Our flippered friends love the Lowcountry just as much as we do and we never tire of spotting them while we’re exploring! Scroll on to discover a few of our favorite spots we frequently find dolphins playing in Charleston.
Did we miss a spot? Let us know in the comments below!
1. Shem Creek
Shem Creek is a favorite spot for not only locals and visitors, but for dolphins as well. Sip sunset cocktails at Saltwater Cowboys or Red’s Ice House, or join Nature Adventures for a sunrise Shem Creek kayak tour and you’re likely to see a flippered friend.
2. Charleston Harbor
Set sail on the Schooner Pride or climb aboard the Carolina Queen, head into the Charleston Harbor and you may spot a few dolphin friends swimming alongside to say hello!
3. Waterfront Park
A visit to Waterfront Park is a must add to your Charleston bucket list! Stroll past the larger-than-life sized pineapple and head to the pier to search for dolphins playing in the water.
4. Fleet Landing
Dine al fresco and enjoy fresh-from-the-dock seafood at Fleet Landing while keeping your eyes peeled for flippered friends swimming nearby!
5. Pitt Street Bridge
Both locals and dolphins love to visit Mount Pleasant‘s Pitt Street Bridge at sunrise and sunset. It’s one of our favorite ways to begin and end the day!
6. Folly Beach
Folly Beach is home to more than 300 wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins! Learn all about the Charleston area’s rich ecological heritage while watching dolphins play from a close, but respectful, distance with Charleston Outdoor Adventures. You may even be lucky enough to observe the dolphins strand feeding, a unique feeding technique that is rare to see and has only been observed in our region of the world!
7. Bulls Island
Join Coastal Expeditions aboard the Bulls Island Ferry and get ready for an adventure! The ferry route is within a 66,000 acre wildlife refuge and dolphins, frequently seen along the way, are protected within this ecosystem. Be sure to tell the captain when you spot a flippered friend and they’ll be happy to slow down the boat to watch the dolphins as they move through the creeks!
Before you go, check out 18 Ways to Go Wild with Animal Encounters in Charleston!
