Customize your half-day on the water with up to eight guests and a dedicated captain
4 hrs
Up to 8 people
Licensed captain, Safety gear
Step aboard a comfortable center-console boat for a private 4-hour charter led by a licensed captain. Design your own itinerary—spot dolphins, beachcomb remote sandbars, or cruise to Savannah for lunch.
All ages, including infants, count toward the eight-passenger limit under US Coast Guard rules. Proof of rental insurance and separate payment to the captain are required before boarding.
Q: How are the captain fee and insurance handled?
A: For all rentals with captains, the captain is paid separately at the dock. Insurance will be sent prior to your trip and must be purchased before the boat can leave the dock.
Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks?
A: Yes, you may bring your own drinks and snacks, but no glass bottles or red wine. Coolers are provided.
Q: What happens if it rains or the weather is bad?
A: If weather prevents departure, you can choose to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Q: Are pets allowed on the boat?
A: Yes, pets are allowed on private boat rentals.
Q: Where do I park for the boat rental?
A: After turning onto Simmons, take the first right before the large building and follow the signs. You may park anywhere in that area, then walk toward the water with the zipline on your right to reach the wooden pier for check-in.
Discover what we've curated for you
Free rebooking or full refund when cancelled at least 48 hours before departure. Cancellations within 48 hours are handled case by case and may not be refunded. No refunds are given for guests who do not show up.
Broad Creek Marina, 18 Simmons Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926
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.
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!
Karen Swenson
July 14, 2025
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!
Karen Swenson
July 14, 2025