Dolphin trips · HILTON HEAD
Good hilton head dolphin tours sail early and fill up weeks ahead. Below: the 15 to book first, what each includes and how they differ.
Cruise from Palmetto Bay Marina on Broad Creek with a US Coast Guard licensed captain and local guide. Expect narration about dolphins, marsh ecology, birds, and Hilton Head Island, with guaranteed dolphin sightings and a family-friendly 90-minute route.
“Kim and captain Kate were entertaining and kept us engaged. Captain Kate could maneuver the boat so we could see as more dolphins.”
Cruise from Palmetto Bay Marina with a Coast Guard licensed captain and local guide. You’ll watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, pass Harbour Town Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island, and learn about the Lowcountry ecosystem from guides such as Wendy, Kate, Pete, and Kim.
“the first mate Emilia was awesome. and we saw lots of dolphin”
Cruise Hilton Head’s salt marshes and nearby waters with Captain Mark, a licensed captain and Lowcountry Master Naturalist. Your private group of up to six spends about 90 minutes seeking wild dolphins, with possible views of the lighthouse, Cooper River, Daufuskie Island, crabs, birds, and shell islands.
“Mark was very knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife, especially the dolphins. He is a vey good and friendly guide. We saw several dolphin pods, egrets, and herons!! Thank you Mark!”
Board the Vagabond at Harbour Town Pier for a 90-minute cruise with a naturalist captain. You’ll search for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, then head toward Daufuskie Island and Bull Creek for sunset. Guides such as Justin, John, and Wyatt have added local stories and wildlife facts to the ride.
“The captain's explanation was very interesting and it was very nice to see because he explained where the dolphins were. And I felt so good looking at the open sea. When I lived in New York, I honestly didn't want to look at it because it was by the sea, but after living in Dallas for a long time, I missed the sea, so I just liked it.”
Board Vagabond beneath Harbour Town Lighthouse for a 90-minute cruise through Calibogue Sound. Captain Windows and mates Sam and Kelly may be among the crew bringing dolphins, birds, Daufuskie Island, and Haig Point Lighthouse to life. Snacks, drinks, beer, and wine are sold aboard.
“It was very relaxing. You move very slowly, the captain calls out the dolphins around you…..and we saw a lot of dolphins. Then we slowly went out to the open ocean, saw the lighthouses and returned to the docks. Quiet and relaxing.”
Spend 90 minutes aboard Vagabond Cruise’s narrated sunset boat ride from Harbour Town Yacht Basin. Captain Justin, Johnny, or another local crew member may point out dolphins, birds, shrimp boats, marshes, and island history. Dolphins are guaranteed, and beer, wine, snacks, soda, and water are sold onboard.
“Nice evening cruise. We saw lots of dolphins and were able to capture a lovely sunset. Captain gave a nice narration on the Sound.”
Set out from 43 Jenkins Road on a private two-hour cruise with captains such as Dave, Neil, Harry, or Moto. Look for dolphins near Calibogue Sound, pass Harbour Town, view Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge, and bring your own food and drinks for the cooler.
“Captain Harry was friendly and knowledgeable. We saw quite a few dolphins and truly enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Our boys are six and eight and they loved it too.”
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.”
You’ll cruise Hilton Head’s tidal salt marsh with captains such as Dan, Kelly, Grant, or Dean, hearing about dolphins, oysters, Gullah culture, and local history. The 90-minute ride includes bottled water, sunset views, and chances to spot dolphins, with beer, wine, soda, and other drinks available for purchase.
“This experience was wonderful. Captain Dan and First Mate CT were knowledgeable and friendly. The atmosphere was amazing.”
Join Lowcountry Watersports for a two-hour Hilton Head boat trip with a USCG licensed captain and first mate. Look for wild dolphins, then step onto Disappearing Island at low tide to find shells, sand dollars, starfish, and birds. Crews may include Kate, Wendy, Michelle, or other local guides.
“Great staff. Wendy and Kate are wonderful. They make sure your safe. They ensure a great experience with laughter along the way. They do their best to make sure we get Dolphin sightings which we did! Taking the time to take pictures for every family is the icing on the cake. It's our second time with this crew and I'd do it again. Thanks so much!”
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.”
Cruise from Harbour Town aboard the Vagabond for 90 minutes of wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphin watching. Your English-speaking captain narrates island history and wildlife as you pass Daufuskie Island, Bull Island, South Beach, and Haig Point Lighthouse. Snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks are sold onboard.
“Was expecting not to see dolphins so fast. We seen at least five pods almost immediately and they we very close to the boat. Very informative crew. Over all we were very pleased with the tour.”
Cruise from Broad Creek Marina toward Harbour Town, Calibogue Sound, and possibly Daufuskie Island while your captain searches for dolphins. The boat holds no more than 14 people, and guides such as John, Sarah, Jackson, and Bill add local stories when conditions allow.
“Views of the surrounding area were nice. Only traveled 60 of 90 minutes - never made it into the sound.”
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”
Pick a hull, pick the water you want to be in, or decide whether you want them wild.
