Hilton Head Dolphin Tour with Stop at Disappearing Island
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Hilton Head Island, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
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Overview
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.
- Hilton Head dolphin watching tour
- Search for wildlife at “Disappearing Island”
- Kid-friendly tour is popular with families
- Great chance to see dolphins in the wild
What's Included
- USCG licensed captain
- 2 Hour Total Experience
- 20 Min. Stop at Disappearing Island - get off the boat & explore
- Chances to spot Shells, Sand Dollars and Starfish
- Dolphin Sightings along the tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA
Drive past the Black Marlin restaurant. We are located on the far righthand side of the building as you walk towards the marina. Look for the Lowcountry Watersports Flag by our check in office.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Start your dolphin adventure by making your own way to the meeting point located on the left side of the Black Marlin Restaurant in Hilton Head before the departure time.
Climb aboard your vessel and depart from Palmetto Bay Marina, to explore the local ecosystem with a knowledgeable USCG licensed captain.
Keep an eye out for dolphins in their natural habitat and gain insight into the rich biodiversity of Hilton Head. The tour includes a stop at "Disappearing Island," a unique strip of land accessible only at low tide, where you can search for shells, starfish, and sand dollars.
Your tour ends at the original departure point.
Climb aboard your vessel and depart from Palmetto Bay Marina, to explore the local ecosystem with a knowledgeable USCG licensed captain.
Keep an eye out for dolphins in their natural habitat and gain insight into the rich biodiversity of Hilton Head. The tour includes a stop at "Disappearing Island," a unique strip of land accessible only at low tide, where you can search for shells, starfish, and sand dollars.
Your tour ends at the original departure point.
1
Lowcountry Watersports
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Must be able to step down 1-2 feet onto Disappearing Island.
- Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Sharon_G
We saw a few dolphins, enjoyable boat ride. Captain Steve was so personable. The island was cool, found several starfish and sand dollars. Relaxing, enjoyable tour and was perfectly comfortable going solo. Definitely recommend and would do again.
Reviews
4.7
based on 289 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Sabrina_M, Jul 2026
Had a great time, but this was the first time we were on the island at the same time as multiple boats. Got a lot less shells this year, BUT I did find my first shark tooth after 10 years of visiting Hilton Head! Guides were great and super fun! We did see a large pod of around 10 dolphins and got to sit and watch them for awhile. Got some great videos!
Tracy_P, Jul 2026
We had a great time with Lanier and CaptainSarah. The disappearing island was really cool. Wish we could have had a little more than 30min but other than that it was great! We saw several dolphins. Our 3 teenagers really enjoyed it also. I would recommend.
Charles_D, Jul 2026
It was a great day! We got on a covered giant pontoon boat with maybe 30 other people and headed out to disappearing island. The trip was amazing and very relaxing. Music and beautiful scenery. We got very close to a pod of dolphins on the way back and it was very special. Our tour guide Rae Rae was so much fun, and the captain was great as well.
Gerald_S, Jul 2026
Great way to see dolphins and experience disappearing island. Good viewd along the way of waterfront homes
Charline_B, Jul 2026
This was a fun experience. The workers were very knowledgeable about the disappearing island, dolphins, and the island itself. Saw lots of sea creatures.
Shannon_T, Jul 2026
Fun and easy be sure to bring drinks and snacks on board for the ride to island and back. Disappearing island was a unique experience
Brittany_W, Jul 2026
Absolutely amazing! The island was so cool, got to see sand dollars, sea stars, crabs, and lots of different shells
Jean_E, Jul 2026
Nice clean boat and friendly staff.
I had questions about dolphin life and Wendy filled me in on all I was curious about.
Kate made us feel safe and found lots of dolphins for us! 16-20 year olds loved it too!
The walk on the disappearing island was lovely!
We never felt rushed, it was a great way to start the morning!
Megen_M, Jun 2026
Our family loved this tour! We saw a ton on Star fish and sea creatures. We loved seeing the dolphins up close. It was such a fun experience! We would definitely do this again!
Bob_b, Jun 2026
Rated average, because weather cancelled this disappearing island portion. The provider rebooked us on a dolphin only tour and refunded the difference. The replacement tour was average too, only saw dolphins on 3 occasions and then about 50 yards away. Hard for the kids to see them.
Ryan_H, Jun 2026
Amelia and Wyatt were great! They were both very personable/knowledgeable and made the experience fun. Would definitely recommend.
kristin_p, Jun 2026
Great experience all around from island, dolphin sightings, captain and crew! We had a wonderful experience all around!
Floydene_O, Jun 2026
Well worth the money and time. Found treasures on Disappearing Island, video of live starfish. Dolphins put on a heck of a show for us!!! Samantha and Kate were very friendly, informative, and great with kids!!! LOVED IT❣️
Noelle_K, Jun 2026
Nice shade covered cruise operated with very friendly crew.
Kids enjoyed spotting sea life on the boat and on shore.
Gary_H, Jun 2026
Michele and Capt. Sarah were excellent. The boat ride is very nice, but the time on the disappearing island is awesome and a great way to spend time together as a family!
Jessica_C, Jun 2026
Going to the sand bar Disappearing island was nice not much time spending looking for dolphins
It was a good experience
Better for young kids
Matt_M, Jun 2026
Ask for Kate and Wendy. They were so informative and fun to sail with. This is our second time going and we will certainly be back.
Tyler_S, Jun 2026
Great experience ! Awesome staff 😃 Easy to find . They are very knowledgeable and teach you all about the eco system and how it all works together ! Dolphins are always awesome to watch
Bonnie_H, May 2026
Fun time. Bring drinks and snacks :) the tour was fun and easy and the guide was great! Would do this again
Terese_L, May 2026
Dolphin cruise and stop at disappearing island.
All good!! Great to see women in charge! Great crew! Great trip! Great experience!!
Lacey_C, May 2026
So fun for all ages! Wendy was amazing! So glad we booked it! We will be coming back and plan on doing it again!
Debra_G, May 2026
Captain Michael and Michelle were awesome! Very knowledgeable and entertaining! It was a unique experience to visit Disappearing Island. We saw lots of starfish, sand dollars and even saw an olive snail! Highly recommend. Also saw a few dolphins.
Jan_S, May 2026
So many dolphins! We even saw baby dolphins, one that was only a week or so old. The island is a large sandbar at low tide filled with stranded starfish! Captain Kate and wonderful mate Wendy were great with Wendy providing details about the area and the dolphins. Highly recommend
Marsha_P, Apr 2026
Captain Kate (Go Chiefs!) and Wendy were awesome. It was a very cold and windy day and things didn't go according to the plan but they kept everything very positive and upbeat!
Gerad_D, Apr 2026
Captain Kate and First Mate Wendy did a great job! Weather did not cooperate for the disappearing island, but they took us to a different location to find some shells.
Great excursion for kids.
Takashi_Y, Apr 2026
It was so fun. Skipper and first mate were awesome. Disappearing island was fun to explore. Bring towel.
Megan_K, Apr 2026
We had a wonderful time! Jojo was very knowledgeable and captain Clint was great! I highly recommend this tour.
Michelle_C, Apr 2026
Great experience. Everyone was very nice and it was a fun time. It was great to hear some of the information as we were heading to disappearing island. At disappearing island we saw a lot of ocean life (starfish, little crabs, jellyfish, etc) and lots of seashells. On the way back we saw a bunch of dolphins.
TiAn_V, Mar 2026
We had a wonderful time on our island boat trip! The weather was amazing, the captain and crew were very friendly and engaging, we got to see some playful dolphins, and the disappearing island did not disappoint. Thanks for a fantastic trip!
Mandy_V, Mar 2026
Staff was very friendly and helpful! Very quick to respond and my big group of 20 very much enjoyed the tour.
From $55.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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