See Dolphin Pods, Birds, Coastal Wildlife and More - Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours

Searching for Dolphin Pods -

When Martha and I visit Jekyll Island, one of the first things we do is walk down to the beach and scan the immediate off-shore area for dolphins. These sleek gray mammals like to frolic off the beach in their family dolphin pods.

We usually spot some, at times many, slowly fining along seeking their next meal, rising and submerging gracefully in the shallow coastal waters, or making spectacular leaps into the air.

An almost sure-fire way to meet dolphins up close and personal is to take one of the Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours offered by sightseeing companies based on Jekyll Island.

Here are a few to wet your appetite:

Coastal Georgia Charters and Tours -

One of the best is Coastal Georgia Charters and Tours. They'll not only introduce you to the fun and excitement of searching for dolphin pods, but also take you on a narrated sightseeing tour of the coastal rivers, estuaries, streams, sounds and marshlands along Jekyll Island's coast. You'll see dolphin, wood cranes, egrets, herons, pelicans, and sometimes an osprey, deer, or maybe a family of raccoons.

With Coastal Georgia Charters and Tours, you ride the waves in a specially outfitted tour boat. You're protected from the sun by their UV proof shaded roof canopy that shades the whole boat.

The boats have restrooms and are roomy, allowing plenty of space for up to 40 guests to move around for a great vantage point when checking out dolphin pods or other animals.

A USCG Master Mariner is your captain, and he, along with a crew member, will be your hosts on your Jekyll Island dolphin tour. The 90 minute tour is narrated, and you'll learn about the coastal environment, dolphin habitat, and other plants and animals that that live along the coast.

The Coastal Island Charters and Tours Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours leave every day from March through May at 1:30 pm from the Jekyll Wharf, next to Latitude 31 and across from the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. From June through August, they do 2 trips a day, the first starting at 11:00 am, the next at 1:30 pm. You can also set up your own private tour.

Call Coastal Georgia Charters and Tours for reservations at (912)635-3152. As of this writing, prices are $24.00 for adults, $12.00 for kids 10 or younger. Kids 2 or younger can come for free, providing the boat is not booked solid.

Tip: Coastal Georgia Charters and Tours can also take your group on a private excursion to one of the best wildlifeviewing spots off Jekyll Island - Raccoon Key. Check it out.

Other Excursions You Can Take to Look for Dolphin Pods -

Several Jekyll Island fishing captains will take you on sightseeing tours for Atlantic dolphin.

• Captain Larry Crews -

  Larry is the owner of the Jekyll Fishing Center, located in the shopping center. Board his boat "OSPO" for a 3 hour cruise (shades of Gilligan's Island!), searching for dolphin pods in perfect bottlenose dolphin habitat along Jekyll Island's coast. You'll also see plenty of birds - wood storks, cranes, and herons - as well as other animals.

  Capt. Crew's tour takes you along the Cumberland Island coast, where you may see wild horses galloping along the beach. You'll also cruise past King Bay Naval Submarine Base, where you could spot a Trident submarine lying at rest.

  Call Capt. Crew at (912)265-7529, or (912)270-7078, to book your cruise.

• Captain Vernon Reynolds -

  Captain Reynolds has two tours in his stable, an 1.5 hour tour and a 4 hour tour. All are private party tours, for a maximum of 6 guests.

  Reserve a spot with Capt. Reynolds by calling (912)265-0392.

Whether you go looking for family dolphin pods, or wildlife and beautiful scenery in plenty, or just to get out on the water and bask in the serenity of the Jekyll Island coast, there's no better way to do it than to book a dolphin tour.

Give it a try the next time your on Jekyll Island. That cute dolphin off the starboard has a smile just for you!

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