SAVANNAH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Salt, Lighthouses, and Dolphins: A Day Trip from Savannah to Tybee
A 5–6 hour Gray Line day outing from Savannah that pairs a barefoot lunch at The Original Crab Shack with a dolphin-watch cruise and shoreline views of Tybee Island and Fort Pulaski.
Salt, Lighthouses, and Dolphins: A Day Trip from Savannah to Tybee.
From Savannah’s historic district you journey east by Gray Line trolley to Tybee Island, where a relaxed seaside rhythm takes over: lunch at the famed Crab Shack among exotic birds and an alligator pond, a dolphin cruise through marsh-lined waterways, and photo stops at storied coastal defenses and lighthouses.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Barefoot lunch at The Original Crab Shack
Enjoy lunch on your own at the Crab Shack, a lively waterfront spot known for its casual, barefoot dining atmosphere, exotic birds and an alligator pond with more than a hundred reptiles to view.
Dolphin cruise through Tybee’s estuaries
Board a boat for a dolphin-watch cruise in search of playful bottlenose dolphins amid the estuaries and marshes that support abundant birdlife and marine activity.
Historic lighthouses and Fort Pulaski views
The route affords views of coastal landmarks, including Fort Pulaski, Cockspur Island Lighthouse (built in 1856), and the Tybee Island Lighthouse—prime photo opportunities on the return toward Savannah.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The outing unfolds as a casual half-day escape: a trolley ride from Savannah’s Historic District to Tybee, a leisurely lunch at the Crab Shack, then the tempo shifts to the water—out on a boat, scanning channels and marsh edges for bottlenose dolphins, with pauses for shoreline photo ops before a return trip to the city.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is a 5–6 hour day trip from Savannah to Tybee Island and back.
Lunch is on your own at The Original Crab Shack—plan for payment and casual, beach-appropriate attire.
Travel is provided by Gray Line from Savannah’s Historic District to Tybee Island; boat cruise is included in the outing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The total outing runs approximately 5–6 hours.
Where does the tour depart from?
The trip departs from Savannah (the Historic District), with travel to Tybee Island provided by Gray Line.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is on your own at The Original Crab Shack on Tybee Island.
Will we see dolphins?
The dolphin cruise searches Tybee Island’s waterways for bottlenose dolphins and other estuarine wildlife, though sightings depend on animal activity.
Can I feed or touch the dolphins?
No. In compliance with federal regulations, there is to be no feeding or touching of dolphins at any time.
What coastal landmarks will we pass?
The outing provides views of Fort Pulaski, Cockspur Island Lighthouse (built in 1856), and the Tybee Island Lighthouse.