Spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat on a lively 90-minute narrated cruise.
1.5 Hours
Boat cruise, Local guide, Photos
Sail through Hilton Head's calm waterways with engaging local guides and enjoy guaranteed Atlantic bottlenose dolphin sightings.
This 90-minute narrated cruise blends wildlife education with scenic coastal views.
There are no age restrictions. Arrive at least 20 minutes early; late arrivals are non-refundable.
Will we see dolphins? What is the best time of day to see them?
Yes, dolphin sightings are guaranteed from sunrise to sunset.
What size/kind of boat are we riding on?
A 40–50 ft covered pontoon with open sides.
What age is the activity suited for?
All ages, including infants.
Can we feed, touch, or swim with the dolphins?
No. We observe wild dolphins without contact or interference.
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
Two boats have onboard bathrooms; request when booking.
Is the boat handicap accessible?
A ramp leads to the boat; 3–4 steps are required to board and reach seating.
Cancel up to 48 hours before your scheduled tour for a full refund. No refunds are given within 48 hours or for late arrivals. If the captain cancels due to weather, you will receive a full refund.
Palmetto Bay Marina - 86 Helmsman Way Suite 101, Hilton Head, SC 29928
If you're looking for a dolphin tour in Hilton Head that consistently delivers, this operation has clearly figured out the winning formula. The crew here really makes the experience, with names like Kate, Wendy, Pete, Kim, and Bev coming up again and again in glowing reviews. What stands out is how these guides work as genuine teams—captains positioning boats perfectly so everyone gets great views while first mates share fascinating knowledge about dolphin behavior and local ecology. Multiple families mentioned how welcoming the staff was with kids, and several reviewers emphasized that the balance between educational content and relaxed enjoyment was just right. The dolphin sightings seem to be the real deal, not just a hopeful promise. People consistently report seeing multiple pods, including mothers with calves, and the crews clearly know where to find them. Reviewers who've done similar tours elsewhere specifically note this one was better, which says a lot. The boats themselves get praise for being clean and well-maintained. Whether you choose a standard dolphin tour or something unique like the "donuts and dolphins" outing, the vibe is friendly, engaging, and family-oriented. The sunset tours get particular mentions for combining beautiful scenery with wildlife watching. It's the kind of place where people are already planning their return visit before the boat even docks.
We celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary with Captain Seth, and it was absolutely unforgettable! The weather was perfect, the ride was smooth, and the entire experience felt magical and romantic. Captain Seth went above and beyond to make sure everything was just right—he even found so many dolphins! At one point we were completely surrounded—it felt like paradise. The water was like glass, the music set the perfect vibe, and every detail made the evening special. I’ve been on several tours before, but this one was hands-down the best. Thank you, Captain Seth, for making our anniversary celebration so memorable. It was truly perfect in every way—an experience we’ll cherish forever! 🥂🐬✨
Erika
September 28, 2025
We celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary with Captain Seth, and it was absolutely unforgettable! The weather was perfect, the ride was smooth, and the entire experience felt magical and romantic. Captain Seth went above and beyond to make sure everything was just right—he even found so many dolphins! At one point we were completely surrounded—it felt like paradise. The water was like glass, the music set the perfect vibe, and every detail made the evening special. I’ve been on several tours before, but this one was hands-down the best. Thank you, Captain Seth, for making our anniversary celebration so memorable. It was truly perfect in every way—an experience we’ll cherish forever! 🥂🐬✨
Erika
September 28, 2025