Myrtle Beach Dolphin Watch & Ocean Sightseeing Cruise

What forms of payment are accepted?

We take VISA, Mastercard, debit cards and of course cash.

How do we find Express Watersports?

GPS: 4042 Highway 17 Business Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Smartphone: Type in “Express Watersports” in Maps
Get Directions

Do we need a reservation for the Ocean Sightseeing/Dolphin Watch Cruise?

Yes, reservations are required. Reservations can be made online or by calling 843-357-7777. All reservations must arrive 30 minutes before departure time so that we may check your group in. At the time of departure if seats are available, we will then take walk-ins. If no seats are available, walk-ins will have to wait until the next scheduled departure. The U.S. Coast Guard limits our passenger load.

What is the cancellation policy?

We require 48 hours notice of cancellation in order for us to refund you. If you cancel within 48 hours or are a 'No Show' there is a charge for the full amount.

Do you have restrooms?

Yes. Express Watersports is a full service watersports center. We have restrooms, showers and changing rooms for use after your Ocean Sightseeing/Dolphin Watch Cruise.

Is there a bathroom on board?

There is a full size bathroom on board. We are the only Myrtle Beach dolphin watch boat on the south end with a bathroom on board.

Where do we park?

We have free parking at our watersports center. Please lock all valuables in your car.

What about weather conditions in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet?

Weather conditions come and go in Myrtle Beach. The Captain may either cancel or delay a trip if weather conditions are unfavorable. Rain squalls usually move through quickly. If the Captain cancels the trip there is no charge. If you are able to reschedule we will try again next available time, or if you prefer, we will give you a full refund.

How long is the cruise?

Our Ocean Sightseeing and Dolphin Watch cruises are 1 hour 30 minutes.

What is the minimum age?

Any age may board. Keep in mind other guests if your child is under the age of 3.

What type of boat do you have?

Our vessel is a 46’ Newton and is 16 feet wide. It is very stable in the ocean. There are upstairs and downstairs viewing areas. Bathroom onboard.

Is the boat covered?

Yes, partially. The boat has a cabin and sheltered deck for half of the boat and the other half is open to the sun. While some guests prefer the sun, others like to be in a shaded area.

What aquatic wildlife do you see?

We look for Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, Batrays, Stingrays, Cannonball Jellyfish, Horseshoe crabs, Loggerhead Sea Turtles, and Leatherback Sea Turtles. Birds we might see include Osprey, American Bald Eagles, Brown Pelicans, Cormorants, and Oystercatchers.

Are we guaranteed to see dolphin?

We can’t guarantee seeing wildlife in the ocean, as dolphins are wild animals. It is illegal in the State of South Carolina to feed or trap dolphin for viewing. The Atlantic Ocean is vast, however we do have a very high success rate. Our dolphin watch vessel works with other vessels in our fleet relaying information on sightings, behavior patterns and feeding times.

What about sea conditions?

The ocean is a moving body of water. We will make every effort to minimize any heavy rocking and rolling by positioning our vessel in a way that is most comfortable to our guests.

What about sea sickness?

Guests may take Dramamine, Bonine or any over the counter or prescription sea sickness medicine. Our watersports center does sell Dramamine. If guests are prone to seasickness they should consult their physician.

Is the boat handicap accessible?

Yes! Our decks can accommodate wheelchairs up to 29in x 39in which can be loaded on the boat. We are the only Myrtle Beach Dolphin Watch boat on the south end of Myrtle Beach that can do this.

Are food and beverage available on Board?

We have soft drinks, Beer. wine, water, and snacks available for purchase during the cruise. Cash only.

Is smoking or vapes allowed on board?

No! We do not allow smoking or vapes on the boat.

Is the Tour narrated?

Yes. Our Captain is a Marine Science Major from Coastal Carolina University and will give you both the history of our area and lots of marine facts once we are on board.

What should I wear?

Casual summertime clothes. In the spring and fall we recommend a light jacket.

Can we charter the entire boat for a private event?

Yes, we do offer private cruises. Please call 843-357-777 and inquire about pricing and scheduling

Can we tip the Captain?

Captains and their crew work for tips.

What if I am pregnant?

We do not recommend pregnant women to participate. Please refer to your physician..

What is the season for the Ocean Sightseeing/Dolphin Watch?

At Express Watersports our Ocean Sightseeing/Dolphin Watch runs from March to early December.

What is 360 degree viewing?

360 degree viewing is a sales gimmick. There is no such thing as 360 degree viewing unless you're alone on a boat. All tour boats have people on board and dolphins are below the water line of a boat. People will stand up to see them down in the water. We position our vessel so that both sides and the back of the boat will get the opportunity to see the dolphins. All of our guests are free to walk around our boat and move from side to side. We do not have individual seating so that you're NOT trapped in your seat to see dolphin.

How do dolphins sleep?

Bottlenose dolphins never completely fall asleep. Dolphins only let one half of their brain sleep at a time. Dolphins let the right side of their brain go to sleep while the left side stays awake to control the breathing. Then, a little while later, the right side wakes up and the left side falls asleep.

What kind of dolphin will we see?

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Do dolphins have friends?

Yes! Dolphins develop friendships that may last for more than 15 years! These dolphins often pair up and help each other out. Female dolphins also pick an 'auntie' dolphin to help them take care of their babies after birth!

Can we feed or swim with the dolphin?

No. there are federal guidelines that prohibit us from feeding or swimming with dolphin.

How many boats can be on one dolphin pod?

Noaa Marine guidelines states The maximum number of vessels within group of dolphins at
any time should be no more than two.

What is the marine mammal protection act?

The MMPA prohibits the taking and importation of marine mammals and marine mammal products, where “take” means to harass, feed, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal, or to attempt to do so. "Harass" means to follow the same dolphin pod on multiple trips, rev engines and speed through the dolphins to scare them off so other boats cant see them, block the dolphins direction of travel, and getting closer than 50 yards, spending more than 30 minutes on viewing the same pod and swimming with and feeding dolphin is prohibited.

Are you apart of Dolphin Smart program?

Dolphin Smart program is a NOAA Federal Program. We follow all the guidelines set forth in the program. NOAA Dolphin Smart program is not available in the Carolinas so we can not be apart of it at this time.

How many years have you've been doing dolphin watches?

Since 1997. We started doing them on our Sunrise parasail trips. We had the dolphin logo on all of our advertisement. We started doing them on our dive boat in 2000 after dive trips. We run them daily. We are the longest running dolphin watch Family owned company in Murrells Inlet.

Are you carbon neutral?

This is another sales term gimmick tour companies use to promote their business as being green. Companies are promoting this in advertising to describe the business as buying carbon credits or carbon offsets to be "Carbon Neutral" to justify how much they are polluting the planet. It's quite simple. You're either creating emissions or you're not. Tour companies use this a book keeping trick to balance what they are doing in the environment. It is called Green Washing. It allows carbon emitters to keep on emitting carbon while masquerading as green company. Don't be fooled by this.