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    1. Local experiences/
    2. Hilton Head Island, SC/
    3. Water Activities/
    4. Boat Rentals/
    5. Private 4-Hour Boat Rental With Captain
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    Private 4-Hour Boat Rental With Captain

    Customize your half-day on the water with up to eight guests and a dedicated captain

    From$386

    Duration

    4 hrs

    Ideal For

    Up to 8 people

    Includes

    Licensed captain, Safety gear

    Highlights

    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.

    1. Craft your ideal half-day itinerary
    2. Spot wild dolphins from an eye-level vantage
    3. Relax aboard a spacious boat for eight guests
    4. Benefit from a USCG-licensed captain's expertise
    5. Stay comfortable under shaded Bimini or T-top

    What's Included

    1. USCG-licensed captain
    2. Life jackets and safety equipment
    3. Bimini or T-top shade

    Things to know

    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.


    FAQs

    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.

    Perfect for

    • Groups of friends seeking a customizable half-day escape with wildlife spotting
    • Families with young kids wanting calm waters and expert local guidance
    • Couples looking for a romantic boat day with dolphin sightings and sandbar exploring
    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 #4UZDUB

    4 Hour Private Boat Rental

    $386

    Max 8 passengers per boat

    1

    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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    Discover what we've curated for you

    Cancellation policy

    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.

    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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