Myrtle Beach Sunset Dolphin Cruise Review

The Myrtle Beach Sunset Dolphin Cruise offers a unique coastal experience, but it doesn’t always deliver on its promises. While the scenic sunset views and friendly crew impress many guests, the lack of guaranteed dolphin sightings leaves some visitors feeling let down. With mixed reviews citing concerns about comfort and additional fees, it’s essential for potential customers to understand what to expect before booking this wildlife tour.

Good To Know

• The 2-hour Murrells Inlet sunset cruise focuses on sunset views rather than guaranteed dolphin sightings, with mixed customer experiences regarding the latter.
• The cruise departs from Crazy Sister Marina and offers amenities like covered shade, air-conditioned decks, and wheelchair accessibility.
• The cruise provider offers a rebooking if no dolphins are seen, though many customers report unfulfilled promises of dolphin encounters.
• The cruise has an average rating of 2.8 out of 5 from 33 reviews, with praise for the beautiful sunsets but criticism for the lack of dolphins and uncomfortable seating.
• The experience is described by some customers as more of a "boat ride" than a wildlife tour, highlighting the uncertainty of wildlife sightings.

Experience Overview

Although the Myrtle Beach Sunset Dolphin Cruise promises a memorable experience, the overall reviews suggest a mixed bag for travelers.

The cruise takes place in Murrells Inlet, SC, and lasts two hours from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a maximum capacity of 128 passengers. The boat features covered shade areas, an air-conditioned enclosed deck, an open sun deck, and restrooms.

While the cruise guarantees dolphin sightings, many customers have expressed disappointment over the lack of dolphin encounters. The experience seems to focus more on the sunset views than the wildlife aspect, which may not align with some visitors’ expectations.

Location and Meeting Point

The Myrtle Beach Sunset Dolphin Cruise departs from the Crazy Sister Marina, located at 4123 US-17 BUS in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. The marina serves as the meeting point for the cruise.

Ticket redemption takes place at the company’s office located at 1114 Celebrity Cir suite c 314 in Myrtle Beach.

• The marina is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
• Parking is available on-site for guests.
• The cruise departure point is just a short drive from the popular Myrtle Beach area.
• The ticket redemption office is conveniently located in the heart of Myrtle Beach.
• Guests should arrive at the marina approximately 15-20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Boat Amenities and Accessibility

The Myrtle Beach Sunset Dolphin Cruise boasts a range of amenities and accessibility features that enhance the overall experience.

The boat offers a covered shade area, an air-conditioned enclosed deck, and an open sun deck, ensuring comfort regardless of weather conditions. Restrooms are available on board, adding to the convenience.

The cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and is located near public transportation, making it easily accessible for a wide range of travelers. Infants can accompany the cruise, but must sit on laps.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior.

Dolphin Sightings and Guarantee

One of the key draw cards of the Myrtle Beach Sunset Dolphin Cruise is the guaranteed dolphin sightings.

However, based on customer reviews, this guarantee seems to fall short in practice. Many passengers have expressed disappointment over the lack of dolphin sightings during their cruises, despite the provider’s promise to rebook another cruise within 7 days if no dolphins are seen.

The cruise’s dolphin guarantee includes:

• Guaranteed dolphin sightings
• Rebook within 7 days if no dolphins are seen
• Many reviews cite lack of dolphin sightings despite the guarantee
• Customers feel let down by the unfulfilled promise
• Understanding that wildlife sightings can be unpredictable is advised

Customer Feedback and Reviews

Passengers offer a mixed bag of reviews for the Myrtle Beach Sunset Dolphin Cruise, with an average rating of 2.8 out of 5 based on 33 total reviews.

Many express disappointment over the lack of dolphin sightings despite the guarantee, describing the experience as a "boat ride" rather than a wildlife tour.

On the positive side, passengers praise the beautiful sunsets, friendly crew, and enjoyable boat ride.

However, some criticize the uncomfortable seating, long time to exit the inlet, and additional charges for booking through third parties.

Booking Considerations

When booking the Myrtle Beach Sunset Dolphin Cruise, it may be wise to contemplate booking directly with the cruise company rather than through third-party platforms.

This approach can provide several benefits:

• Better rates and transparency on guarantees
• Clearer communication on cancellation policies
• Easier troubleshooting or rebooking in case of issues
• Access to any exclusive perks or discounts offered directly
• Streamlined customer support from the cruise provider

Carefully reviewing the booking options and understanding the implications can help guarantee a smoother and more satisfactory experience for this sunset dolphin cruise.

Experience Expectations

What should travelers expect from the Myrtle Beach Sunset Dolphin Cruise experience?

The cruise is marketed as a dolphin-watching excursion, but customers should understand that the focus may be more on the sunset than guaranteed wildlife sightings.

While the provider offers a re-booking guarantee if no dolphins are seen, reviews indicate disappointment over the lack of dolphin encounters.

Travelers should have realistic expectations and be prepared for an enjoyable boat ride with scenic views, rather than solely prioritizing dolphin spotting.

The experience caters more to the sunset ambiance than wildlife observation.

Weather Impact

Weather can greatly impact the Myrtle Beach Sunset Dolphin Cruise experience. Inclement weather can affect the ability to spot dolphins and overall enjoyment of the tour. Guests should be aware that:

• Heavy rain or strong winds may cause the cruise to be canceled or rescheduled.

• Overcast skies can diminish the beauty of the sunset views.

• Choppy waters can make the boat ride more uncomfortable.

• The crew may need to adjust the cruise route or duration due to weather conditions.

• Guests should dress appropriately and bring extra layers in case of changing weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option for Private or Group Bookings?

The cruise company offers private or group bookings. Customers can inquire about this option for a more personalized experience and potentially better rates. However, the availability and details of private/group bookings are not clearly stated in the provided information.

Are Any Food or Beverages Provided During the Cruise?

The cruise does not include any complimentary food or beverages. Guests can bring their own snacks and drinks, but there are no refreshments provided during the 2-hour sunset cruise. The focus is on the scenic views, not on dining.

Can I Bring My Own Refreshments on Board?

Passengers are allowed to bring their own refreshments on board. The cruise does not provide any food or beverages, so bringing your own snacks and drinks is recommended to enhance your experience.

Is the Cruise Wheelchair-Friendly Throughout the Entire Experience?

The cruise is wheelchair-friendly throughout the entire experience. The boat has features like a covered shade area and wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Passengers can also access the open sun deck in their wheelchairs.

What Happens if the Cruise Is Cancelled Due to Inclement Weather?

If the cruise is cancelled due to inclement weather, the provider will offer to reschedule the trip within 7 days at no additional cost. Customers can also opt for a full refund if the rescheduled date doesn’t work for them.

The Sum Up

The Myrtle Beach Sunset Dolphin Cruise offers a scenic but inconsistent experience. While the sunset views and friendly crew are appreciated, the lack of guaranteed dolphin sightings and additional fees leave many visitors dissatisfied. Customers should manage their expectations, as the tour is more of a boat ride than a wildlife encounter. Weather conditions can also impact the overall experience.