Top Hilton Head Island Wildlife Encounters

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.

Soar over Hilton Head Island with a parasailing adventure. Get a bird’s eye view of Calibogue Sound, Harbour Town Lighthouse, and Daufuskie Island during the flight. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins. Take-off and land on the back of a custom parasail boat, or choose to cool off and get wet. Tandem and triple flights are also available for couples or small groups.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the salt marsh and take in views of the incredible Lowcountry sunset! On this 90-minute tour, learn about the salt marsh and try to spot local dolphins! Guests are welcome to bring snacks and beverages on board. Don't forget to bring your camera for photos of the most incredible view of the lowcountry sunset. This tour is one-of-a-kind and memorable for all ages!

Experience an exciting shark fishing trip in the calm inshore waters of Calibogue Sound—perfect for families and first-timers. Your captain takes you to productive fishing grounds to hunt for species such as Blacktip, Bull, Atlantic Sharpnose, and Hammerhead sharks. As you cruise along Broad Creek, keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, and other wildlife before practicing catch-and-release fishing at each stop.

Paddle through the calm waters of Skull Creek on Hilton Head Island during this guided stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tour. Join a small group and use your core strength to keep you balanced while you float on pristine waterways. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife such as the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin and several species of sea birds.