Top Hilton Head Island Nature and Wildlife Tours

Enjoy an immersive way to discover Hilton Head Island's aquatic scenery—and give yourself the best chance of spotting local marine life, including dolphins—on this guided boat tour. Choose a departure time that works best for you, greet your United States Coast Guard-licensed captain, and hop aboard. Learn more about the island's ecosystem along the way, and look out for wildlife as you head into nature.

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.

Enjoy sunset views and scan the water for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins on this dolphin-watching cruise off the coast of South Carolina. The frequency of dolphin sightings makes this cruise ideal for those hoping to catch photos of the majestic sea creatures. Plus, throughout the cruise, you can learn about dolphins and your surroundings from an on-board naturalist.

Increase your odds of seeing dolphins in the wild on this dolphin watching cruise from Hilton Head. Sail out from easy-to-find Palmetto Bay Marina at your selected departure time: admire views of the shore, look for wildlife, and learn about the local ecosystem. Plus, take a quick stop to look for shells, starfish, and sand dollars at “Disappearing Island,” a strip of land only accessible at low tide.

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are found in abundance around Hilton Head, and this sunset cruise heads out into the salt marsh where they are most often spotted. Hear about the wildlife, history, and culture of the Lowcountry from your captain along the way, and snap photos of the landscape as the sun sets.

Hilton Head Island is known as one of North America’s best spots for watching dolphins in the wild. Get out on the water and take in amazing views of these intelligent, playful creatures during this private boat tour. With a Lowcountry Master Naturalist as your captain and guide, you’ll learn all about the ecology of Hilton Head while watching the dolphins along with other wildlife including rays, sharks, and sea turtles. Just your group (up to six passengers) cruising the waters, watching dolphins eating, playing, and socializing.

Experience Hilton Head Island in a way that few travelers get to: On a small, motorized "creek cat" boat during this guided tour. Operate your own vessel under your guide’s supervision while taking in views of all the quintessential sights, as well as access to some smaller marshes and wildlife-rich areas.

This tour is the best as you get everything all in one! You will see local wildlife, beautiful stately waterfront homes, breathtaking water views and end the evening with a wonderful sunset. The local wildlife you will see are Atlantic bottlenose dolphin and a variety of shorebirds. What better way to spend the evening?

Explore the captivating history of Beaufort on a charming 50-55 minute horse-drawn carriage tour. Discover the elegance of the past as you glide past moss-covered Live Oaks, stunning Antebellum homes, historic churches, and iconic movie sites, all narrated by a knowledgeable guide. This fully narrated experience provides insight into Beaufort's unique charm and rich history, making it an excellent choice for families and history buffs alike. - Duration: 50-55 minutes of narrated history - Family-friendly; children under 3 ride for free - Reservations recommended for this unique journey

Glide through the tranquil waters of Hilton Head's Broad Creek Estuary on a captivating kayak tour that brings you face-to-face with playful dolphins and other fascinating wildlife. For 25 years, our expert guides have led adventurers of all ages through this serene environment, sharing entertaining stories and insights about the local ecosystem. As you paddle alongside these intelligent creatures, keep an eye out for manatees, otters, and a variety of beautiful bird species, making every paddle unique. The area we paddle through is the favorite feeding grounds for dolphins in Hilton Head which makes it more likely that you'll be paddling with dolphins than any other kayaking area in Hilton Head. This is the place to be and no other kayak company on the island has direct access to this favorite spot for the dolphins to feed and play! This family-friendly experience promises not only fun but also unforgettable memories in the heart of nature.

On this dolphin watching cruise from Hilton Head, you have the chance to see wildlife, check out local landmarks, and admire the coastline as you cruise out on the Calibogue Sound and Atlantic Ocean. Your guide narrates the entire trip as you sail past Bull Island, the Haig Point Lighthouse, and more, all while looking out for dolphins, egrets, herons, and other animals in the wild.

Get out on the water in Hilton Head with this small-group mini boat tour. Follow your guide and drive your own mini boat, which can fit up to four people, to go in search of the best places for spotting dolphins. See popular local landmarks like the Harbour Town Lighthouse during this wildlife-focused itinerary.

Discover the enchanting Vanishing Island on this 3-hour cruise from Hilton Head. This unique sandbar, which appears only at low tide, invites beachcombers and dolphin watchers alike to explore its pristine shores. Enjoy the thrill of spotting dolphins in their natural habitat while collecting shells and observing diverse marine life. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts, this adventure promises a memorable experience in a stunning coastal environment. - 3-hour cruise to the Vanishing Island sandbar - Ideal for families and nature lovers seeking adventure - Opportunity to spot dolphins and collect shells - Explore a unique marine environment at low tide

Bring the whole family to watch the sunset at Hilton Head on this new, private boat tour. You’ll easily meet your captain in plenty of time to get on the water before sunset. Feel free to rent this boat for parties, birthdays, anniversaries, or other functions, as the boat was made to host entertaining events.

What sets the Sunday Brunch Cruise apart is the unique opportunity to enjoy a relaxing meal while cruising through the scenic waterways of Hilton Head Island. With stunning views, the chance to spot dolphins, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Lowcountry. Reserved seating, both indoor and shaded outdoor, ensures comfort for everyone, and $10 bottomless mimosas make it an extra special way to start your Sunday.

Cruising the salt-marsh ecosystem in search of dolphins is a popular activity in Hilton Head, but unlike other similar tours, this dolphin and nature tour uses small boats so wildlife isn’t scared away easily. Sail along the water from Shelter Cove Marina, down Broad Creek, and into Calibogue Sound, while keeping a lookout for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, birds, and other animals that call the area home.

Looking for an intimate sunset sailing experience without booking an entire private charter? Your 2-Hour Sunset Public Sail offers the perfect balance. With a maximum of just six guests onboard, you’ll enjoy a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere that feels private and special—without the cost of a private sail. Set sail through the stunning waters of Port Royal Sound as the day winds down. Watch the sky transform with vibrant sunset colors while keeping an eye out for dolphins, coastal birds, and other local wildlife. Once the sails are raised, feel the evening breeze fill the sails as the boat gently heels—true sailing at its most serene and memorable. Your experienced captain welcomes guests to be as hands-on or as relaxed as they choose. Help trim the sails, learn the basics of sailing, or simply sit back with a drink and take in the breathtaking Lowcountry sunset. This sunset sail is perfect for couples, friends, family and anyone looking to experience Hilton Head Island from the water.

Enjoy an intimate sunset sailing experience aboard a cozy vessel with only six guests. Glide through the picturesque waters of Port Royal Sound as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with brilliant colors. Keep an eye out for dolphins and coastal birds while feeling the gentle evening breeze fill the sails. Whether you prefer to take the helm and learn the basics of sailing or simply unwind with a drink, this serene sail is perfect for friends and couples alike, offering a unique way to experience Hilton Head Island's beauty. - 2-hour sunset sail with a maximum of six guests - Watch the sunset over Port Royal Sound - Spot dolphins and coastal wildlife - Hands-on sailing or relax on deck - Ideal for all skill levels and special occasions

Cruise from Hilton Head to Savannah on this Lowcountry day trip that’s packed with views. Relax on the open-air upper deck or air-conditioned lower cabin as you cruise through the Intracoastal Waterway, drink in hand from the onboard bar (own price). Then, dock in Savannah and spend a few hours of free time shopping, dining, and sightseeing before sailing back to Hilton Head.

Discover Beaufort’s old southern charm on a horse-drawn carriage tour around the historic center. Join a small group for a narrated tour of Old Beaufort and pass by the area’s key landmarks. Listen to your guide retell the history of the city from its early Colonial period to the American Revolution and Civil War eras up to the present day.

Set out on a 2-hour private cruise from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in search of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Board your vessel and cruise past the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island. While you sail, watch for playful dolphins and other local wildlife like bald eagles.

Experience the serene beauty of Hilton Head Island’s Lowcountry on a guided sunrise kayak eco tour. As the first rays of light illuminate the marshlands, paddle through calm, winding waterways rich with natural wonders. Your journey begins in the soft morning light, where the tranquil environment comes alive with the sounds of nature. Watch as graceful egrets, blue herons, and playful dolphins begin their day, while expert guides share fascinating insights into the unique ecosystem of the tidal creeks and salt marshes. Marvel at the golden reflections on the water and enjoy the peace of being surrounded by the untouched beauty of the Lowcountry. This unforgettable tour is ideal for all skill levels and provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature in one of South Carolina’s most picturesque settings. Bring your curiosity, a sense of adventure, and a desire to explore Hilton Head’s vibrant natural world at its most peaceful hour.

Start your morning with an unforgettable adventure on the waters of Hilton Head Island! Our Dolphins & Donuts Tour combines two of the best things in life, delicious, fresh donuts and the chance to see playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers, Dolphins & Donuts is the ideal way to start your day on Hilton Head Island. Book your spot today and treat yourself to a morning of sweetness and adventure!