Boating and Fishing

Captain Mike's Dolphin Tours. If boat-bound adventure is what you seek, look no further than Captain Mike. Widely popular with tourists and locals alike, Captain Mike's tours have been featured on the Discovery Channel and Good Morning America and in the pages of Southern Living. Choose from a 90-minute dolphin tour or a sunset tour (available May to September). Captain Mike has a 32-foot cabin cruiser in his fleet and offers inshore and offshore fishing charters. This business is family-owned and -operated, and kids are welcome. Lazaretto Creek Marina, 1 Old U.S. Hwy. 80, Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328. 912/786–5848; tybeedolphins.com. Tours from $15.

Compass Sailing. Boarding at Bull River Marina, Captain Steve's personal and private tours explore the ocean and salt marshes via a 38-foot sailing yacht. Passengers are encouraged to bring their own lunch or coolers; soft drinks are provided. Bull River Marina, 8005 U.S. Hwy. 80, Savannah, Georgia, 31410. 912/441–3265; www.compasssailing.com.

Miss Judy Charters. The legendary Captain Judy Helmey has headed up her charter fishing company for decades, and nobody knows the hidden honey holes better (locals swear by her weekly fishing report). Her 10-boat fleet offers packages ranging from 3-hour sightseeing tours to 14-hour deep-sea fishing expeditions, with plenty of delightful tales included. Expect to catch redfish, trout, and flounder in close waters and mackerel and barracuda on the open sea. 124 Palmetto Dr., Wilmington Island, Savannah, Georgia, 31410. 912/897–4921; missjudycharters.com. From $425 for 3 hours of inshore fishing; from $600 for 4 hours of offshore fishing.

Savannah Canoe and Kayak. Leading you through inlets and tidal creeks, Savannah Canoe and Kayak employs highly skilled guides that provide expert instruction for newbies and challenges for seasoned paddlers. You'll also learn about the history of these historic waterways and visit lesser-known spots, including hidden creeks and Little Tybee. Half-day tours start at $85 for three hours. 414 Bonaventure Rd., Thunderbolt, Savannah, Georgia, 31404. 912/341–9502; savannahcanoeandkayak.com. From $85.

Bull River Marina. This is your one-stop-shop for all your boating needs. Bull River offers rentals, tours, and charters in boats big and small. Starting at $29 per person for six or more passengers, expert guides will take you to hunt sharks' teeth; on a sightseeing tour of area forts and lighthouses; or on a 90-minute dolphin tour. For the more adventuresome, charters start at $350 for four people. If you prefer to captain your own boat, rentals start at $200 for four hours. 8005 U.S. Hwy. 80, Wilmington Island, Savannah, Georgia, 31410. 912/897–7300; www.bullrivermarina.com. Daily 8–6.

Dolphin Magic Tours. Explore the natural beauty of Savannah's coastal waters on a narrated boat tour with Dolphin Magic Tours. From River Street, you cruise out to the marshlands and tidal creeks near Tybee Island. The search for dolphin encounters lasts two hours and costs $27; sightings are guaranteed. Departure times vary according to the tides and the weather. 312 E. River St., Historic District, Savannah, Georgia, 31401. 912/897–4990; www.reelemn.com/dolphinmagic.

Moon River Kayak Tours. Setting out from either Wilmington or Skidaway islands, Moon River Kayak offers a different experience than many of the tours originating on Tybee Island. Paddling Turner's Creek, Skidaway Narrows, and Johnny Mercer's Moon River gives you a more inland perspective rich with sightings of such spectacular birds as ospreys and eagles. Be sure to bring your binoculars. Rodney J. Boat Ramp & Park, 45 Diamond Causeway, Moon River District, Savannah, Georgia, 31406. 912/344--1310; moonriverkayak.com. From $55.

Sea Kayak Georgia. Owned by professional paddlers and instructors Marsha Henson and Ronnie Kemp, Sea Kayak Georgia provides gear, tours, and courses for beginners and advanced kayakers alike, not to mention stand-up paddleboard rentals and the unique experience of teacher-led stand-up paddleboard yoga. Seasoned guides and naturalists lead half-day salt-marsh paddle tours. 1102 U.S. Hwy. 80, Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328. 912/786–8732; www.seakayakgeorgia.com. Tours from $50. Daily 10–6.

Sundial Charters. Discover fossils, cast a net, spot birds or dolphins, or try crabbing with Sundial's custom charter tours. Popular tours include a jaunt to the remote and lush Daufuskie Island, inshore fishing charters, Georgia Coastal History Boat Tour, and a trip to the natural heritage preserve of Little Tybee Island. Tybee Island, Georgia. 912/786–9470; www.sundialcharters.com.

Telecaster Charters. Captain Kevin Rose leads fishing excursions on his 18-foot Pioneer flats boat for speckled trout, black drum, redfish, sheepshead, whiting, and even sharks. Fully licensed and insured, his four-hour trips start from one of several locations. The excursions start at $300 for two people and includes bait and licenses. Rose also offers island shuttles and nature tours. Children are welcome. Thunderbolt, Savannah, Georgia. 912/308–4622; www.telecastercharters.com.

Tybee Jet Ski & Watersports. For those who enjoy more fast-paced activities, little compares to the rush of jet skiing on the island waterways or riding the swells of the beach. Tybee Jet Ski & Watersports rents Jet Skis/waverunners. In addition, this shop offers everything you need for sea kayaking excursions. If you'd like a 90-minute guided tour of the coastal marshes and tidal streams, Little Tybee Island, or the historic Cockspur Lighthouse, that can also be arranged 1C Old Hwy. 80, Tybee Island, Georgia, 31328. 912/786–5554; tybeejetski.com. Jet Ski rentals from $99, kayak rentals from $35 for a half-day, kayak tours from $38. Daily 7–7.

Wilderness Southeast. Discover Coastal Georgia wildlife in its natural habitat with a unique kayaking tour. Wilderness Southeast offers private and personalized kayak tours for spotting dolphins, birds, and alligators in maritime forests, salt marshes, swamps, beaches, and creeks, learning about history, and enjoying Savannah's outdoor offerings. Savannah, Georgia. 912/236–8115; www.naturesavannah.org.