spotting and watching dolphins is part of every trip – along with seeing all sorts of other wildlife!

Is there a bathroom on board?

No, there is not a bathroom on board, but we can make stops to accommodate!

Will I get sea sick?

It’s not likely you’ll get motion sickness while on a tour with us. The Intracoastal Waterway is far different than the ocean. However, if you are concerned about it, Captain Bryan has some over-the-counter recommendations you may try.

Can we schedule a tour in the winter?

Absolutely! We offer year-round tours, including in the winter months. In fact, winter can be a great time to explore the waterways—there’s less boat traffic, the wildlife is still active, and the cooler temperatures make for a comfortable day on the water. Just dress in layers, and we’ll take care of the rest.

If you have questions about what to expect during a winter tour, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help you plan the perfect outing.

Where are you located?

We are located in Historic Thunderbolt, Georgia, just minutes outside of Savannah, at the Safe Harbor Bahia Bleu Marina. The address and parking directions will be provided once your charter is booked.

Can I rent a boat from Low Country Drifters?

We get this question a lot. Unfortunately, no. Low Country Drifters does not offer boat rentals.

That being said, we highly recommend NOT renting a boat in the area if you are not familiar with Savannah’s waters as the coastal landscape is constantly being reshaped. Shifting channels and sandbars are a natural result of powerful tides, storms, and river currents. These dynamic changes can alter navigation routes and require local knowledge to safely traverse the waterways.

Is there a Birding Tour?

Just like Dolphin Tours, we do not have a specific Birding Tour. However, we can plan a tour to make stops in the locations where shorebirds, migratory birds, waders, eagles, osprey, and more thrive. Keep in mind that the migratory birds are in the area nesting and showing off their plumes between mid-March and August-ish.

Bring your binoculars!

Do you use fan boats?

No, we don’t use fan boats (also known as airboats). While they’re commonly used in places like the Florida Everglades, where the water is extremely shallow and still, they’re not well-suited for the Savannah area.

Here in the Low Country, we have tidal rivers, salt marshes, and deeper coastal waterways that are better navigated with traditional boats. Fan boats are also loud and can be disruptive to the wildlife we love to showcase on our eco tours. Our boats are chosen for their comfort, versatility, and ability to get into hidden spots quietly—perfect for exploring everything from winding creeks to barrier islands.

I Just purchased a boat, can you help me learn the area - and my boat?

Indeed! Our captains are here to help you become accustomed to the Low Country waterways. Even with prior boating experience, the Georgia Coast is much different than other areas, especially with our tides. The Savannah River Entrance experiences a significant tide swing, with a maximum tidal range of 11 feet… meaning… the water level can fluctuate by nearly 11 feet between high and low tides.

But that’s the type of thing our captains will explain to you, as well as drop lines on your GPS, show you the ins and outs, and even help you become more familiar with docking, navigation, etc.

Learn more here.

Why only six guests? Can you accommodate more than six?

We can only host six guests per our license. A Six-Pack license, officially known as an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) license, allows the holder to operate uninspected vessels carrying up to six paying passengers. The United States Coast Guard issues this license.

Can we accommodate more than six? Short answer: yes. Long answer: with two licensed boat captains and two boats (and two golf carts on Daufuskie), we can accommodate more than six guests, but the group will have to be spread across two boats. It can be done – and we have done it before.

Do we get to keep what we find while hunting for shark teeth?

Definitely! Your tour, your finds, your keeps!

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.

If you still have a question, please contact us! We’d love to hear from you.

See what our guests have to say about Low Country Drifters Boat Tours

We booked a tour with Bryan, and it did not disappoint!

Bachelorette party of 5, plenty of room for us all and our things for the day. Bryan was an amazing guide, remained flexible to our adventures!

We got history, shark teeth, views of alligators/wildlife and overall amazing time. You will not regret booking this tour!

Amanda C. – Tollhouse, CA
March 2024

Amazing experience for the entire family. Captain Bryan 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

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 Bryan is the very best!

Lindsay T. – Woodstock, GA
November 2022

Captain Bryan 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

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

Went on a tour last week. Fabulous.

Bryan 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

Captain Bryan of Low Country Drifters is an exceptionally knowledgeable boat captain, fossil hunter, and tour guide.

He took 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.

He 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

Captain Bryan 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

Captain Bryan was great! He 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

We had the best time on our charter with Captain Bryan! We explored a private little island and found sharks teeth, fossils, and crabs. Bryan 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

If you are visiting Savannah, this is a must! Great way to experience Savannah’s waterfront and surrounding marshlands.

Captain Bryan was very knowledgeable and very personable. We enjoyed every part of the trip. Do yourself a favor and book a trip with Captain Bryan.

You will be happy you booked with Captain Bryan.

Barbara F. – Summit, NJ
February 2023

What a great day out on the water and visiting Shark Tooth Island.

Highly recommend Captain Bryan and Low Country Drifters for a great experience.

Lisa B. – Gastonia, NC
March 2023

Took a boat ride out with Low Country Drifters – Captain Bryan was 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 Bryan with Low Country Drifters was Great! He was very knowledgeable of the inter-coastal waters. You want to find shark’s teeth and fossils? He knows the spot. You want to see dolphins? He knows the spot. Want to catch a mess of fish? He knows the spot. His personality is easygoing and highly entertaining. Will be booking with Low Country Drifters again soon.

Justin H. – Savannah, GA
July 2022

Low Country Drifters is the best on the ICW!

Captain Bryan is an excellent captain and your guide. My boys loved “Shark tooth island”. We found multiple fossils and shark teeth, and my boys carried them around for weeks. Captain Bryan knew the best fishing and crabbing spots.

He was 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 saw dolphins, a sea otter and even found a shark tooth, had a great lunch on Daufuskie Island…

Bryan was prepared as a captain and 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

Spent the day on the water with Captain Bryan and had an amazing time!

He 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

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.

Bryan, 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

Captain Bryan is, by far, the most experienced in the business.

His 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

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.

Captain Bryan, the owner, 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 Captain Bryan 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

Our charter with Captain Bryan 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

Capt. Bryan is the best of the best! Professional and knowledgeable! We have taken several trips with other companies and Capt. Bryan’s attention to detail exceeds over all others. He knows the lay of the land and picks the location that best suits your group. We will only be going fossil hunting with him!

Justin A. – Savannah, GA
June 2024

This veteran-owned business provided the most memorable time we had during our vacation in Savannah!

We had an incredible day with Bryan! All of his 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. Bryan never rushed us to the next place; he 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

Amazing experience. Captain Bryan 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

Who knew I was going to book a custom private boat experience and feel like I walked away with a new friend? Captain Bryan 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 him.

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

What a gorgeous and fun day we had with Low Country Drifters!

Captain Bryan’s 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

We had a fun day with Captain Bryan!
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. Captain Bryan 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

10 out of 10 experience. I will be recommending him to all my friends and family!

We had an amazing time with Captain Bryan.
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, Captain Bryan was there to assist. Best trip!

Sarah I. – Savannah, GA
September 2024

Bryan 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

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 Captain Bryan doesn’t know about this island or its history!
He also is 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

We went on a private boat tour with Low Country Drifters, and it was an unforgettable experience!
Captain Bryan 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 he does private tours, it was just the 3 of us, and we weren’t crammed into a boat with lots of people.
It also allowed Capt Bryan to provide 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

Frequently Asked Questions