11 Sunset Dolphin Cruises in Hilton Head That Fill Up First

1.Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 412 reviews · 1h 30m · from $50Our pick

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 393 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 230 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55Top rated

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Hilton Head Island Sunset Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $49

Join Lowcountry Watersports for a 90-minute sunset cruise through Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound. Local captains and first mates such as Wyatt, Wendy, Mary, and Kim point out wild dolphins, Harbour Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, and the sunset. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed by the operator.

“This was a great experience enjoyed by my family. We saw lots of dolphins actually doing lots of flips”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Tour at Sunset & Fireworks Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 43 reviews · 2 hours · from $69

Cruise from Lowcountry Watersports through Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound with a licensed captain and English-speaking guide. Look for bottlenose dolphins, pass Harbour Town Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island, then watch the sunset and a 10-minute fireworks show from the water. Wendy and Kate may be among your guides.

“Boat was overcrowded and a low boat so whenever the captain sped up, we were doused with water. On a day tour where you’re speeding about you expect to get wet, but not on a sunset cruise to see dolphins and fireworks. Also no notice that there were no snacks drinks or BATHROOM on board. They should have told us this when we checked in an hour before cruise time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 41 reviews · 1h 30m · from $49

Join Lowcountry Watersports for a 90-minute sunset cruise from Palmetto Bay Marina. A licensed captain and local guide take you through Broad Creek to spot dolphins, pass Harbour Town Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island, and watch the sun set over Calibogue Sound. English tour, $49 per person.

“This was the best dolphin tour we've taken, we've been coming to the island for many years and have taken a few tours. Katie and Audra were exceptional. Audra was so engaging and made you feel like you've taken many trips with her. Could not have asked for a better tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Hilton Head: Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Scenic Views

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 38 reviews · 1h 30m · from $55

Cruise Hilton Head’s salt marsh for 90 minutes with an English-speaking guide such as Captain Dan, Kelly, or Dean. Look for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, hear about local wildlife and culture, and watch the sunset from the water. Water, ice, life jackets, and a cash bar are provided.

“My granddaughter was thrilled to see so many dolphins”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.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

9.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

10.Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 14 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45Best value

Join Dolphin & Nature Tour for a 90-minute sunset cruise through Broad Creek with a USCG-certified captain and crew. Watch for dolphins, shorebirds, and other marine life, pass waterfront homes, and finish beneath orange South Carolina skies. Bring snacks and non-glass drinks.

“Only saw one or two dolphins but guide was very informative and we enjoyed the activity had to wait for people who were 15 minutes late which I didn’t think was fair since we were all told to be there 1/2 hour before time. We had dinner reservations and we were late”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Sunset Dolphin Cruise in Hilton Head

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · from $79

Join Island Explorer for a small-group sunset cruise from the Old Oyster Factory area. An experienced captain, including Captain Kathy, Captain Cody, or Captain John, guides you past marshes, Shelter Cove, and Spanish Wells while you watch for dolphins, birds, and a possible Harbourtown Lighthouse view.

“Seriously the best cruise my family and I have ever been on. We saw so many dolphins! She was very knowledgeable about Hilton Head and oceans!”

Check availability →Read our full review