HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Where to Go: the 15 Best Hilton Head Island Dolphin Watching Tours

46 tours  ·  from $35 a head

The good hilton head island dolphin watching tours fill up weeks ahead and the best ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise - The marsh, birds, and island views
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Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

1.Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,424 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39Our pick

Board at Palmetto Bay Marina for a 90-minute cruise along Broad Creek with a US Coast Guard licensed captain and local guide. Captains such as Kate and Pete, with guides including Wendy and Kim, point out dolphins, birds, marsh life, and island scenery. The tour is family-friendly and includes guaranteed dolphin sightings.

“Wendy was great! Very informative. The boat ride was smooth and lots of great views of islands and wildlife”

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Hilton Head Island: Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour - Leaving Palmetto Bay Marina
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Hilton Head Island: Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

2.Hilton Head Island: Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 700 reviews · 1h 30m · from $39

Cruise from Palmetto Bay Marina through Hilton Head’s waterways and Calibogue Sound for 90 minutes with a Coast Guard licensed captain and English-speaking guide. Look for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, turtles, osprey, and herons, while passing Harbour Town Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island. Covered seating helps in sun or rain.

“Kate and Wendy were fantastic. The water was rough but Kate made the ride easy and Wendy got a great picture of the fam for us!”

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90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island - What happens during the 90 minutes
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90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island

3.90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island

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

Join Captain Mark aboard a private boat for up to six people and search Hilton Head’s waters for wild dolphins. The 90-minute trip may reach the Cooper River and Daufuskie Island, with possible lighthouse photos along the way. A Lowcountry Master Naturalist adds context about dolphins, tides, marshes, oysters, and local wildlife.

“Captain Mark was very knowledgeable. An exceptional tour guide with a bit of humor mixed in. Our whole family would highly recommend him.”

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Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise - The captains make the difference
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Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

4.Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

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

Join Vagabond Cruise at Harbour Town Pier for a 90-minute sunset trip aboard the Vagabond. Captain-led narration covers dolphins, birds, Daufuskie Island, and local lore. You will search open water first, then head up Bull Creek to Dolphin Hole for sunset. Drinks and snacks are sold onboard.

“We had a great time and watched a beautiful sunset. Couldn’t understand 90% of what the guide was saying. It wasn’t him, it was the intercom system.”

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Hilton Head Island: Ocean Dolphin Cruise - The captain’s narration gives the ride shape
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Hilton Head Island Ocean Dolphin Cruise

5.Hilton Head Island Ocean Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 395 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Cruise the Calibogue Sound aboard the Vagabond for about 90 minutes, watching wild dolphins and coastal birds near Hilton Head, Daufuskie Island, Bull Island, and Haig Point Lighthouse. Your captain provides lively local narration, while snacks, soft drinks, beer, and wine are available to buy. The boat returns to Harbour Town.

“Boat captain was very knowledgeable and knew exactly where to find a LOT of dolphins and gave us informative facts. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip.”

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Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise - Dolphins in the salt marsh
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Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise

6.Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise

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

Board the Vagabond beneath Harbour Town Lighthouse for a 90-minute narrated cruise with guaranteed wild dolphin sightings. Captain Justin and crew share stories about Hilton Head’s waters, wildlife, and shrimping industry while you watch the sunset, Haig Point Lighthouse, marsh birds, and passing boats. Beer, wine, soda, water, and snacks are sold onboard.

“What an amazing experience!!! Captain and the Crew were amazing and we got to see many dolphins. The highlight was a 2 sunset views and a bald eagle that basically hovered over the boat!”

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2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise - Two hours on Calibogue Sound
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2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise

7.2-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 boat charter with a captain such as Dave, Neil, Moto, or Harry. Cruise past Harbour Town, across Calibogue Sound, and along Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge while watching for dolphins, bald eagles, sea birds, turtles, and more. Bring your own food and drinks, with a cooler and ice provided.

“We had an absolutely amazing time. 10/10 Would recommend and will use again. Captain Dave was awesome. We saw dolphins, learned history and saw a bald eagle. It was the highlight of our trip and we can not wait to come back and do it again. The smaller personal tour was so much more relaxing! Thanks for an amazing time and making the girls day on the boat!”

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90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head - Dolphins, pelicans, and the salt marsh
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90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head

8.90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 236 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $47

Set out from Shelter Cove Marina on Broad Creek for a 90-minute dolphin and nature cruise with a USCG-licensed captain. Small boats offer clear views, and guides such as Dean, Dan, Riley, and Patrick share facts about Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, birds, waterways, and the Hilton Head ecosystem. Dolphins are common, but sightings are not guaranteed.

“Great time. Very informative. Extra time was spent by the Capt to find the dolphins and educate all.”

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90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise - Searching for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
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90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise

9.90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise

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

Spend 90 minutes on Hilton Head’s tidal salt marsh with a captain such as Dan, Kelly, or Grant, watching for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins as the sun drops. You’ll hear about local wildlife, oysters, Gullah culture, and island history. The boat carries up to 49 people, has bottled water and a bar, and returns to Shelter Cove Marina.

“Easy parking, office right near parking lot. Super friendly staff. Captain Dan was fantastic. We saw so many dolphins and even glimpsed a manatee! Captain Dan was funny and informative, not only about dolphins but also about Hilton Head Island and the waters surrounding it. He was a joy from beginning to end.”

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Hilton Head Dolphin Tour with Stop at Disappearing Island - The boat ride and Hilton Head wildlife
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Hilton Head Dolphin Tour with Stop at Disappearing Island

10.Hilton Head Dolphin Tour with Stop at Disappearing Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 219 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $55

You’ll spend about two hours aboard a boat from Palmetto Bay Marina with a USCG licensed captain, looking for wild dolphins before stopping for about 20 minutes at Disappearing Island. Crews such as Captain Kate, Wendy, Michelle, and Spike add local facts and friendly humor. Bring shoes that can get wet and be ready to step down 1 to 2 feet onto the sandbar.

“Michelle and Spike were great guides. Great information shared. Loved seeing the island and the dolphins.”

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90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Cruise - Dolphin watching without false promises
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90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Cruise

11.90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $47

Set out from Shelter Cove on a 90-minute Hilton Head nature cruise led by captains such as Riley, Grant, Doreen, or CJ. Look for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, osprey, herons, egrets, pelicans, and loons while learning about the island’s ecosystem and Lowcountry past. Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

“It happened to be a beautiful day when we took our cruise; a real bonus. Shortly after leaving Shelter Cove, we were gifted with the appearance of a pod, which entertained us for many minutes. A second pod was encountered a bit further out. Our guide Dan was very familiar with the area, intuitively piloting our boat to areas where the fascinating creatures feed. He was also most informative about dolphin habits, as well as facts about the surrounding low country. All in all, a wonderful experience.”

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Hilton Head Island: Ocean Dolphin Cruise - The captain’s narration gives the ride shape
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Hilton Head Island: Ocean Dolphin Cruise

12.Hilton Head Island: Ocean Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 171 reviews · 1h 30m · from $38

Board the Vagabond at Harbour Town Pier for a 90-minute English-language cruise beyond Hilton Head’s sheltered waters. You’ll look for wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, pass Daufuskie Island and Haig Point Lighthouse, and hear the captain explain local wildlife, waterways, and island history. Snacks, beer, wine, soda, and water are sold onboard.

“The captain and his mate were very informative and helpful! We saw dolphins for sure! Well worth the value! We enjoyed it!”

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90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin Tour - The 90-minute route and its changing waterways
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90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin Tour

13.90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 170 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $47

Cruise Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound for 90 minutes with a captain such as John, Sarah, Jackson, or Bill. You may spot dolphins near Daufuskie Island, pass Harbour Town lighthouse, and learn about Hilton Head’s waterways. The boat carries no more than 14 people, but routes and wildlife sightings depend on weather and nature.

“John was a good guide and was knowledgeable about the area. Unfortunately, we only saw a few dolphins in the distance and only briefly as well, but it was still an enjoyable day on the water with the wonderful weather.”

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Hilton Head Guided Dolphin Watching & Sightseeing Tour via Mini Boat - Watching for dolphins in the waterways
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Hilton Head Guided Dolphin Watching & Sightseeing Tour via Mini Boat

14.Hilton Head Guided Dolphin Watching & Sightseeing Tour via Mini Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 127 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

You drive your own inflatable mini boat on a two-hour guided trip from Hilton Head’s waterways. Guides such as Jack, Angel, Bryce and Gavin share island history, point out Harbour Town Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island, and look for bottlenose dolphins. Drivers must be 21 or older with a valid license; passengers must be at least 5.

“Had so much fun! Our guide was amazing and patient with first time boat drivers! Highly recommend took my 2 daughters age 12 and 9 they had a blast!”

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Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour - Setting out through Broad Creek
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Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour

15.Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 125 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45

Board a 14-passenger boat with an English-speaking captain for a 90-minute Hilton Head cruise. Look for bottlenose dolphins, ospreys, egrets, pelicans, and bald eagles while passing Broad Creek, Harbor Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, Tybee Island, and the Savannah River Bridge. Captains including Sarah, Matt, Bill, and Jackson add local stories and wildlife facts.

“It was great! We saw many dolphins in the sound and our captain “John” answered all the questions we had and gave us plenty of time to watch the dolphins as they moved through the water!”

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New in Hilton Head Island Dolphin Watching Tours

★ 5.0Tubing and Dolphins Up to 6 Guests3 reviews
★ 5.0Two Hour Large Group Dolphin Tour12 reviews
★ 5.0Sunset Dolphin Cruise in Hilton HeadFrom $7911 reviews
★ 5.0Private Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Tour20 reviews
★ 5.0Private Hilton Head Dolphin Tour with Waterfront Dining Stop6 reviews
★ 5.0Private Dolphin Boat Tour in Hilton Head Island16 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group – 6 Passengers – Morning Dolphin and Donut CruiseFrom $5514 reviews
★ 5.0Private Hilton Head Dolphin Tour22 reviews
★ 5.0Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise with Fireworks DisplayFrom $5927 reviews
★ 4.5Family Friendly Dolphin Nature Kayak Tours in Hilton HeadFrom $485 reviews
★ 5.02 Hour Kayak Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature TourFrom $4926 reviews
★ 5.02 1/4 Hour Private Kayak Hilton Head Dolphin Nature Experience9 reviews
★ 5.01 Hour Private Dolphin Tour Hilton Head IslandFrom $2507 reviews
★ 4.7Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Watching TourFrom $4941 reviews
★ 5.0Hilton Head: 2 Hour Private Dolphin Tour5 reviews

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Dolphin Watching Cruises358Swim with Dolphins98Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours270Sunset Dolphin Cruises166Private Dolphin Watching Charters212Kayak Dolphin Tours87
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Where to see dolphins

Pick a coast, a boat or a swim.

From the deck

Dolphin CruisesWhales and DolphinsSunset SailingsCatamaransRIBs and Speedboats

In the water

Wild SwimsSnorkel TripsDolphin HouseWild EncountersKayak Trips

Smaller boats

Private ChartersSmall GroupsLuxury HullsUnder SailWith a Biologist

Other ways

Dolphins and ManateesEco TripsAquariumsTrips with LunchHalf-Day Trips