2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Hilton Head Island, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Take in the beautiful coastal scenery from the boat
- A private tour offers a personalized experience
- Ideal for families or friends to enjoy together
- Choose from several cruise times to fit your schedule
What's Included
- Use of the boat and all of it's ammenities
- Tips - a 15-20% gratuity is customary for your boat captains and is not included in price of tour
- LunchFood and drinks are welcome on board but not included in price of tour. Feel free to bring any food and drinks that you would like - we provide a cooler and ice for our guests
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 43 Jenkins Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA
You will meet us at Hilton Head RV Resort on the north end of the island. Once you arrive you will be directed where to park and where to meet your captain for your private boat charter.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum (Pass By)
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 306 reviews
Michael_M, Oct 2025
Very pleasant and informative !caption very pleasant boat clean . Seen more then dolphins seen Eagles sharks turtles.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review Michael! We hope to see you again on your next visit to Hilton Head
Frank_P, Oct 2025
Two hours of expert history plus plenty of dolphins, bald eagles and countless sea birds. Great to have a dedicated captain who loves the area and discussing ecosystem and people stories as well
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hey Frank, we are so glad to hear you had such a great time on your private boat charter. Seeing dolphins Eagles and other sea birds is quite the experience. We’ve been seeing a lot of of the bald eagles here lately, and I’m glad you were able to spot them as well
Thank you so much for choosing us for your time on the water. Definitely keep us in mind for the next time you’re visiting Hilton Head Island.
Kimberly_K, Oct 2025
Captain Dave was polite and courteous! Very knowledgeable about the area and wildlife. We felt very safe and entertained on the trip. Not only did we see many dolphins but we also saw three bald eagles! Amazing!
Will definitely book another boat ride with him! Wonderful!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
we’re so glad to hear that you had such an amazing time with Captain Dave and saw so many dolphins and a bald eagle. That’s like a low country grand slam.
We really appreciate the kind words and five star review, and we hope to see you again in the not too distant future.
Ingrid_I, Sep 2025
This was a fantastic private excursion and we loved it! Dave is a great Captain and very personable and extremely knowledgeable about the area. We had all the wonderful things that we had hoped for in our boat trip, from dolphins giving us a show a few feet away, to zipping on down to other areas and seeing Defuskie and learning about it's history. We learned about oysters, Bull Island and so much more too!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hey Ingrid 😀
We are so glad to hear that you had such a great time on your private charter with Captain Dave! It sounds like you got to see a ton of dolphins and see/learn so much about what makes our little slice of paradise so special.
We thoroughly appreciate you sharing your experience with us and hope that we get to connect with you again soon🐬🐬🐬
Meaghan_H, Aug 2025
Couldn’t recommend this experience more!!! Beautiful new boat that road so smooth on the water - my mom has a really bad back and this ride didn't bother her at all. We fit 5 adults with more than enough extra space. Could easily have fit at least two more adults comfortably, probably more. We saw lots of dolphins and our captain took us wherever we wanted to go! We had the absolute pleasure of riding with Captain Dave from NJ - if you can, request him!! Nicest guy, so incredibly knowledgable about the island and area in general and he had some fantastic stories! My family and I have been vacationing here for close to 25 years and Dave had so many facts and stories that we had never heard and were truly entertaining. Also incredibly knowledgeable about boating and kayaking as well. We had such a fantastic time!!!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for the super kind and encouraging words about Captain Dave (NJ). He is absolutely one of the best and we are so glad to hear that you had such an amazing time with him.
Definitely give us a holler the next time you are planning a trip to Hilton Head and we will get you all set up for another adventure with Captain Dave.
SABRINA_K, Aug 2025
Super friendly captain & the dolphins didn’t disappoint! It was the perfect day for 4 adults and 2 kids (6&4). The boat was clean and the captain was super fun. Well worth the money. Definitely recommend!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
we’re so glad to hear that you had such an amazing time on your private dolphin cruise. We can’t tell you how much we appreciate the positive feedback and we hope to see you again soon on your next visit to Hilton Head Island.
Batsheva_G, Jul 2025
Saw two big pods of dolphins and we were thrilled! Captain Dave was wonderful and we will definitely book again.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review!
Please keep us in mind for your next trip to Hilton Head 🌴🌴🌴
Jeremey_B, Jul 2025
Dave is great! Personable, friendly, and keeps kids engaged. Difficult weather day, but Dave kept in contact till a break in the weather made it possible to get out on the water. Greatly appreciated Dave’s effort to make this experience happen. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
He Jeremey,
i’m so glad to hear that you had such a great time on your private boat charter with Captain Dave. It sounds like you guys were able to dodge the weather and spot tons of dolphins.
Please let us know the next time you guys are going to be back in the area and will connect for some more fun times out on the watero
Anne_Y, Jul 2025
This is our must do every year we come. These captains are all knowledgeable and likeable and willing to tailor the experience in whatever you’re looking for. Great way to get out on the water and see the beauty of the low country! Excellent experience always!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hey Anne,
we are so glad to be part of your must do list for when you visit Hilton Head. We love hearing that we are such a valued part of your vacation experience and hope to be a part of many more in the future.
Stephanie_E, Jul 2025
Captain Dave was great! Knowledgeable and friendly. Adults and kids all had a wonderful time. Definitely recommend!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
We are so glad to hear that you had such a wonder ful time with Captain Dave! Thank you for the 5-star review and we hope to see you again soon :)
Chauncie_P, Jul 2025
Amazing experience!! We saw so many dolphins and had a fantastic time. Captain Neil was the BEST! Couldn’t recommend this more.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for the virtual high five Chauncie! You guys were a total blast - and we hope to see you again soon!
Anup_N, Jul 2025
This experience with Captain Dave was amazing. He’s very engaging, experienced and knowledgeable about this area and the wild life around here. We saw lots of dolphins and pelicans
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review. We are so glad to hear that you had such an amazing time with Captain Dave 🐬
Definitely let us know the next time you are in town and looking for an aquatic adventure
Sharon_C, Jul 2025
This is an amazing cruise. We loved our experience. Our captain was amazing. We got to see alot of dolphins n enjoy our afternoon n first time doing this type of cruise. We loved everything.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for chartering with us - and for the kind words. We were thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing experience and hope to see you again soon:)
Glenn_C, Jun 2025
Captian Dave gave a great tour. Saw quite a few dolphins and learned a lot about the environment and the different islands. The whole family had a great time.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hi Glenn,
We are so glad to hear that you and your family had such an amazing time with captain Dave on your private dolphin cruise.
We thoroughly appreciate your ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and hope that
the next time you are on the island we can connect for another aquatic adventure 😀👍🌴🐬
Laura_L, Oct 2024
Captain Neal was amazing. We had the best time on our dolphin tour. We will be using this company again and again.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Hey Laura! I'm so glad to hear that you had such a great time on your private Hilton Head Dolphin Tour. It was really great meeting you and I hope that we see you again soon in the not too distant future.
Also - thank you so much for the 5 star review :)
Aryn_M, Sep 2024
Our captain Moto was amazing! We saw 50-100 dolphins, a bald eagle, tons of birds. Moto was so knowledgeable about the area and took us to where we could see all the sights. The tide was high so we missed seeing some of the oysters and underwater life but that was so overshadowed by the amazing sights we did see. He drove us by Hudson’s and recommended it for the best seafood lunch ever! Could not recommend this tour enough - what a special experience!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Aryn - We are so glad to hear that you had such an amazing time on your private Hilton Head Dolphin tour with Captain Moto. He is awesome and it sounds like you saw the very best of the low country
🐬🌴🦅
Please let us know the next time you are visiting Hilton Head and we can head out for another aquatic adventure.
Richard_P, Aug 2023
Great family experience, private and personable would recommended to those who want family/group experience
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Thank you so much for the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review Richard👍
Pawel_Z, Jul 2023
Good time. Capt shared a lot of history of the island. Saw dolphins within 5 min of leaving the dock.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Pawel - it was a pleasure meeting you and your family. The dolphins were definitely all over the place 😀😀😀
Thank you so much for the kind words and I hope we can connect again in the future on your next visit to Hilton Head.
Shameka_C, Feb 2023
Captain Dave was very knowledgeable about the area. He also made us feel safe as that was our first boat ride every.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
We are thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic time with Captain Dave on your very first boat ride ever! Not to mention you guys had fantastic weather as well :)
We hope that the next time you are back looking for things to do in Hilton Head that you give us a holler.
Christine_O, Jan 2023
Captain Dave was terrific! His appreciation and knowledge of the intercoastal waterway was very apparent and he patiently answered all of our questions. We saw many dolphins - even before boarding the actual boat! Despite the foggy day, we enjoyed an exhilarating boat ride. In fact, the fog gave a different beauty and atmosphere to the entire trip.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
We are beyond thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic time on your two hour private boat charter. We hope to see you again on your next visit to Hilton Head Island :)
FREDRIK_B, Nov 2021
We had a great time with captain Dave on our off-season dolphin watching trip!
Our 5 year old got super excited seeing dolphins up close in the water and we learned a lot from our knowledgeable guide. We got to observe dolphins stranding schools of fish and feeding on them twice, saw a spooky live oak tree, perfect for Halloween (as it was) and then were treated to admiring two majestic bald eagles sitting together on a pine tree.
Thank you for a great time on your fast and comfortable boat captain Dave!
We would definitely recommend this experience.
Response from Host, Feb 2022
It sounds like you guys checked all the boxes on your somewhat spooky private charter - hahahaha. I'm so glad that you were able to see eagles and dolphins with the added treat of catching the dolphins strand feed - that's a real bonus:)
Marie_H, Oct 2021
We had an absolutely amazing time. 10/10 Would recommend and will use again. Captain Dave was awesome. We saw dolphins, learned history and saw a bald eagle. It was the highlight of our trip and we can not wait to come back and do it again. The smaller personal tour was so much more relaxing! Thanks for an amazing time and making the girls day on the boat!
Response from Host, Oct 2021
Marie - It sounds like you ladies had an absolute blast! Captain Dave is amazing and we are so glad to hear that he delivered a:) 10/10 experience for you all.
We look forward to your return on your next trip:):)
Melissa_E, Aug 2021
Beautiful comfortable boat and knowledgeable friendly Captain! We saw an abundance amount of dolphins & were educated on their behaviors and species. Saw lots of wildlife and learned about the areas history. Endless photo opportunities! Absolutely, beautiful views, relaxing ride and lifelong memories made! 💯 worth doing!
Response from Host, Aug 2021
Melissa,
I can't tell you how much we thoroughly appreciate hearing what an amazing time that you had with us on your private dolphin cruise. The best part of our job by far is connecting with people on a genuine level and helping them create lifetime memories!
Thanks again for trusting us with your families experience out on the water:)
Wayne_T, Jul 2021
The boat was gorgeous, clean, and very comfortable. Capt. Dave was friendly, knowledge, and passionate. We could of stayed on that boat all day. This boat ride is a mUST. A perfect outing for the entire family- all ages.
Nicole_P, Jul 2021
Captain Harry was friendly and knowledgeable. We saw quite a few dolphins and truly enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Our boys are six and eight and they loved it too.
Response from Host, Jul 2021
We are so glad to hear that everyone had such a great time with Captain Harry! Thank you also for the super kind words. Next time that you are back on the island with the boys, please be sure to give us a holler:)
Loretta_P, Jul 2021
Absolutely fantastic! We saw lots of dolphins, Stingrays and even a sea turtle. Captain was very knowledgeable and super friendly, boat was very comfortable and luxurious! Only way to see the dolphins!!
Response from Host, Jul 2021
Loretta - thank you so much for the super kind words! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a great time with us and hope we have the opportunity to connect with you again on your next visit to Hilton Head.
Nicole_T, Jun 2021
Awsome! Kids Had a blast we were up close to dolphins in their habitat and learned facts about the Island calibgue sound and bull head. Great day , bring lots SPF
Response from Host, Jul 2021
Bring more SPF - words to live by :):):)
Thank you so much for the kind words and we're thrilled to hear you had such a great time Nicole.
Anthony_A, Jun 2021
We had a good time, Captain Dave knows where to find the dolphins and the excitement on the kids faces says it all. THANK YOU
Response from Host, Jun 2021
Anthony - We are so glad to hear that you and the kids had such a great time with Captain Dave. Thank you so much for the kind words and I hope we get to connect again on your next trip to the island:).
Jay_M, May 2021
We were with Capt. Neil. He was awesome; wonderful person, full of knowledge of the area. Probably the best personal boat tour I've been on. 5 star service.
Response from Host, May 2021
Jay,
Thank you so much for the beyond amazing review😃😃😃
We are thrilled to hear that you had such a great time with us and hope that we have the opportunity to connect with you again on your next visit to our little slice of paradise
Neil
tom, Apr 2021
Dave was great as our captain! We had an amazing time and would highly recommend that anyone who comes to the island spend the time and money to go on this cruise!!!
Response from Host, Apr 2021
Captain Dave for the win:) Thanks for the amazing review Tom! We hope that we get to see you again on your next trip to Hilton Head.
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$275.08
per group (up to 6)Was $299.00
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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