Dolphin trips · DOLPHIN AND WILDLIFE ECO TOURS IN HILTON HEAD
The 8 best dolphin and wildlife eco tours in Hilton Head you can book today, with what each costs, how long you are on the water and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Join a USCG-licensed captain for a 90-minute cruise from Shelter Cove Marina. Expect a small boat, Broad Creek marsh views, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, and local nature stories from captains such as Dean, Dan, Riley, and Patrick.
“We were lucky and had two small pods that we saw right away and followed for a while. Captain Dan was very knowledgeable and fun.”
Cruise from Shelter Cove for 90 minutes in search of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, birds, and salt-marsh wildlife. Captains such as Riley, CJ, Dan, and Doreen add local nature and island stories. Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The boat holds up to 49 people.
“It was fun as well as very informative. Weather was beautiful. Our tour guide was wonderful and a lot of fun.”
Join Island Head for a 90-minute cruise on a 14-passenger boat around Hilton Head Island. Your English-speaking captain searches for bottlenose dolphins while pointing out osprey, egrets, manatees, the Harbor Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, and the Savannah River Bridge.
“We had a great time. Captain Tim was wonderful and found dolphins twice and a spectacular sunset. Smooth boating on a windy day!”
Join a live English-speaking guide for a 90-minute cruise through Broad Creek, watching bottlenose dolphins, shorebirds, and marine life near Hilton Head. Expect local nature stories, waterfront homes, and a family-friendly ride. Bring cash for boat snacks and tips, and leave glass containers at home.
“We did see dolphins& manatees. Guide was very informative and the other one on the boat was delightful. My 10 yr old granddaughter loved watching the dolphins& “driving” the boat”
Join Captain Mark on a private 90-minute boat tour from Hilton Head for up to six people. Watch wild dolphins in Calibogue Sound, explore Bull Island shell banks and creeks, pull crab traps, and learn about Lowcountry wildlife and island history.
“Captain Mark was knowledgeable and very friendly. he gave us alot of history and he even let us see the shell banks up close! We saw dolphins and watched them play!”
Join guides such as Mike or Joe for a two-hour paddle through Hilton Head’s Broad Creek Estuary. Kayaks, safety gear, and instruction are included. You may see year-round bottlenose dolphins, shorebirds, and other marsh wildlife while learning about local beaches, restaurants, and island life.
“We had a great time at the tour! Joe was our guide and he offered so much information about Hilton Head and the ecosystem. He was super pleasant and very knowledgeable. It was a very hot and humid day but we made the best of it… the kayaks are safe (no way it would tip over), our kids never went kayaking before and they were able to paddle just fine.”
Set out from 18 Simmons Road for a relaxed two-hour paddle through Hilton Head’s marshes and creeks. Your guide explains local ecology and history while you watch for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, otters, mink, birds, and bald eagles. Darren, Mike, and Robert have earned praise for their lively instruction.
“Our guide Mike was great, super knowledgeable about every animal we saw and partway into the trip we saw 2 dolphins. This was such a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone!”
Join a licensed captain and naturalist at Shelter Cove Marina for a 90-minute cruise through Broad Creek and Hilton Head’s tidal marshes. Look for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and birds while guides such as Dan, Sebastian, Dean, and Riley explain local wildlife, Lowcountry culture, and island history.
“Captain Dan gave us an excellent tour with great commentary on Hilton Heads history, the dolphins and their environment. We saw several dolphins in multiple locations. It was awesome.”
Pick a hull, pick the water you want to be in, or decide whether you want them wild.
