90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Cruise
5

90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Cruise

By Outside Hilton Head
Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Join us for a tour on Broad Creek watching for dolphins and other wildlife in the salt marsh ecosystem. Explore Broad Creek, venture through the tidal marsh system, and learn about the island’s history. Along the way, your interpretive naturalist captain will entertain your group with fun facts and stories of the Lowcountry. Our boats are stable, comfortable, and ideal for viewing wildlife.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-100, max of 49 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Licensed Captain and Naturalist
  • Bottled water
  • See wildlife including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins


Start:
  • 1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA
    Our kiosk is located in Shelter Cove Marina right next to Ela's On the Water Restaurant. There is additional parking available near San Miguels Restaurant.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 75070P15

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • What to Bring: Guests should bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect themselves from the sun. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 75070P15

    From
    R 851,40
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA
      Our kiosk is located in Shelter Cove Marina right next to Ela's On the Water Restaurant. There is additional parking available near San Miguels Restaurant.
    • 1
      Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are a must-see while staying in Hilton Head! Outside Hilton Head’s Dolphin Eco Tour is one of the most popular tours on Hilton Head Island, providing an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking for a fun and educational adventure on the water. This tour is led by experienced captains who are passionate about the local ecosystem, ensuring that guests have an unforgettable experience while also learning about the region’s unique wildlife and marine habitat.
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Outside Hilton Head
      7,268
      United States
      Joined in February 2009
    • terrysE6317MR
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Daufuskie Island tour is a must see!
      We had a great experience with Captain Pete. He was fun and so knowledgeable about the island and its history. Riding on golf carts on rustic roads and learning about the people were highlights.
      Written 9 February 2025
    • TomR207
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      History just off Hilton Head
      Very interesting tour by boat and golf cart. About 1:15 to the island. Saw some dolphins along the way. Captain Pete regaled us with stories about the slave trade in SC. Rice, cotton and oyster businesses once important to the area. He led us to a number of stops on the island (about 2:30 there) that highlighted the island’s history as well as the Gulla community still there today. He’s been doing this tour for some 15 yrs and is very knowledgeable and passionate. The tour finished with a 45 minutes ride back to the dock. Our tour was from 12-4:30 pm. So bring something for a light lunch (there is a general store where you dock on the island so you can get some snacks there).
      Written 9 February 2025
    • 256leonardd
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience
      This was definitely a worthwhile adventure, Cpt Pete was very knowledgeable, personable and enthusiastic about the local history and cultures
      Written 2 February 2025
    • elsad623
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highly recommended outing.
      The trip was an experience in history, adventure, and information. Captain Pete is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the culture and traditions of the island and it’s people.
      Written 30 January 2025
    • laurarA1337UT
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wonderful experience! Highly recommend!
      We had an amazing time! Our tickets were for the day before, but the weather was awful. There was no trouble moving the trip to the following day which included a beautiful rainbow as we set out. We arrived a little early and we're pleasantly surprised that we were able to leave early and were given blankets since it was a little chilly. The size of the boat was perfect! I choose this company because of their smaller boat which meant no loud speaker during the tour. We learned a lot about the area and the dolphins were saw. It was the perfect trip! Highly recommend!
      Written 26 January 2025
    • Kathy60885
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great day on the water
      We enjoyed our dolphin eco tour with Sebastian yesterday. We saw lots of dolphins and other wildlife. The boat was well maintained and we each had a comfy place to sit. Sebastian did a great job of explaining what we were seeing. He was very willing to answer questions. We would definitely book with Outside Hilton Head again.
      Written 20 January 2025
    • donnelleh2020
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great way to see Hilton Head Island and spend time with family
      Two years ago we did this charter as well while visiting Hilton Head and had a great experience (and a yummy supper of fish that night). We booked the same tour last week (4 hour fishing for 6 people). We had a great morning on the water with our family. Such beautiful scenery and we got to watch dolphins playing in several locations! Unfortunately, due to recent weather, the fish were sleeping that day, so we didn't catch supper, but our fishing guide Max worked so hard and did his very best to find the fish. We enjoyed visiting with Max, as he is a local island boy and so knowledgeable about the island.
      Written 6 January 2025
    • Rfopp
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A wonderful captain and a memorable experience
      Sebastian the captain was fantastic. He was thoughtful, funny and very knowledgeable. Despite the cold January weather, he made the experience warm and enjoyable. He brought blankets for us, avoided high speed so we didn’t get too uncomfortable with the cold January wind, With the gorgeous Marshland sun set on the background, we cruised along side a dolphin family and the sighting was so precious and memorable.
      Written 5 January 2025
    • JULIANP710
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Island tour off Hilton Head
      Pete our tour guide was very knowledgeable of entire area and in most all cases answered questions we had before we even ask . Would recommend this If you have not already done this tour lots of history here an enjoyable 4 hours on the water and island.
      Written 4 January 2025
    • wenw2025
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent experience with Mr. Phillip Duncan
      Mr. Phillip Duncan is very helpful and insightful. His background knowledge about the nature and animals is fun and informative.
      Written 2 January 2025
    • natcannes1
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Awesome tour with Dylan
      Our guide Dylan, made the experience very smooth and enjoyable. He was very knowledgeable and fun and kind. The tour was very interesting, and it was the right amount of time. Highly recommend the tour and Dylan!
      Written 2 January 2025
    • adamwtanner
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Dolphin Tour
      We had a terrific time on the Dolphin Eco Tour. Our captain, Shea, was very knowledgeable about the local fauna, geography, and history. He was very friendly and made the trip entertaining.
      Written 29 December 2024
    • Mike_from_NYC_2013
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience
      Thanks to the very knowledgeable guide, the tour was great. All our family really enjoyed it and would do it again during the warmer times.
      Written 27 December 2024
    • Richard F
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun three hour tour. Everything was well maintained and ready to go. Professional and fun. Was a little cold
      Fun three hour tour. Everything was well maintained and ready to go. Professional and fun. Was a little cold but it was Christmas Eve
      Written 26 December 2024
    • Pioneer01504876168
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Awesome Sunset Dolphin Tour
      We had an awesome sunset dolphin tour in Hilton Head from Broad Creek to the Calibogue Sound. Our Captain Bayard Huggins was very knowledgeable of all the local birds, the plants and wild life, oyster beds, islands, and of course, the dolphins! He explained all things marine life offers here, including the 2 different dolphin populations in the area, the residents and transients, and we watched them swim, dive, and feed. We had an amazing time and we highly recommend Captain Bayard Huggins to anyone looking to explore the island wildlife via the water!
      Written 25 December 2024
    See all 7,268 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles135 reviews
    Excellent
    130
    Very good
    2
    Average
    1
    Poor
    2
    Terrible
    0

    Jenny w
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2024 • Friends
    Dean did a great job on our 90 minute tour, we are still recalling many of the interesting things he told us about dolphins, oysters, and eagles. He had a nice casual style of telling us about the environment and the history. We all learned something. The three of us in our group give Dean five stars and hope all his future tours go swimmingly!
    Written 18 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for the wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that Dean made your 90-minute tour so enjoyable and informative. It’s great that you and your group found his casual style engaging and that you learned so much about dolphins, oysters, and eagles. We appreciate the five-star rating and hope to see you all again for another fantastic tour in the future!
    Written 19 October 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Drew L
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Couples
    Dean was our captain he was very knowledgeable of the area and had fun facts about Dolphins. He did a great job keeping everyone including the children engaged and maintaining visual with the Dolphins we did see. Would recommend for everyone including families with kids.
    Written 17 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    ironman0160
    Greensboro, NC36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2024 • Family
    Cpt. Sebastian is extremely knowledgeable regarding the ecosystem of Hilton Head and provides tons of very interesting commentary. He is also very happy to answer any questions. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our outing and everyone felt that they learned something. The highlight for my 7 year old grandson was being invited to steer the boat! It was an extremely hot day but Cpt. Sebastian did his best to keep us cool by providing lots of ice cold water and when able, going a little faster to catch the breeze! We spotted several dolphin along with egrets and a roseate spoonbill. Well worth the money for this memorable trip.
    Written 8 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are so happy that you guys had a blast with Captain Sebastian! Steering the ship, seeing dolphins, and staying cool make for a great excursion! Come again soon!
    Written 9 July 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    JoJo J
    1 contribution
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Family
    Signed up online which involves filling out a waiver in which each of us states our name, age, etc. The boat captain sat down with us at a small table upon arrival and introduced himself (Dirk, I think?). Then he out of nowhere asked my daughter HOW OLD she was. She said "20." And as her mom I'm like: Why is he asking how old my daughter is???? He stated: oh, if you're 13 you need to wear a life vest. And then said he was embarrassed because he got her age wrong. Instead of apologizing, he then proceeded to tell my daughter that "It's a compliment" that he mistook her age. Then thumped me on the back with his thumb (I'm her mom) as if to say "You know..." No Dirk, I don't know. How is a woman with a whole ass degree supposed to be "complimented" that he thought she was...barely a teenager??" Why did we fill out waivers with our age then? Then a family composed of ACTUAL children showed up and he said they have to wear life vests because the ACTUAL law in SC is UNDER 12. So he wasn't even being honest with the law and thought my fully grown daughter was...12??? So the ride was awkward AF. I wished I had just ditched the whole thing. That's my fault as a mom and I won't make the same mistake again. Don't know why we couldn't just experience the ride without the personal and unnecessary invasiveness.
    Written 15 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    I want to offer our sincerest apology for any misunderstanding that took place on your trip. The safety of our passengers is our #1 priority and all of our captains are required to double check the ages of everyone on board in addition to reviewing the waiver. Beyond that, please contact me at mattm@outsidebrands.com and let me know how I can best reach you to discuss the situation offline. Thank you.
    Written 18 August 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Alexandrea O
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2024 • Family
    Simply the best! Lauren was the best captain and curated a fun ride full of interesting facts and demonstrated respect of wild life and safety. We will 100% be back and will request Captain Lauren!
    Written 23 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Wow, thank you so much for these kind words, Lauren will be so encouraged! (we would vote Captain Lauren for president too). Thanks for coming and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
    Written 26 July 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    RentThisGem
    Hilton Head, SC4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2024 • Friends
    You could not have asked for a better captain… Great guy lots of good conversation. And oh, did we see dolphins. I've been on these Tours before with multiple friends will come down to Hilton Head but this time this one – extra special. We were barely 15 feet off the dock, when we started to see them, and they rolled and played around that boat as if we were one of them.
    Written 4 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are overjoyed to hear you had such an amazing time playing with the dolphin with Captain Dan! Always happy to help make someone's trip extra special! We hope to see you again soon.
    Written 13 February 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Dan M
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We so enjoyed our nature cruise with Cap’t Dan. A great storyteller, he regaled us with tales of history, nature and commerce of the Hilton Head Island environs. We had a terrific up-close encounter with dolphins. We also had some exciting sightings of birds, which was our key objective on the cruise. Although Cap’t Dan is not too well versed on birds, he was most helpful in getting us close enough to the birds so we could identify them. The trip was a grand success for us; we are so grateful to Captain Dan.
    Written 5 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are so glad you had such a great time spotting the local dolphins and birds with our amazing Captain Dan! We hope to see you again soon.
    Written 7 March 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Doug S
    Haymarket, VA10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023 • Family
    We really enjoyed our experience. Followed a dolphin pod for almost 30 min as they engaged in strand feeding. Captain Dan did a great job of keeping us informed as well as answering our many questions. We highly recommend this as an introduction to the Low Country salt marshes!
    Written 11 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are so glad you enjoyed your dolphin eco-tour with Captain Dan! We hope to see you again soon.
    Written 14 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Malgo
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2024 • Couples
    We truly enjoyed our dolphin cruise with Captain Dean! He was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and very informative. We learned so much about dolphins and the local wildlife in the waters of Hilton Head. Also, we were entertained by his historical revelations about Hilton Head Island! His raport with his environment captured our imaginations and thankfully, was matched by the beautiful weather that blessed us!
    Written 19 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are so glad you enjoyed learning about the island and local wildlife with Captain Dean! We hope to see you again soon.
    Written 22 April 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Connector184087
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2024 • Family
    This was an absolutely amazing experience!! Shout out to Captain Adam who made our experience so memorable. He was wonderfully knowledgeable and answered every questions my two kids (9 & 12) tossed his way, and patiently listed some restaurant recommendations for grandpa who is in his 80’s. We saw dolphins several times on a 3:30pm tour, as well as lots of birds. Got a lesson about the local ecosystem and we all learned something new! Would definitely do this again!! Very cool!
    Written 6 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are overjoyed to hear you and your family had such an amazing adventure spotting dolphins with Captain Adam! We hope to see you all again soon.
    Written 18 April 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Showing results 1-10 of 135
    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Cruise provided by Outside Hilton Head

    All Hilton Head HotelsHilton Head Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Hilton Head
    All things to do in Hilton Head
    RestaurantsFlightsHoliday HomesTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire