Best of · HILTON HEAD ISLAND HOPPING TOURS

15 Hilton Head Island Hopping Tours Worth Boarding

26 tours  ·  from $38 a head

The 15 best hilton head island hopping tours you can book today, with the per-head price, how long the day runs and how many landings you get. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise - Why the dolphin guarantee matters
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Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

1.Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,424 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39Our pick

Board at Palmetto Bay Marina for a 90-minute cruise on Broad Creek with a local guide and United States Coast Guard licensed captain. Expect dolphin spotting, bird watching, island views, and easygoing facts about Hilton Head’s marsh ecosystem. Captains and guides may include Kate, Pete, Wendy, Kim, or Jamie.

“Kim and captain Kate were entertaining and kept us engaged. Captain Kate could maneuver the boat so we could see as more dolphins.”

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Hilton Head Island: Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour - Dolphin watching in Calibogue Sound
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Hilton Head Island: Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

2.Hilton Head Island: Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 700 reviews · 1h 30m · from $39

Cruise from Palmetto Bay Marina with a Coast Guard licensed captain and English-speaking guide. You will watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, hear about Hilton Head’s ecology and past, and pass Harbour Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, and Calibogue Sound.

“This cruise was the high point of our vacation. First mate Wendy and Captain Kate are the best. Try and get them. They were both top notch. Educational, funny, caring, and even took photos of everyone. Also, safety was their #1 concern. We were told it was unusual, but we saw about 11 dolphins jumping, playing and swimming. At first it looked like we’d only see 2 , but our crew somehow smoked them out!😄. Forget all other tours. You won’t top this one! Keith and Mary. Kentucky”

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Hilton Head Island Guided Water Tour by Creek Cat Boat - Seeing dolphins, birds, rays, and oysters
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Hilton Head Island Guided Water Tour by Creek Cat Boat

3.Hilton Head Island Guided Water Tour by Creek Cat Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 444 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $145

You pilot a two-person Creek Cat while guides such as Greg, Mason, Jack, and Monica lead a 25-mile route around Hilton Head. Expect marsh views, Harbour Town, Daufuskie Island, wildlife, local stories, and a good chance of getting wet.

“Awesome experience ! Dylan and Dawson were amazing guides ! Wear a bathing suit or quick dry clothing ! We saw dolphins as well !”

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Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise - The dolphin search comes first
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Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

4.Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 412 reviews · 1h 30m · from $50

Join Vagabond Cruise at Harbour Town Pier for a 90-minute sunset sail. Your English-speaking captain searches for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, then heads toward Daufuskie Island and Bull Creek. Expect live nature commentary, open-water views, and drinks and snacks for sale. Bring cash and a warm layer.

“We saw so many dolphins! It was amazing. The tour guide did a fantastic job telling us about dolphin behavior and other facts. We were lucky to be in the Sound when two shrimp boats came in, which attracted even more dolphins. It was a memorable activity and I’m very happy to have gone on this short cruise.”

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Hilton Head Island: Ocean Dolphin Cruise - Boarding the Vagabond
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Hilton Head Island Ocean Dolphin Cruise

5.Hilton Head Island Ocean Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 395 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Cruise Calibogue Sound aboard the Vagabond for 90 minutes of wild dolphin watching, bird spotting, and Lowcountry views. Your captain narrates the route past Daufuskie Island, Bull Island, South Beach, and Haig Point Lighthouse. Snacks, drinks, beer, and wine are sold onboard.

“This was a family favorite! We seen tons of dolphins! The captain was very informative. The kids asked tons of questions and he answered everyone! Very friendly and fun!”

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Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dinner Cruise - A three-course dinner with four main choices
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Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dinner Cruise

6.Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 211 reviews · 2 hours · from $109

Cruise from Harbour Town aboard the Spirit of Harbour Town for a two-hour dinner with personal table service, sunset views, and a chance to spot dolphins. Choose an outdoor upper-deck table or climate-controlled indoor seating. The menu includes mahi-mahi, chicken, pork, vegetarian pasta, and dessert.

“This dinner cruise was lovely. Watching the sunset from the boat was beautiful. The dinner was delicious. We got the chicken. Dessert was also yummy. Great experience.”

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Hilton Head Island: Pirate Cruise on the Black Sparrow - The Search for Stinky Pete and the Stolen Key
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Hilton Head Island: Pirate Cruise on the Black Sparrow

7.Hilton Head Island: Pirate Cruise on the Black Sparrow

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 174 reviews · 1h 30m · from $41

Take children ages 2 to 10 aboard the Black Sparrow from Harbourtown. The crew gives each rider a pirate name, adds face paint and tattoos, then leads songs, dancing, a treasure hunt, and a water-cannon battle against Stinky Pete. Plan for sun, spray, and no onboard bathroom.

“Very interactive for the kids. My son had a blast.”

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Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Savannah - What the ride through the waterways is like
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Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Savannah

8.Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Savannah

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 174 reviews · from $85

Take Vagabond Cruise’s round-trip ferry from Sea Pines Resort to Savannah’s River Street. Enjoy air-conditioned seating, an open-air upper deck, about four hours in town, and happy hour prices on selected drinks during the return ride.

“The Ferry was as expected and on time, The weather was great and the scenery was engaging. However, we found that the time in port - Savannah, was not sufficient to tour the city on the Savannah trolley and have a casual mid-day meal. Next time, we'll drive.”

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Hilton Head Island: Ocean Dolphin Cruise - Boarding the Vagabond
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Hilton Head Island: Ocean Dolphin Cruise

9.Hilton Head Island: Ocean Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 171 reviews · 1h 30m · from $38Best value

Cruise aboard the Vagabond from Harbour Town for 90 minutes of dolphin watching, island views, and Captain-led stories about Hilton Head wildlife and history. Dolphins are guaranteed, and you can buy beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and snacks on board.

“we saw tons of dolphins and the information we received from the captain was very good and very educational. we learned a lot about dolphins our intern on board Jamie was excellent and we really enjoyed this dolphin cruise. we were glad that we went”

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Hilton Head Island: America’s Cup Afternoon Sail - Boarding At Harbour Town Pier
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Hilton Head Island: America’s Cup Afternoon Sail

10.Hilton Head Island: America’s Cup Afternoon Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 167 reviews · 1h 30m · from $55

Board Stars & Stripes at Harbour Town for a 90-minute sail with Captain Peter and crew. You can relax on deck, help trim the sails, or take the helm while watching for dolphins and enjoying views of the lighthouse and Lowcountry coast.

“At first it looked like it was going to be windless and hot. But once we got a little distance offshore the breeze picked up nicely and it was perfect! The captain and crew were amusing and interesting, and my 28 year old daughter and I had a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The youngsters on board all got a turn at the helm (under the very patient eye of the captain) and I'm sure all went home with a life-long memory.”

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Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour - Checking in at Island Head
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Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour

11.Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 125 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45

Cruise Hilton Head’s Broad Creek and surrounding waters on a 14-passenger boat. Your English-speaking captain points out bottlenose dolphins, birds, manatees, Harbor Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, Tybee Island, and the Savannah River Bridge while sharing local stories.

“Fantastic trip! Devon was the best. Smaller boats cost more but you get to see more. How often are you out there watching for dolphins. Ask for Devon and you’ll have have a wonderful time”

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Hilton Head Island: Shrimp Trawling Boat Tour - What happens when the net goes down
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Hilton Head Island: Shrimp Trawling Boat Tour

12.Hilton Head Island: Shrimp Trawling Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 60 reviews · 2 hours · from $50

Board the Tammy Jane at Harbour Town Pier for a two-hour shrimping lesson with a live crew. Watch nets work off Daufuskie Island, sort shrimp and by-catch, and take home your share. Crews have included Captain Renee, Sam, Ish, Hunter, and Alyssa.

“Great tour. Very informative. The captain and crew were very nice. We got enough shrimp for several meals. December 24 was freezing:in the high 20s. If you go during the winter, dress warmly to be outside for 2.5 hours.”

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Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Daufuskie Island Ferry - Three Hours on Daufuskie Island
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Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Daufuskie Island Ferry

13.Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Daufuskie Island Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 41 reviews · from $42

Take the 30-minute ferry from Sea Pines Resort to Daufuskie Island, hear local stories from the captain, then explore for about three hours by bike or rented golf cart. Stop at Old Daufuskie Crab Company, visit the distillery, and return by boat.

“The very ride over was great. The island itself had a bar/restaurant right off the pier. There was a live band, The BozWelz. They played and sang a great variety of music that all seemed to enjoy. The golf cart rental is ideal for exploring other areas of the island The Daufuskie distillery was a fun stop.”

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Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise - Meeting the boat behind Harbour Town Lighthouse
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Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise

14.Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 28 reviews · from $70

Cruise Hilton Head’s Intracoastal waters for 90 minutes with a freshly prepared three-course dinner, private table, captain’s narration, and a chance to spot wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Choose upper or lower deck seating, then pass Daufuskie Island while enjoying the island from the water.

“Sustains: Captain and crew were timely and courteous. Food was delicious. Improves: secure the pads on the benches on upper deck better, they blew off when the wind picked up. Better secure the table cloths to the tables on upper deck.”

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Hilton Head Island: Mini Boat Dolphin Tour - Starting at Lowcountry Watersports
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Hilton Head Island: Mini Boat Dolphin Tour

15.Hilton Head Island: Mini Boat Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 20 reviews · 2 hours

You pilot your own mini boat on a two-hour guided trip from Lowcountry Watersports. After a safety briefing, follow an English-speaking guide through Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound, with chances to see dolphins, herons, pelicans, osprey, and turtles. Guides such as Jackson and Captain Jack have earned special praise for their patient instruction.

“We had an amazing tour! We saw multiple schools of dolphins, learned a lot about the area and just had a great time!”

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New in Hilton Head Island Hopping Tours

★ 5.0Hilton Head Island: Sunset Creek Cat Boat TourFrom $1594 reviews
★ 5.0Hilton Head: Guided Disappearing Island Tour by Mini Boat6 reviews
★ 5.0Hilton Head Island: Pontoon Boat Rental4 reviews
★ 5.0Hilton Head Island: Private Dolphin Watching Boat Tour2 reviews
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