6 Hilton Head Island Hopping Tours Worth Boarding

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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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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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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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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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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6.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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