ISLE OF PALMS BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Private Charter Delphinus — Salt‑marsh fishing, dolphins and island cookouts from Isle of Palms
A customizable private fishing charter departing Isle of Palms Marina for up to 16 passengers; this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and how the outing flows.
Private Charter Delphinus — Salt‑marsh fishing, dolphins and island cookouts from Isle of Palms.
Charter the Delphinus from the Isle of Palms Marina for a private exploration of South Carolina’s salt marshes and barrier islands. Tailor the trip to your group—fish calm marsh creeks, set crab traps, learn cast‑netting, watch dolphins in the estuary, hop a sandbar for swimming and blue‑crab catching, or land on Capers for shelling and island walking. Guides from Barrier Island Eco Tours lead the excursions and can finish the day with a beachside cookout for an added per‑person cost.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Private, flexible trips for your group
Delphinus operates as a private charter available by the hour, letting you choose fishing, crabbing, dolphin watching, beach stops, and more. Bookings accommodate groups reserved specifically for your party so the day can be shaped around your priorities.
Salt marshes, estuarine life and dolphins
Expect guided encounters with the estuary—naturalist guides show oyster beds and teaching moments about marine ecosystems while you watch for dolphins and test the cast net in sheltered marsh waters.
Sandbar stops and Capers Island exploration
Trips commonly include a stop on a sandbar for swimming and blue‑crab catching and an option to land on Capers Island for shelling and shoreline exploration; a beachside Lowcountry Boil or grill is available as an add‑on.
What the day feels like
How the day feels
The pace is deliberately relaxed and adaptable: you board at the Isle of Palms Marina and work with a naturalist guide to set a rhythm—an hour of cast‑netting and oyster‑bed study, a stretch of slow trolling or stationary lines in protected creeks, then a leisurely stop to splash or comb shells. Guides rotate activities to suit families or anglers, and the charter is priced hourly so groups can extend or shorten the outing as desired.
THE CHARTER
Private, flexible trips for your group
Delphinus operates as a private charter available by the hour, letting you choose fishing, crabbing, dolphin watching, beach stops, and more. Bookings accommodate groups reserved specifically for your party so the day can be shaped around your priorities.
THE WILDLIFE
Salt marshes, estuarine life and dolphins
Expect guided encounters with the estuary—naturalist guides show oyster beds and teaching moments about marine ecosystems while you watch for dolphins and test the cast net in sheltered marsh waters.
THE ISLANDS
Sandbar stops and Capers Island exploration
Trips commonly include a stop on a sandbar for swimming and blue‑crab catching and an option to land on Capers Island for shelling and shoreline exploration; a beachside Lowcountry Boil or grill is available as an add‑on.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from a Delphinus private charter.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Charters are offered from one to five hours; average charters typically run three to five hours depending on chosen activities.
Bring your own refreshments and a small cooler; beer and wine are allowed for passengers 21 and over. Wear weather‑appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes or sandals; bathing suits are optional. Pack sunscreen, towels, cameras, binoculars and bug spray as desired.
Private charters depart from the Isle of Palms Marina. Bookings can be arranged by phone or email, or online for certain family‑day options; confirm the hourly rate and availability with the operator when you reserve.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long are private charters?
Charters are available for one to five hours; the typical charter length depending on chosen activities averages three to five hours.
How many people can I bring?
Private charters are available for groups up to 16 passengers.
How do I book and who do I contact?
To set up a private trip call 843‑886‑5000 or email [email protected]; certain private outings may also be booked online by choosing the Family Fun Day option.
What does the hourly rate cover?
The charter rate is charged by the hour and covers the private vessel and guide services; specific activities and add‑ons (for example, the beachside cookout) may carry additional per‑person charges.
Can I bring food and alcohol?
You are welcome to bring your own food and a small cooler. Beer and wine are permitted for passengers ages 21 and over.
Is the trip suitable for kids?
Yes—guides provide hands‑on learning about marine ecosystems and skills such as fishing and crabbing, making the outing family‑friendly.