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Beyond Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island Ocean Dolphin Cruise

Badge of Excellence
Hilton Head Island, USA
Popular pick
Booked 10+ times last week!
  • 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.5
·
· Beverly_A ·
Jul 2026
Was so much fun! Saw lots of dolphins. The staff was very friendly. Id definitely would go again the price was not bad at all.
· Cindy_E ·
Jun 2026
Was amazing, saw lots and lots of dolphins, had a great boat ride and learned so much about the dolphins and the island itself. Awesome crew!

Overview

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.
  • Hilton Head dolphin watching cruise
  • Narrated cruise provides information and entertainment on board
  • Chances to see dolphins, egrets, herons, and more in the wild
  • Great way to relax and admire coastal views

What's Included

  • Guaranteed wild dolphin sightings
  • Narration by our Captain who brings the history and wildlife to life
  • Breathtaking views of egrets, herons, pelicans, and more
  • Cruise with Hilton Head’s original sightseeing company
  • Adult beverages available for purchase
  • Departs daily from under the famous Harbour Town Lighthouse
  • Snacks and drinks available for purchase beer, wine, soda, water
  • Gratuities
  • Sea Pines Resort vehicle entry fee

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 149 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

    The Vagabond Cruise reservation office is located just behind the Harbour Town Lighthouse. If you have your mobile ticket you are able to go directly to the boat (Vagabond) 30-minutes before departure to board which is located on the pier in front of the Lighthouse.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If the cruise is canceled due to poor weather, guests will have the option to reschedule for another date or receive a full refund.
  • Infants ages 2 and under cruise free, but a ticket is still required to account for them.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 99 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Caitlyn_C
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!

Reviews

4.5
based on 421 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sort by: Most insightful

We enjoyed the dolphin...

Faith_S, Jul 2026
We enjoyed the dolphin cruise. We saw lots of dolphins, more than I expected. The ride was very relaxing. You will have to pay $10 for parking pass to get on resort for the day.

Was so much fun! Saw lots...

Beverly_A, Jul 2026
Was so much fun! Saw lots of dolphins. The staff was very friendly. Id definitely would go again the price was not bad at all.

Great experience

Amy_R, Jul 2026
It was great -- we go to see so many dolphins -- Ian was great - very friendly We didn't actually make it to the "ocean" for dolphins because we were seeing so many just from where we were -- lots of great dolphin pods and even some baby dolphins

Dolphin tour

Derek_S, Jul 2026
We saw a lot of dolphins on this tour. Staff was great, super friendly. The tour guide was very educated on the Hilton head area.

I really enjoyed the...

Angelia_T, Jul 2026
I really enjoyed the tour. My family 1st time in Hilton Head my mom really enjoyed it we saw lots of dolphins

Awesome ride will be back

Lawrence_A, Jun 2026
Dolphins were everywhere, the captain really knew how to find them We had a little rain to start but it cooled everything off on a hot day

Great way to spend 1.5...

Annette_B, Jun 2026
Great way to spend 1.5 hours for a sea adventure especially with kids. Sam and Mike were terrific too!

Dolphin cruise

Kris_S, Jun 2026
Seen lots of dolphins , crew very friendly and helpful, nice cruise, loaded at time they said we would, no wait. Very nice.

I’d go again!

Cindy_E, Jun 2026
Was amazing, saw lots and lots of dolphins, had a great boat ride and learned so much about the dolphins and the island itself. Awesome crew!

Fantastic dolphin cruise

Carole_S, May 2026
We saw a pod of dolphins, about 30, on our cruise with Captain Mike. Fun & informative while watching the dolphins put on a show for us. Highly recommend.

We had a great...

Leslie_K, Apr 2026
We had a great experience. The ride was smooth, informative and we saw so many dolphins. Highly recommend if you are looking for a dolphin cruise.

Vacation

Tammy_C, Apr 2026
It was a great Crew and the information that was given was great the dolphins was by far the best my grandkids really enjoyed it to

Learning more about...

Esther_P, Apr 2026
Learning more about Hilton Head Island and the surrounding islands, their history, and the wildlife plus dolphin watching

Great hotel

Betty_B, Mar 2026
Great hotel except the beds are firm and my husband could not sleep.. Breakfast was awesome each morning

Wonderful experience

Rhett_L, Mar 2026
The boat was clean. Everyone was friendly and professional. The tour itself was the perfect length of time. It was wonderful.

Was not allowed boarding...

Michael_G, Dec 2025
Was not allowed boarding at 2 pm scheduled time, boat crew stated it was too late had to be rebook for 4 pm. Ridiculous trying to park at the site, get there 30 mins prior.

Relaxing

David_P, Dec 2025
It was very relaxing. You move very slowly, the captain calls out the dolphins around you…..and we saw a lot of dolphins. Then we slowly went out to the open ocean, saw the lighthouses and returned to the docks. Quiet and relaxing.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you for the kind review! We’re glad you enjoyed a relaxing cruise, spotting dolphins, and taking in the lighthouses. 🐬⛵

Lots of dolphins!

Lori_P, Dec 2025
Excellent trip - we saw many dolphins! The captain and crew were terrific! We would definitely recommend!

Fun jumping dolphins

Mary_G, Dec 2025
Dolphin sightings. Great information about area and birds, Only problem is it was hard to hear pilots muffled voice

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you for your feedback Mary! We’re glad you enjoyed the dolphin sightings and learning about the area and birds. We appreciate your note about the audio and will look into improving clarity for future tours. 🐬🦅⛵

Great time and great...

Greg_M, Nov 2025
Great time and great crew. We saw a lot of dolphins. Recommend to all. The weather was nice and sunny and the dolphins were out.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you Greg! We’re thrilled you had a great time and spotted so many dolphins. We’ll share your kind words with the crew. So glad the weather was perfect. We hope to see you on the water again soon! 🐬☀️⛵

Dolphin cruise

Christie_S, Oct 2025
Captain Windows and Sam and Kelly were amazing. Very knowledgeable and friendly. They kept a positive fun vibe throughout the tour.

Loved it!!!

Angela_T, Oct 2025
Great experience! Great captain and mates. Overall, great trip! We saw lots and lots of dolphins and enjoyed every second of it!

First booking was...

Jacqueline_P, Oct 2025
First booking was canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions but was able to rebook for another day which turned out to be a beautiful experience. Weather was perfect and had an enjoyable cruise with many dolphin sightings.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad your rescheduled cruise turned out beautifully and that you enjoyed great weather and lots of dolphin sightings. We appreciate your patience with the weather cancellation and hope to welcome you aboard again soon! 🐬⛵☀️

Good ahead, you will enjoy

Elizabeth_T, Oct 2025
Nice people, nice trip, saw a lot of dolphins. The first mate came around and talked about the animals we were seeing, checked with everyone to make sure everyone was having fun. The boat captain keep the ship turned to the dolphins.

Boat captain was very...

Wendy_F, Sep 2025
Boat captain was very knowledgeable and knew exactly where to find a LOT of dolphins and gave us informative facts. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip.

The cottages

Stella_P, Sep 2025
I had an awesome 👌 time! The cottage had everything in it and it was very close to the pool. I enjoyed the pool and the jacuzzi and the island was easy to navigate. The bank bar was next door and enjoyed music there

Totally worth every penny!

Pam_E, Sep 2025
From the minute we pulled out of the harbor we spotted the first of many dolphins. We even found a nursery pod with lots of mama’s with their babies. We saw more dolphins hanging around a shrimp boat. Get there early and snag a seat in the front of the boat!

Great

Gisselle_V, Aug 2025
Perfect cruise for the family. We saw quite a few dolphins. The captain was so knowledgeable. Definitely would recommend this cruise.

Wonderful cruise

Rose_G, Aug 2025
The crew were very knowledgeable about the area and gave lots of information during the cruise. It was comfortable and safe, and we saw so many dolphins

Fun!

Jeffrey_L, Jul 2025
The crew was great! It was very hot that day, but the crew made the best of it. Saw a lot of dolphins.

From $39.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 11 days in advance.

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