Private boat charter for up to 12 with a Coast Guard licensed captain
1.5 Hours
Up to 12 people
Private boat, Captain, Naturalist
Book a completely private boating trip in Hilton Head Island with a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain trained as an interpretive naturalist. Choose from options like backwater boating, dolphin watching, tubing, and beachcombing.
Cancel up to 48 hours before your scheduled time. Cancellations after that are charged the full amount. Weather cancellations are at the sole discretion of Outside; if they cancel due to weather, there will be no charge or you will receive a credit for any payments made.
Wear clothing that would be comfortable for a walk on the beach. The boat ride can feel much cooler, so bring an extra outer layer or shell. Bring sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Check in at the kiosk (outdoor desk) located between the parking lot and the docks at Shelter Cove Marina, near the southwest corner by the Ship Store and Ela’s Grille.
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
This activity departs from Shelter Cove Marina.
This operation stands out for its exceptional guides who truly know their stuff. Travelers consistently praise captains like Pete, Kelly, Dan, and Dean for their deep knowledge of local history, marine life, and the Gullah community. The guides don't just drive boats or lead tours—they actively search for dolphins, share fascinating facts about the marshland ecosystem, and make every outing feel personalized and engaging. The variety of experiences impresses visitors too. You can choose from dolphin tours, kayaking excursions through the marsh, eBike adventures, or historic trips to Daufuskie Island. Reviewers mention spotting tons of dolphins up close, catching gorgeous sunsets, and learning about everything from feeding behaviors to local flora and fauna. Multiple families with young children had wonderful experiences, with guides like CT providing appropriately sized equipment and keeping kids entertained. What really shines through is how genuinely friendly and caring these guides are—people specifically request them by name and remember their tours as trip highlights.
Mira did a great job with our tour. Great pace for everyone on the tour. Very informative on area, history and nature. Saw lots of wildlife including dolphins, furry brown mammal and lots of bird species.
Winsome Lenfert
April 2, 2026
Mira did a great job with our tour. Great pace for everyone on the tour. Very informative on area, history and nature. Saw lots of wildlife including dolphins, furry brown mammal and lots of bird species.
Winsome Lenfert
April 2, 2026