Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is one of the best places on the East Coast to spot dolphins in the wild. These playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are frequently seen swimming just offshore, riding waves, and feeding in the calm waters along the Grand Strand. Staying at The Strand Resort puts you in a prime location to catch a glimpse of them right from the beach—or on a short adventure nearby.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park is one of the most reliable shore-based spots to see dolphins. The quieter, less crowded shoreline makes it easier to spot movement just beyond the breaking waves, especially during early mornings when the water is calm and visibility is best. Dolphins are often seen traveling in small pods along this stretch of coast.
Apache Pier Area
The area around Apache Pier in northern Myrtle Beach is another popular dolphin-watching location. The pier stretches far into the Atlantic, giving visitors a better vantage point to see dolphins swimming, feeding, or playing in the surf. Morning and late afternoon are often the best times for sightings.
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Just a short drive from Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is one of the top spots in the region for dolphin activity. The inlet’s calmer, shallow waters attract dolphins looking for food, making sightings especially common during outgoing tides. Many visitors also choose boat tours from this area for even closer encounters.
Dolphin Cruise Tours Along the Coast
One of the most reliable ways to see dolphins is by joining a guided boat tour. Dolphin cruises from Myrtle Beach and nearby Little River travel through the Intracoastal Waterway and out into the Atlantic, where sightings are extremely common. These tours often report dolphin encounters on most trips thanks to the area’s active marine ecosystem.
From the Beach at The Strand Resort
You don’t even have to leave your hotel to have a chance at a dolphin sighting. From the shoreline in front of The Strand Resort, dolphins are sometimes visible just offshore, especially in the early morning when the ocean is calm. Walking the beach at sunrise gives you the best chance to spot a dorsal fin breaking the surface.
Book Your Dolphin-Watching Stay at The Strand Resort
Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, visiting nearby piers, or heading out on a dolphin cruise, Myrtle Beach offers plenty of ways to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat. At The Strand Resort, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy it all—right where the ocean meets the adventure.
