Top Hilton Head Island Nature and Wildlife Tours

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.

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.

Experience Hilton Head’s wildlife-rich Broad Creek Estuary on this kayaking tour designed for all ages and experience levels—no need for prior experience or your own equipment. Glide through calm salt-marsh waters and keep an eye out for wild bottlenose dolphins, as well as manatees, sea turtles, otters, and shorebirds. Paddle past waterfront homes and learn about the local history and ecology from your guide.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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 Hilton Head pirate cruise, let your inner buccaneer out to play as you set sail off the coast of Hilton Head Island. This cruise was specifically created for kids and includes fun details such as face paint, pirate gear, and fake tattoos so you can look the part, plus water cannons for a blast of entertainment.

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

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.

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.

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.

Go sailing at sunset in Hilton Head Island with this private dolphin-watching tour. Climb aboard a sailboat and cruise out into Port Royal Sound during this private tour. Keep an eye out for wildlife including dolphins, manatees, sting rays, and more. Learn about sailing if you choose or just sit back and enjoy the ride, complete with sunset views.

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.

Remote Daufuskie Island is accessible only by boat and remains largely undeveloped, despite its fame as the setting of Pat Conroy’s novel “The Water is Wide.” A guided tour makes the trip a cinch—this package includes round-trip boat tickets, plus transportation between island attractions such as the First African Baptist Church and Mary Fields School, all visited with the benefit of commentary from your guide.

***Booking 1 person, is booking 1 boat for up to 6 people *** Experience a breathtaking private sunset dolphin tour on Hilton Head Island! Watch dolphins, stunning sunsets, and magical fireworks while cruising the scenic waterways. Perfect for unforgettable memories! Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Private Sunset & Fireworks Dolphin Tour on Hilton Head Island, SC! This exclusive experience offers front-row seats to breathtaking sunsets and a spectacular fireworks show, all while encountering playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Cruise through scenic waterways as the evening sky transforms into a canvas of colors. Ideal for romantic getaways, family outings, or celebrations, this private tour guarantees magical moments on the water. Witness Hilton Head's natural beauty like never before!

A sailboat cruise from Hilton Head is a peaceful way to see stunning Lowcountry landscapes without the noise of a moor. Join a captain and crew aboard a 39-foot long (12 meter) sailboat that competed in America’s Cup—head through quiet waters and past gorgeous scenery without the roar of a motor. You can even try your hand on deck and help out with the sails.

Experience the magic of a Sip & Sunset - BYOB Adults only Dolphin Cruise on Hilton Head Island, where breathtaking coastal views meet great music for an unforgettable evening on the water. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting vibrant hues across the sky, relax aboard this fun and comfortable cruise while enjoying a curated music list. Glide through the scenic waterways of the Lowcountry, spotting playful dolphins and taking in panoramic views of the island’s pristine coastline. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply unwinding after a day of exploring, this Hilton Head sunset cruise offers the perfect blend of relaxation, fun & coastal charm.