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    1. Local experiences/
    2. Hilton Head Island, SC/
    3. Water Activities/
    4. Boat Tours/
    5. Private Beach Comber and Vanishing Island Boat Tour
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    Private Beach Comber and Vanishing Island Boat Tour

    Search for shells and spot dolphins on a customizable 3-hour private cruise to Hilton Head’s hidden beaches.

    From$395

    Duration

    3 Hours

    Ideal For

    Up to 6 people

    Includes

    Private boat, Captain, Drinks

    Highlights

    Set off on a private 3-hour cruise to Hilton Head’s vanishing island and secret shell banks, hunting for tidal treasures and dolphins.

    Enjoy a flexible itinerary tailored to your family, led by a USCG-licensed captain with gear and refreshments ready on board.

    1. Search for sand dollars, starfish and rare shells on isolated sandbars
    2. Observe playful bottlenose dolphins from an eye level vantage
    3. Relax under the bimini top with provided water and light snacks
    4. Capture family photos without crowds on a boat limited to six guests
    5. Learn about Lowcountry wildlife and tidal ecosystems from your captain

    What's Included

    1. Private boat with USCG-licensed captain
    2. Life jackets and safety gear
    3. Water, light snacks and koozies

    Things to know

    Tours accommodate a maximum of six passengers, including infants. Participants who are pregnant, elderly or have back injuries should consult a physician before booking.


    FAQs

    Q: How long is the Tour?

    A: The tour is longer than the standard dolphin trip, allowing extra time for shell hunting, exploring Vanishing Island, and dolphin viewing.


    Q: Can we bring our own drinks and snacks?

    A: Yes, you can bring your own drinks and snacks, but no glass bottles or red wine are allowed. Coolers are available on the boat.


    Q: What should we bring?

    A: Bring hats, sunglasses, sunblock, drinks and snacks (if not booking the package), and cash or Venmo for tipping.


    Q: Are children allowed on the tour?

    A: Yes, up to six guests are welcome, and life jackets are provided for children 12 and under.


    Q: Where do we park for the tour?

    A: Parking is available at Broad Creek Marina, located at 18 Simmons Rd, Hilton Head Island. Follow the lane behind the large boat warehouse for the closest parking area.


    Q: What happens if the weather is bad?

    A: The captain decides at departure time if it’s safe to go. Trips may be delayed briefly or rescheduled, or you can receive a refund.

    Perfect for

    • Families wanting a private adventure with kids without crowds or hassle
    • Couples seeking an intimate Lowcountry experience with wildlife and exploration
    • Small groups looking for a personalized boat tour beyond typical dolphin cruises
    Experience provided by Dolphin Discoveries Hilton Head
    Experience provided by Dolphin Discoveries Hilton Head

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text (650) 414-7338

    Reference #KSG87R

    Private Boat

    $395

    Max 6 passengers

    0

    Private Boat + Extras

    $445

    Includes drinks, light snacks, take home koozies, sunblock, bug spray, rain gear & blanks

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • Greetwell Approved

      This experience meets our quality and safety standards

    • Includes Concierge Support

      Our team is here to help with questions, timing, or special requests

    • Flexible Cancellation

      Plans change? Most experiences offer flexible cancellation

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    Cancellation policy

    Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. Within 48 hours the operator will try to accommodate changes but refunds are not guaranteed. If weather prevents departure you may reschedule or receive a refund.

    Meeting location

    Broad Creek Marina, 18 Simmons Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926

    4.9 stars• 347 reviews

    Review summary

    4.9
    Excellent
    347 reviews•Google Maps

    This smaller boat tour operation has clearly figured out the winning formula for dolphin watching in Hilton Head. The intimate experience is a total game-changer compared to the big cattle-boat tours, with groups capped at just six people per vessel. You're sitting barely above the water line, close enough to nearly touch the dolphins (though that's off limits, of course), and the smaller boats can zoom around to wherever the action is happening. Tours typically run close to two hours, and the captains stay in radio contact with each other to share sightings, so you're not just hoping to stumble upon wildlife. Captain Craig gets mentioned constantly, and "Jersey Joe" and Jay also earn glowing praise. What stands out is how they tailor the experience to your group, whether that means keeping a toddler entertained the whole time, taking detours for shell hunting, or even doing shark fishing excursions. People love how knowledgeable these guides are about the local ecosystem, geography, and marine life, but they keep it fun rather than feeling like a lecture. Families with young kids seem particularly thrilled with how patient and engaging the captains are. The consistent theme is that this becomes people's favorite activity on the island, sometimes even after decades of coming to Hilton Head and trying the alternatives. Just be ready for the weather and open water conditions since you're riding low and fast.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 5
    5/5

    Highly recommend the 2 hour private seashell and dolphin tour. Our captain was knowledgeable, friendly, and very accommodating. I think spending a little extra to do this style tour vs a larger boat with a group of strangers is well worth it. The dolphins came right up to our boat, we had ice cold water and snacks available, the 2 hour time frame was just right. Thanks for such a wonderful experience!

    Photo of Karen Swenson

    Karen Swenson

    July 14, 2025

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    Highly recommend the 2 hour private seashell and dolphin tour. Our captain was knowledgeable, friendly, and very accommodating. I think spending a little extra to do this style tour vs a larger boat with a group of strangers is well worth it. The dolphins came right up to our boat, we had ice cold water and snacks available, the 2 hour time frame was just right. Thanks for such a wonderful experience!

    Photo of Karen Swenson

    Karen Swenson

    July 14, 2025

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