It is not unusual to observe bottlenose dolphins in our coastal waters. Seabrook Island is one of the few locations in the world where dolphins strand feed.

Harassing or disturbing stand feeding dolphins to only threatens the continued occurrence of this rare behavior; it’s also a violation of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act! Click here for tips on observing dolphins.

Beachgoers should observe the following guidelines when dolphins are present. Strand feeding is most likely to occur between two hours before and two hours after low tide.

Tips for viewing dolphins from the beach:

View at least 15 yards (45 feet) from the water line.

• Do not swim with, chase, tease, touch or grab dolphins.
• Do not feed dolphins; it’s harmful and illegal.
• Keep quiet while dolphins are hunting or feeding.

Tips for viewing dolphins from a boat, kayak or other watercraft:

Remain at least 50 yards away from dolphins – about 1/2 a football field.

• When encountering dolphins, slow down and operate at no-wake speed.
• Do not enter the water, swim with, chase, tease, touch or grab the dolphins.
• Do not touch, feed, or encourage dolphins to approach you or your boat.
• If dolphins approach you, do not chase, follow, or encircle them.
• Never approach or separate a mother and her calf.
• Keep quiet while dolphins are hunting or feeding.