Beaufort Sunset Cruise
GOLDEN HOUR ON THE WATERFRONT
Make this experience a part of your Beaufort story.
THE BEST WAY TO END TO THE DAY
In the South, we live for the golden hours at the end of the day when the heat breaks and the sun sets over the horizon. The colors become more saturated and the the marsh takes on a memorable glow as we head towards dusk.
EVENING RITUALS
Being on the water this time of day lets us see the inhabitants of the salt marsh prepare for their nightly routines. Ibises and egrets return to their roosts, night herons begin their evening hunts and dolphins lope through the creeks.
GATHER A GROUP AND COME ON!
This 1.5-hour boat cruise is a great outing for all ages and is the perfect introduction to the beauty of the Lowcountry. Afterwards, stroll the waterfront with an ice cream or enjoy dinner on Bay Street to make the day complete.
TOUR INFO
Adults: $40
Children 3-12: $20
Children 2 & under: Free
1.5 hours
WHERE TO MEET
BEAUFORT MARINA OUTPOST
1006 Bay Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
Arrive 15 minutes early and check in at the top of the dock. Parking is available for $1/hour in the marina lot. (free on Sundays and after 6 p.m.)
THINGS TO KNOW
Dress for the weather and wear a hat and sunglasses. A light windbreaker or raincoat is often welcome, even on warm days! Bring drinking water (and binoculars if you have them)
LOOKING OUT FOR WILDLIFE
On Coastal Expeditions tours, we are careful not to do any thing that interferes with a wild animal’s natural behavior. On our dolphin tours, we follow practices that are taught to us by the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network to ensure that we never cause Atlantic bottlenose dolphins or other any other wildlife stress.
Dolphins are curious and gregarious by nature, and when they appear near the boat, we cut off the engines and enjoy their presence.
“Captain Henry Brandt offers a boat tour that cruises through the area’s Native American, Spanish, and French history; union occupation…all interspersed with musings on the estuary ecosystems and the fecund marvels of pluff mud.”
-SOUTHERN LIVING
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT WILDLIFE SHOULD I EXPECT TO SEE?
Bottlenose dolphins, Eastern brown pelicans, bald eagles, ospreys (and their nests!), herons, egrets, wood storks, shorebirds and more.
IS THIS A GOOD TOUR FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN?
This is a good choice for intergenerational family outings because of the variety of topics covered during the tour. We tend to see more dolphins and wildlife in the late spring, summer, and early fall. Depending on their presence, this tour can be more history-heavy which may or may not be captivating for your child.
If you have any questions about the suitability of the tour for your group, please give us a call at (843) 929-2047 and we’d be happy to recommend the perfect tour for y’all!
WHAT KIND OF HISTORY IS DISCUSSED?
This tour typically goes south on the Beaufort River and addresses colonization and exploration of the Beaufort area! From the time of Native Americans up until British settlement (with a little touch of Civil War history), this is a great opportunity to get a taste of the history that makes Beaufort so great.
WHAT KIND OF BOAT WILL WE BE ON?
Motor vessel Godwit is a US Coast Guard-certified passenger carrying vessel with a master captain at the helm. This boat holds more than 30 people comfortably and has a sun shade that covers the boat.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL?
You’ll need to cancel 48 hours prior or you will not be eligible for a refund for the tour.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
Weather (thunderstorms or high winds) may impact this excursion. Cancellations usually occur due to lightning, thunder or high winds and we will make sure to reschedule your group if needed. Our general cancellation policies apply unless our experts determine it is potentially unsafe or unwise to venture out. In the event that we decide to cancel due to weather, we will make every effort to call you at least two hours before your departure and help you reschedule or credit/refund the full cost of your trip.
SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?
Gratuity is not included in your tour price. Our guides go above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic time out on the water! Average gratuity ranges from 15%–25% of your tour cost based on your experience. It is not required, but always greatly appreciated!