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90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise

Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Hilton Head Island, USA
Great choice
20+ bookings last month.
  • 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· Brittany_S ·
Oct 2025
Captain Dean was absolutely amazing! The whole experience was. We learned about history of Hilton Head, and got to see dolphins. Our kids loved it too!
· Terence_N ·
Oct 2025
It was a breathtaking experience. Lovely scenes. Saw some dolphins and a beautiful sunset. Captain was cool and we felt very safe.

Overview

    What's Included

    • Vessel & Captain
    • Bottled water
    • See wildlife including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
    • Gratuity

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • 1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

      Check-in at our outdoor kiosk desk in Shelter Cove Marina located at 1 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head, SC 22928. It is located next to Ela's on the Water. Additional parking is available by San Miguel's restaurant.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 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

    Heather_L
    A wonderful experience that we highly recommend!! The sunset was beautiful! We went with family and there was plenty of room. The captain and the first mate was helpful and fun.

    Reviews

    4.9
    based on 232 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    We had an amazing...

    Charon_G, Apr 2026
    We had an amazing experience, but the weather conditions took over on the way back, and everyone on the boat was miserable.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Thank you so much for your kind words, we’re really glad to hear you had an amazing experience overall. I’m very sorry to hear about the conditions on the way back. Unfortunately, weather on the water can change quickly, and while we always do our best to plan around it, there are times when it doesn’t cooperate. We know that can make for an uncomfortable ride, and we truly appreciate your understanding. Thank you again for coming out with us, we hope to have you back on a calmer, sunny day next time.

    No guarantee you'll see...

    Terri_M, Dec 2025
    No guarantee you'll see tons of dolphins but the ride is lovely and Capt Grant was knowledgeable and interesting.

    Response from Host, Jan 2026

    Thank you for your review! We are happy to hear you had a beautiful time on the water exploring the salt marsh!

    Bring a jacket can get...

    Maureen_G, Dec 2025
    Bring a jacket can get cold. The captain was very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely would recommend

    Response from Host, Jan 2026

    Sounds like a great time on the water even with some chill! We are happy we could share the beautiful salt marsh with you!

    Knowledgeable captain and...

    Kristen_B, Dec 2025
    Knowledgeable captain and crew, lovely river and sightings, super sunset! I would love to go again when I am ever there ❤️

    Response from Host, Jan 2026

    Sounds like a beautiful way to close up a day in the lowcountry! We would love to see you again on your next trip!

    Unique

    Daniel_B, Nov 2025
    Captain Dan made our experience one to remember.. His knowledge .of the water and of the area is really enriching. Unique and we will be back.

    Response from Host, Nov 2025

    We can't wait to see you on your next trip to Hilton Head! Thank you for your kind review!

    The best!

    Brittany_S, Oct 2025
    Captain Dean was absolutely amazing! The whole experience was. We learned about history of Hilton Head, and got to see dolphins. Our kids loved it too!

    Response from Host, Oct 2025

    That you for your 5-star review! We are happy to hear your family have a great time on the water!

    Totally worth it

    Phil_K, Oct 2025
    Capt Dan was friendly and fun. We had a relaxing peaceful cruise where we fortunate to see an amazing sunset and several dolphins up close.

    Response from Host, Oct 2025

    Sounds like the perfect way to end a day in the lowcountry! Thank you for your 5-star review!

    It was a breathtaking...

    Terence_N, Oct 2025
    It was a breathtaking experience. Lovely scenes. Saw some dolphins and a beautiful sunset. Captain was cool and we felt very safe.

    Response from Host, Oct 2025

    Sounds like a beautiful time on the water! Boat rides are the best way to spend the day, and we are glad we could share that with you!

    An absolute must do!! We...

    Karen_P, Oct 2025
    An absolute must do!! We went on an overcast evening so there wasnt much sunset but that didnt hinder the tour at all. It was just my husband and myself as the other couple booked backed out due to the weather. Captain Kelly gave us the safety spiel and we were off. We were fortunate enough to see bottlenose dolphins, snowy egrets and large blue herons. Captain gave us a history of oyster fishing in the creek and of the Gullah, which we appreciated being new to HHI. He even took use to see if we could find manatees. no luck. Thank you Captain Kelly for an informative and enjoyable contour.

    Response from Host, Oct 2025

    Sounds like a fantastic evening! Thank you for your 5-star review!

    Highly recommended!!

    Heather_L, Oct 2025
    A wonderful experience that we highly recommend!! The sunset was beautiful! We went with family and there was plenty of room. The captain and the first mate was helpful and fun.

    Response from Host, Oct 2025

    Sounds like a lovely evening on the water! Thank you for your review!

    No sightings of Dolphins

    Laurel_C, Sep 2025
    It was a beautiful night for the cruise. Unfortunately, no dolphins could be seen that evening. The captain and his mate were nice. Easy boat ride, plenty of seats.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you so much for joining us on the cruise and for sharing your experience. We’re glad you enjoyed the evening, the crew, and the comfortable ride. While we can’t always guarantee dolphin sightings, we always strive to make every trip memorable and enjoyable. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon for another chance to see them!

    Beautiful nature!

    Alison_C, Sep 2025
    The boat was big! The captain was very knowledgeable about the dolphins and pelicans and oysters and tides.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Sounds like a beautiful way to catch the sunset. Thank you for your 5-star review!

    Beautiful sunset evening

    Kathy_B, Sep 2025
    Captain was an excellent orator. Saw many dolphins and beautiful sunset Cocktails we’re served. Boat very clean

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Sounds like a beautiful sunset cruise! Thank you for your kind review!

    Bad experience

    Denise_H, Sep 2025
    We were 5 minutes late and the boat left without us. I can’t get a response from anyone to get a refund or to even discuss it.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    I'm so sorry to hear about your experience. Our trips do depart right at the scheduled time, and unfortunately we aren’t able to hold the boat once it leaves the dock. I completely understand how disappointing that must have been. Please give us a call at 843-686-6996 so we can go over the details with you directly and see how we can best assist.

    Amazing Ride!!

    Sheryl_F, Sep 2025
    Captain Riley was awesome. Very well informed and we were able to see alot of Dolphins! Would definitely recommend!

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    We are happy to hear Captain Riley provided an awesome tour for you! As a native Hilton Head Islander, he is full of knowledge and information on the lowcountry!

    Dolphin Delights

    Jim, Sep 2025
    Easy parking, office right near parking lot. Super friendly staff. Captain Dan was fantastic. We saw so many dolphins and even glimpsed a manatee! Captain Dan was funny and informative, not only about dolphins but also about Hilton Head Island and the waters surrounding it. He was a joy from beginning to end.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for your review! Captain Dan creates such a lovely environment for our tours, and is extremely knowledgeable!

    Kerry went well out of...

    Patricia_O, Sep 2025
    Kerry went well out of his way to assure we had the best possible chance to see dolphins. Very knowledgeable and personable captain!!

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    We are glad to hear you enjoyed our Sunset Dolphin Cruise! Thank you for your kind review.

    90 minute sunset cruise

    Lorajean_T, Aug 2025
    This experience was wonderful. Captain Dan and First Mate CT were knowledgeable and friendly. The atmosphere was amazing.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you so much for your review!

    Sunset Amazing

    Linda_P, Aug 2025
    We had Captain Dan and he was amazing. The sunset was beautiful and even though we only saw one dolphin quite a few times playing in the distance, Capt. Dan was full of fun facts and conversation. The boat ride and narration of facts about the area and wildlife was worth the money by itself. The sunset though brought it over the top. He would move the boat around so everyone could get good pictures. I liked that the group was small as well. Counting us there was just 9. It is a small but comfortable boat so I do not think it holds much more than 12.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    We’re so glad you had a wonderful time with Captain Dan. It’s great that you enjoyed the sunset, the wildlife, and all the fun facts he shared. We’re happy the small group made the experience even better. Thank you for sharing, and we hope to see you back on the water soon.

    Nice boat ride and nice boat and staff.

    Carmen_S, Aug 2025
    Didn’t see hardly any dolphins just one at the beginning and towards the end coming in two in the dark just barely. It was a nice boat ride but you may or may not see dolphins.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the boat ride, though we’re sorry the dolphins weren’t as active during your trip. Since they’re wild animals, sightings can vary from day to day, but we always do our best to give guests the best possible chance of seeing them. We hope you’ll join us again for another cruise soon—many guests who return often find a different experience each time!

    It was a fun time on the...

    Andrew_J, Aug 2025
    It was a fun time on the water. We saw a beautiful sunset and some dolphins! The boat has free water, plus soda, beer, and wine available to purchase.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    We’re so glad you had a great time on the water and caught both the sunset and dolphins! Thank you for joining us—we hope to see you again soon.

    Beautiful experience

    Carmen_S, Aug 2025
    The boat was very clean, they serve an assortment of beer. The salt mash was beautiful, the water smooth and a must do! We saw dolphins and the sunset was amazing!

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    We’re thrilled you had such a wonderful experience! Smooth waters, beautiful marsh views, dolphins, and a stunning sunset make for a perfect outing.

    Smooth ride to the Calibogue

    Samuel_L, Jul 2025
    Parking can be a challenge - just plan to park on the opposite end of the marina and walk (or drop off others, then park on the other side and walk). Nice boat, bathroom and bar on board, solid captain and mate, great ride and informative.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thanks for the helpful tip about parking! We’re glad you enjoyed the boat, amenities, and informative ride.

    Sunset and Dolphin Chasing

    Valerie_R, Jul 2025
    Breathtaking sunset views on this little jaunt through the lowcountry!! Several dolphin sightings right beside our craft, which was roomy, clean, shaded and comfortable. Our captain was extremely knowledgeable and pleasant. Wonderful experience🥰

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you enjoyed the breathtaking sunset views, close dolphin sightings, and the comfort of the boat. It’s wonderful to hear your captain made the trip even more memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation!

    We had a very high tide,...

    Nancy_Z, Jul 2025
    We had a very high tide, so didn’t see any dolphins. That was understandable. I really wish the captain had told us more interesting stories about the area, nature, or the homes we passed. He really didn’t share anything. It would have made the trip much more enjoyable even without seeing any wildlife.

    Response from Host, Jul 2025

    Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. We're glad you understand that wildlife sightings can vary, but we’re sorry the experience felt lacking in other ways. A great guide can make all the difference, and we appreciate you pointing out the missed opportunity to share more about the area. We’ll be sure to pass this along to help improve the experience for future guests.

    Anniversary boat ride

    LaMisha_C, Jul 2025
    Wonderful experience, but arrive early because the parking is limited. The captain was phenomenal and kept us engaged the entire boat ride.

    Response from Host, Jul 2025

    Thank you for the great review! We're glad you had a wonderful experience and enjoyed the captain’s engaging tour. Thanks for the parking tip—arriving early definitely helps. Hope to see you again soon!

    Well Worth the Money

    Paul_B, Jun 2025
    A nice sunset cruise on a new boat with an experienced captain, showing you dolphins and a sunset. Free water; bar with beer and wine for purchase. We had a wonderful evening. Saw scores of dolphins doing all sorts of cool things. And a beautiful sunset.

    Response from Host, Jul 2025

    Thank you for the wonderful review! We're glad you enjoyed the sunset cruise, the dolphins, and the beautiful evening. It sounds like the perfect way to relax and take in the sights. We hope to see you again soon!

    Just Beautiful is enough...

    Dashay_J, Jun 2025
    Just Beautiful is enough to say but giving its a 100 character minimum. Go book now, manatee and beautiful dolphin families

    Response from Host, Jul 2025

    Thank you for the wonderful shoutout! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the beautiful manatees and dolphin families. We agree—it’s a must-do experience. Hope to see you out on the water again soon!

    Great Tour!

    Donna_V, Jun 2025
    the timing was perfect - spanned the full sunset. saw many dolphins and even the Coast Guard doing training in the Sound. great music. guests seemed happy, dancing and singing. Crew was so friendly! Really good time!

    Response from Host, Jul 2025

    Thank you for the awesome review! We're so glad you had perfect timing for the sunset and got to see dolphins and even the Coast Guard in action. It’s great to hear the music, happy guests, and friendly crew made it such a fun and memorable experience. Hope to see you again soon!

    Great trip ! We saw a...

    Joellen_M, Jun 2025
    Great trip ! We saw a double rainbow, lots of dolphins and a beautiful sunset. The captain and first mate were very knowledgeable and very friendly!!

    Response from Host, Jun 2025

    Thank you for the great review! Seeing a double rainbow, dolphins, and a beautiful sunset all in one trip sounds incredible. We're glad you enjoyed the friendly and knowledgeable crew. Hope to see you again soon!

    From $55.00

    per person

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

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 12 days in advance.

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