The 13 Private Dolphin Charters in Hilton Head People Actually Book

1.90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 516 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) Our pick

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 306 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Hilton Head Island: Private Dolphin and Nature Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · 1h 30m

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Hilton Head: Private Dolphin Day or Sunset Catamaran Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 27 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes

Take a private 2 to 2.5-hour catamaran ride around Hilton Head for dolphin and bird watching, salt-marsh stories, or a sunset over the water. Captain William and AJ have earned warm praise, while the private format lets you bring your own food and drinks for up to six people.

“Captain William was great! He was very knowledgeable and an amazing boat captain!! It certainly was a highlight of our trip! We will definitely be booking again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Private Hilton Head Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Take a 90-minute private cruise from 86 Helmsman Way around Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound. A USCG-licensed captain such as John, James, or Ben explains dolphin behavior, points out Harbourtown Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island, and takes family photos. Snacks, soda, and water are included.

“Within 3 minutes of the tour starting we spotted 4 dolphins! It didn’t stop there as we enjoyed cruising to other spots. So many dolphins and so much fun! Loved having the private tour and boat with just our family. Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Private Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Set out from 86 Helmsman Way with a USCG licensed captain for 90 minutes of dolphins, sunset views, and Hilton Head sights. Your private group of up to six may be guided by captains such as Dawn, Peter, John, or James, with water and snacks included.

“Captain John was the best captain to lead our private sunset cruise. He was so kind and knowledgeable about everything around us!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Private Dolphin Boat Tour in Hilton Head Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 1 hour (approx.)

Board a refurbished center-console boat at Cross Island Boat Landing for a private search for dolphins around Broad Creek, Brams Point, Calibougie Sound, and Daufuskie. Your captain, possibly Brode, knows local sighting areas. Bring snacks and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, for this family-friendly outing.

“Had a beautiful day on Hilton Head island in April! Took a tour on a small boat with our guid Brode. We wanted to see dolphins and oh man did we. Just check out this picture. Had a blast and so affordable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.2 1/4 Hour Private Kayak Hilton Head Dolphin Nature Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.)

Spend about 2 hours and 15 minutes kayaking Hilton Head’s Broad Creek Estuary with a private English-speaking guide. Watch for bottlenose dolphins, manatees, loggerhead turtles, otters, mink, and shorebirds while learning about the island. Gear is included, and your group returns to 18 Simmons Road.

“Had a great time! Saw dolphins and manatees. Our guide was wonderful and knowledgeable. Take the tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.1 Hour Private Dolphin Tour Hilton Head Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $250Best value

Join Island Explorer at 101 Marshland Road for a private one-hour cruise on Broad Creek. Your guide will look for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, point out other wildlife, and explain Hilton Head’s ecosystem. The short trip suits families with young children, couples, and anyone on a tight schedule.

“This was a perfect first boat trip for my 3 young kids. We saw several dolphins; one even came up and sprayed us! So much fun and the perfect length. Would definitely do it again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Private Hilton Head Dolphin Tour with Waterfront Dining Stop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews

You’ll cruise from Palmetto Bay Marina with a USCG-licensed captain, watching dolphins and coastal wildlife across Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound. Captains Sarah and Ben are available, with restaurant stops, Harbourtown lighthouse views, and a possible visit to water-access-only Daufuskie Island.

“Captain Ben made this trip so enjoyable. He was friendly, informative, flexible and funny. Our family of 7, which included a 7 month old baby, had a wonderful time! The trip itself was relaxing, scenic and the boat ride was fun!”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Hilton Head: 2 Hour Private Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews

Set out from Hilton Head RV Resort and Marina on a private two-hour cruise for up to six people. A master-certified captain takes you across Calibogue Sound to look for Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, share island sights, and keep the ride comfortable aboard a spacious 24-foot boat. Captains Dave, Harry, and Neil have earned especially warm praise.

“Our boat ride was just what we were looking for! Captain Dave was very informative and took us on a great ride! We saw lots of dolphins and beautiful scenery!”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Hilton Head: Private Dolphins & Tubing Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2h 30m

Spend 150 minutes on a private boat from Shelter Cove Marina, watching for dolphins and birds before taking a tubing ride through Hilton Head’s salt marshes. Your captain shares local nature facts, and the pace can suit your group. The boat holds up to six people.

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Hilton Head Island: Private Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 1h 30m

Join a private captain at Palmetto Bay Marina for a 90-minute cruise through Hilton Head’s creeks and marshes. Watch for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, pass Harbour Town Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island, and enjoy snacks, drinks, and family photos. Captain Pete is praised for his island history.

“Our guide Pete was outstanding! Incredible knowledge about the island and how it has developed. He was informative and very interesting. The boat was beautiful. It was well worth taking a couple hours and we saw several dolphins! Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review