Look, I love Savannah. The squares, the history, the food—it’s all incredible. But let’s be real: You’re in coastal Georgia, and if you don’t make it to the beach, you’re missing out. A Tybee Island tour from Savannah is just what you need—the island is only 18 miles east of downtown, and it’s absolutely worth the trip.
The thing is, getting there without a car can be tricky, and even if you do drive, parking can be a headache during peak season (and expensive!). That’s where these tours come in handy. I’ve rounded up three solid options that’ll get you to Tybee without the stress, each with its own vibe depending on what you’re after.
When you’re ready to plan your trip you’ll want to start here with the Complete Guide to Tybee Island.
1. The Classic Combo: Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise
Best for: People who want to see multiple sides of Tybee without planning every detail themselves.
This is your all-in-one Tybee experience, and it’s hard to beat for first-timers. You hop on a trolley in downtown Savannah, and they handle everything from there.
The tour hits all the highlights: you’ll stop at The Original Crab Shack for lunch—one of the best restaurants on Tybee Island. The seafood is fresh, the views over the marsh are perfect, and the gator pond never gets old.
After lunch, you’re off on a dolphin cruise through the island’s waterways. There’s something special about being out on the water here—the dolphins, the marsh views, the historic landmarks passing by. It’s quintessential coastal Georgia.
You’ll also get time at the iconic Tybee Lighthouse for great photo opportunities (admission is not included, but it’s worth the extra cost if you want to climb up), and some beach time before heading back to Savannah.
The whole thing runs 5-6 hours, so you’re back in time for dinner at a rooftop bar in Savannah.
Insider Tip: The lighthouse and museum are closed on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.
2. The Beach Bum Special: Tybee Island Day at the Beach Experience
Best for: Anyone who wants maximum beach time with minimum effort.
Sometimes you just want to plant yourself in the sand and not move for six hours. This Tybee Island beach day tour gets that.
They pick you up from your hotel in Savannah, make a beverage stop on the way (you’ll want to stock that cooler—they provide the ice but not the drinks), and drop you off at a beach setup that’s already waiting for you. Chairs, umbrellas, towels—it’s all there.
This is pure relaxation mode on one of the best beaches in Georgia. No itinerary, no rushing around. Just you, the Atlantic Ocean, and however many hours of beach time you want. When you’re sufficiently sun-soaked, they pick you back up and return you to Savannah.
It’s the most low-key option, but sometimes that’s exactly what a beach day should be. I especially love this option if you’re planning a bachelorette trip to Savannah!
3. The Deep Dive: Savannah Historic District & Islands Private Guided Tour
Best for: History buffs and anyone who wants a personalized, comprehensive tour of both Savannah and Tybee.
If you want the full story—both Savannah’s history and Tybee’s coastal charm—this private tour of Savannah and Tybee Island covers serious ground. You start with a walking tour through some of Savannah’s 22 historic squares, getting the background on the city’s layout, architecture, and those gorgeous live oaks.
Then you head out to Tybee Island, where you’ll explore the lighthouse and museum (note: admission to the lighthouse is not included in the tour price), stroll the pier and pavilion, and visit Fort Pulaski National Monument—where admission is included.
Fort Pulaski is genuinely fascinating and ranks among the best attractions in Tybee Island. It’s one of the best-preserved Civil War forts, and learning about the 1862 siege puts the whole coastal defense strategy into perspective.
The lighthouse is another one of the best attractions in Tybee Island, and even if you don’t climb it, the photo ops are fantastic. Because this is a private tour, you can customize things based on what interests you most. Want to spend more time at the fort? Need a lunch stop somewhere specific? Your guide can adjust.
More Tybee Island Experiences We Love
- Tybee Island Ghost Tour — This 2-hour tour includes use of a thermal imaging camera!
- Historic Golf Cart Tour of Tybee Island — Perfect for the traveler who wants to get the highlgihts, but only wants to spend about an hour on the tour.
- Tybee Island Sunset Tiki Cruise — Easily the most Instagrammable tour on Tybee.
- Tybee Island Bike Tour — For active families or couples!
- Tybee Island Bicycle, Bites, and Brews Guided Tour — Bike around with a local to find the best snacks, libations, and learn a bit of history!
- Tybee Island Jet Ski Rental — Combine with one with the beach day experience and you have an excursion you’ll remember for years.
Which Tybee Island Tour from Savannah Should You Choose?
Honestly? You can’t go wrong with any of these. The dolphin cruise tour is the most balanced if you want a taste of everything. The beach day is unbeatable for pure relaxation. And the private tour gives you the most flexibility and history by including Savannah in the tour!
Whichever you pick, just make sure you get to Tybee. As one of the most accessible islands off the coast of Georgia, it offers a totally different energy from Savannah proper. The beach, the lighthouse, the laid-back island vibe—it all completes the coastal Georgia experience. If you’re planning a longer trip, Tybee Island fits perfectly into any coastal Georgia road trip itinerary.
Plus, let’s be honest: coming all the way to the coast and not seeing the ocean? That would be a crime.
Before You Go…
- 15 Best Attractions in Tybee Island
- Tybee Island Campground Guide
- Where to Get the Best Breakfast on Tybee Island
- Little Tybee Island, GA: A Coastal Georgia Adventure
- 5 Reasons Not to Miss the Tybee Beach Bum Parade
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