Where to Go: the 4 Best Private Dolphin Watching Charters in Hilton Head Island

1.90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island

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

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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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 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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3.Hilton Head Island: Private Dolphin and Nature Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · 1h 30m

Join Captain Mark for a private 90-minute cruise from 68 Helmsman Way. Your group of up to six will watch wild dolphins in Calibogue Sound, learn about salt-marsh ecology and Hilton Head history, and, if conditions allow, explore Bull Island creeks, crab traps, and shell banks. The boat is clean, spacious, and dog friendly.

“Capt Mark was sensational. The tour was awesome. Capt Mark was so knowledgable about the wildlife and locations to see them. It was the best money ever spent. We come back to Hilton Head every year and his tour is now part of our yearly itinerary!!! We miss him already.”

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

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

Take a private catamaran around Hilton Head for two to two and a half hours. Captain William or AJ may guide your group through the salt marsh, with chances to spot dolphins and birds. Choose a daytime sail, sunset cruise, or sunset sail with Shelter Cove fireworks. Bring your own food and drinks.

“Our family was visiting from Colorado and we all thought it was the highlight of the vacation. Captain Will was wonderful and informative. We so quite a few dolphins and a pretty sunset!”

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