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Beyond Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise

Badge of Excellence
Hilton Head Island, USA
High interest
Booked 5+ times today.
  • 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.6
·
· Courtney_C ·
Aug 2026
It was so cool! There were so many dolphins just playing, families, babies, it was like a movie. The scenery is beautiful, the staff were very nice and helpful! The captain was informative and seemed very chill. The lighthouses were beautiful to see and the islands were as well! Well worth it, and it's not expensive! My two daughters loved it as well! Great picture opportunities!
· Laura_H ·
Aug 2026
The captain and his crew were fantastic! They were very informative. Highly educational a great adventure. I would highly recommend. We definitely saw dolphin and he tracked them along the way. We also learned so much about the other neighboring islands!

Overview

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.
  • Relax while watching dolphins on a sunset cruise
  • Enjoy alcoholic beverages (available for purchase) as you watch the sunset
  • Capture photos of the iconic Haig Point lighthouse in the evening light
  • Depart from the picturesque Harbour Town Yacht Basin

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
  • 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

  • Harbour Town Lighthouse
    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

Jill_W
Saw dolphins for sure. Trip was nice and smooth. Crew was very pleasant. Sunset was overcast but a little pink sky came through. Info was very interesting. Lighthouses, marsh, etc. Had a great time.

Reviews

4.6
based on 464 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sort by: Most insightful

Sunsets and Dolphins!

Ashley_K, Sep 2026
Captain Mike was very funny, we saw a ton of dolphins, and had a beautiful sunset. Would recommend to vistors.

Will book again in the near future.

Tonya_H, Sep 2026
It was an AWESOME experience. The captain was very kind, pleasant and very informative of the island. The photographer was excellent. The view was absolutely beautiful very breathtaking. I would do this trip 100 times. Oh and the breeze excellent.

Tranquility

Judy_J, Sep 2026
It Was a beautiful, peaceful experience, we saw a lot of dolphins. Captain was very knowledgeable. Everyone had a great time.

All the Dolphins!

Angelina_C, Sep 2026
We enjoyed our tour the kids were excited to see all the dolphins and the adults enjoyed the commentary from our tour guide.

Worth every dollar!

Laura_H, Aug 2026
The captain and his crew were fantastic! They were very informative. Highly educational a great adventure. I would highly recommend. We definitely saw dolphin and he tracked them along the way. We also learned so much about the other neighboring islands!

Cruise

Lisa_J, Aug 2026
It was a great cruise, beautiful views nice to see a different part of the island even though we didn’t see any dolphins.

The boat, views and crew...

Naja_W, Aug 2026
The boat, views and crew are all so nice! It was great time and you are sure to see dolphins. It was also cool to hear new facts about the dolphins and islands around us.

Bachelorette Trip

Katherine_A, Aug 2026
It was so beautiful. We seen a lot of dolphins, watched a nice little sunset. Crew was extremely nice. Great price for all you get to do.

Dolphin sunset cruise

Leila_M, Aug 2026
Definitely recommend doing this! The dolphins are so fun and interesting to watch! And the sunset was very beautiful!

Absolutely worth the time...

John_D, Aug 2026
Absolutely worth the time to go. Amazing sites - awesome dolphins!! Great Captain - very informative and interesting. You should go.

So many dolphins!

Courtney_C, Aug 2026
It was so cool! There were so many dolphins just playing, families, babies, it was like a movie. The scenery is beautiful, the staff were very nice and helpful! The captain was informative and seemed very chill. The lighthouses were beautiful to see and the islands were as well! Well worth it, and it's not expensive! My two daughters loved it as well! Great picture opportunities!

Amazing

Lisa_L, Aug 2026
We had an amazing time! From start to finish crew and captain were extremely friendly, kind and knowledgeable. The tour was so cool, saw lots of Dolphins. Loved it!

It was awesome....

Joann_T, Jul 2026
It was awesome. Especially the sunset tour. My granddaughters ages 5 & 7 had a great time. I would absolutely recommend a tour while you are here

sunset cruise

Genevieve_L, Jul 2026
need to remind people quiet conversations!!!! great cruise just need people to not talk if not paying attention

Our entire family all had...

Kelly_P, Jul 2026
Our entire family all had a great time! The sunset was beautiful and we loved seeing the dolphins!!!

Amazing Experience

Susan_R, Jul 2026
We had an Amazing experience!! The captain and his crew were great. The cruise was very enjoyable. We saw beautiful display of dolphins on the Sunset Dolphin Cruise. If you are looking for something relaxing and enjoyable this cruise is definitely a winner. Shout out to the crew! Susan R

Dinner cruise

Akili_C, Jul 2026
It was really nice and relaxing and the food was good. Saw a lot of dolphins which made the trip that much better.

Dolphins

Jaime_G, Jul 2026
Dolphins were easy to see. But you don’t get much of a tour of the island. I did like that we saw a baby dolphin.

Solid evening trip.

Daniel_H, Jul 2026
Great trip. Relaxed, and respectful of the area and the dolphins. Knowledgeable and engaging Captain was entertaining but not over the top. Understands their audience and purpose.

Beautiful trip

terry_b, Jul 2026
Amazing views and plenty of dolphins! My kids loved this trip and were in awe of the number of dolphins they got to see!

Beautiful

Sharon_C, Jul 2026
It was wonderful. However disappointing that 2 in our party didn’t get to go. They could not find a place to park. Valet lot was full too. Needed a Handicap spot. Hoping to get a refund for the 2 who couldn’t make it.

Recommended cruise

Sylvia_F, Jul 2026
A nice and relaxing ride also informative Captain Justin told us many interesting facts about the area and dolphins. Saw many dolphins right away. Nice sunset

Lovely experience

Niranjana_P, Jun 2026
Enjoyed the sunset and watching many dolphins. My kids had fun seeing Dolphins play. I would definitely visit again and recommend this cruise. Captain was very nice and informative.

It was a very boring...

Melissa_S, Jun 2026
It was a very boring experience unfortunately. We just sat and had very little movement, and the captain repeated himself. I definitely expected a lot more from my experience

Bring hat and sunglasses....

Kimberly_G, Jun 2026
Bring hat and sunglasses. Also arrive early to get parking. Very relaxing and beautiful views and sunset

Great Sunset

Jennifer_K, Jun 2026
Great experience. Arrive early to get a front of boat seat. What a relaxing and beautiful setting. Watch the dolphins and just enjoy a beautiful scenic tour.

Dolphin fun!

Angel_U, Jun 2026
It was great! We saw a lot of dolphins! The only thing I will say is that it was about to storm and it was lightning and I feel like the captain didn’t end the tour sooner. We had already saw a lot of dolphins at the point so me and a few others were kind of anxious and ready to get off the water with it lightning that bad. We were safe in the end and it was a fun!

Just ok not worth money

Patty_A, Jun 2026
Cost is to much. Understand need to charge for expenses but didn't seem concerned when it lightened!

Beautiful Sunset view!

Angeline_H, Jun 2026
Beautiful trip through the harbor. Lots of dolphins and a beautiful sunset. Boarding was quick and easy, seating on the top deck provided a great view.

Momma of 4

Gary_M, Jun 2026
It was alittle crowded... the snacks are priced high but Everything in life is priced high.... it was fun
Member Pricing
From

$47.50

per person
Was $50.00(-5%)

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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