Our 11 Best Sunset Dolphin Cruises in Hilton Head Island

1.Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

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

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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2.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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3.90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise

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

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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4.Hilton Head Island Sunset Dolphin Tour

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

Cruise Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound for about 90 minutes with Lowcountry Watersports. Local captains and first mates such as Wyatt, Wendy, Mary, and Kim share island stories, find wild dolphins, and take family photos on your device. The route passes Harbour Town, Daufuskie Island, and Harbour Town Golf Links.

“Captain Pete knew where to find the beat area for dolphins and Wendy is very knowledgeable about the area and dolphins. Would definitely take this cruise again and recommend to others.”

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

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

Join Lowcountry Watersports for a two-hour English-guided cruise around Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound. A licensed captain and local guide point out dolphins, Harbour Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, sunset views, and Hilton Head’s 10-minute fireworks show. Wendy and Kate have earned praise for their friendly help.

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6.Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Watching Tour

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

Cruise from Palmetto Bay Marina through Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound with a licensed captain and local guide. Look for dolphins, oyster beds, birds, spartina grass, Harbour Town Lighthouse, and Daufuskie Island. The crew keeps the mood lively with music, and children may get a turn at the wheel. Sunset is the grand finale.

“I actually made a booking error and did not get to go but the company responded very quickly and gave me a rain check.”

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7.Hilton Head: Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Scenic Views

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

Set out from Shelter Cove Marina with an English-speaking guide such as Captain Dan, Kelly, or Dean. You’ll cruise Hilton Head’s salt marsh, look for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, hear about local wildlife and culture, and finish with sunset views. The boat has ice, bottled water, and a cash bar, but no outside drinks or snacks.

“Cap’n Dean made our trip so much fun with his knowledge of the eco system, the geography of the marsh area and the habits of the dolphins who lived there. He answered our questions and pointed out the wildlife along the way. It was a chilly evening, but blankets were provided for our comfort.”

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8.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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9.Private Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Tour

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

Set out from Hilton Head with a USCG licensed captain for a 90-minute private sunset cruise. Watch for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, pass Harbour Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, and Harbour Town Golf Links, and hear about local wildlife and island history. Captains including Dawn, Peter, John, James, Ian, and Mark have led recent trips.

“We were a family of 5 with 3 kids under 10. The tour boat was brand new with plenty of seating and room to walk around. Captain James was very personable and informative and gave us a history of the area. We saw many dolphins and experienced an amazing sunset on the water. Captain James even took us to the best spots to take some awesome pictures. Would definitely do this tour again with friends.”

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10.Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise

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

Join a USCG-certified captain and crew for a 90-minute sunset cruise on Broad Creek. You will look for dolphins and shorebirds, pass waterfront homes hidden from the road, and return as the sky turns orange. Bring snacks or drinks in non-glass containers, and allow time to walk the wooden dock to the boat.

“Had a great time. Great captain and first mate - highly recommend!”

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11.Sunset Dolphin Cruise in Hilton Head

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · from $79

Spend about two hours cruising from Broad Creek to the Calibogue Sound with Island Explorer. Your captain watches for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, egrets, herons, osprey, and other Lowcountry birds while the sun drops behind Hilton Head. The small boat holds no more than 12 people. Captain Kathy, Cody, and John have each earned praise for their friendly guiding.

“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!”

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