Guaranteed for a Dolphin Sighting and a Great Day on the Water!
They’re smart, curious and playful; and your best chance to see dolphins in the wild is only a short drive to Tybee Island.
“Every day… you know you’ll see something different, something incredible,” says Stephanie
Tomlinson of Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventure Tour. “These dolphins are in their natural environment. They’re coming to visit our boats because they want to!”
For nearly 25 years Capt. Derek, his captains and his crew have been exploring the waters around Savannah and Tybee Island. The crews rarely go out without seeing dolphins, and it never gets old!
“We don’t feed them,” says Tomlinson. “We don’t touch them at all! But these bright, curious creatures just want to check us out!”
Tours start at the dock on Lazaretto Creek and head out in the bay between Tybee and the Savannah River.
Captains and first mates offer history and science, jokes and fun quips. Depending on weather and dolphin sightings you’ll usually get to see the Cockspur and Tybee Island Lighthouses, but the main attraction is always the dolphins.
“They love our boats because they are high wake vessels,” says Tomlinson.
The secret to Capt. Derek’s Dolphin guarantee (if you don’t see dolphins or the captain just doesn’t think it was up to par, you get another tour for free) is the high horsepower boats.
Tomlinson says the dolphins love to jump in the waves the boats create.
“Watching faces as the dolphins are jumping, especially when we have school groups… When they see the dolphins jump in our wake, pure joy! It’s incredible,” she says.
All of the boats are equipped with restrooms and are dog-friendly. Handicap-accessible boats are also available, but please call ahead to ensure the appropriate boats are assigned for your tour. Passengers are welcome to bring snacks and beverages, but concessions are also available for purchase. Captain Derek’s also offers group and military discounts and private tours. Standard tours are between 60 and 90 minutes.
Also check out sister company Reel Em’ N for your private Deep Sea Fishing Charter needs at www.reelemn.com.
By Renée LaSalle
Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventure Tour
3 Old US Hwy. 80, Tybee Island
(912) 658-2322
www.tybeedolphinadventure.com