Hilton Head Dolphin Tour with Stop at Disappearing Island
Recommended by 92% of travelers
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Hilton Head Island, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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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
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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 245 reviews
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.
Shauna_L, Mar 2026
We really enjoyed this. You spend 30 minutes on the sand bank and we saw jelly fish, star fish, sand dollars and clams. You could take back anything that was not alive. On the boat, we encountered a few pods of dolphins and got very close- super cool. They let the kids (and some adults) drive the boat also and got a captain’s pin.
Wendy_L, Mar 2026
Especially enjoyed our time with Captain Steve and Michelle We saw on the island stars, jelly fish and sand dollars. On the ride we were pleased to see many dolphins
Bruce_M, Feb 2026
Enjoyed the tour and saw a lot of dolphins. I wished. They would have provided a narration of some of the areas we went by
Heather_C, Feb 2026
We got to spend about 30 minutes on disappearing island. Remember to wear shoes that can get wet or be easily removed for stepping off the boat to the island. Recommend shorts, capris, or pants that can easily be rolled up to your knees. Very cool to see the starfish, sand dollars, and we even saw a small jellyfish. The first mate, Wendy, did a great job giving lots of information about the area on the trip out as well as details about the Dolphin we saw. It was a very relaxing trip.
Sharon_S, Feb 2026
It was a fun experience. Dress accordingly as it does get very cold especially if you get a little wet. I was happy that we got to see one dolphin.
Angie_S, Jan 2026
This was the best Dolphin tour. Wendy and Kate were awesome together. We found many Sand dollars and saw many dolphins close to the boat.
xxkbrz9475, Jan 2026
We absolutely love it! It was a little chilly in January, but so worth it. Our guides were super fun, and a wealth of information. Definitely recommend to any age!
Daughn_Q, Oct 2025
Totally book this experience!! Kim and Capt. Peter were exceptional!! We saw a million dolphins!!!!!
Andrew_J, Sep 2025
Great day to see several dolphins, some quite close by. Great captain Kate and first mate Michelle. Visit to disappearing island is a must see!
Cheryl_S, Sep 2025
It was great. It was very windy out that day but the captain and 1st mate were great. She made every effort to keep us safe and still let us go to the disappearing island. The island was pretty unique. We found star fish and lots of birds. Some shells small ones. We saw lots of dolphins 🐬 up close. We saw some on the way out to the island and more on the way back. I really enjoyed my afternoon.
Sharon_G, Aug 2025
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.
Craig_C, Aug 2025
Was very fun this was a last min booking and the wife and myself felt right at home with friendly service the whole time
Kala_T, Aug 2025
Highly recommend for anyone who has kids! We had a great time looking for different sea life ! We got to hold starfish and see jellyfish !
sumerixmj, Aug 2025
There was great shelling on The disappearing Island. This is a great trip for families with younger kids. Teenagers not as much.
Misty_M, Aug 2025
Michelle and Spike were great guides. Great information shared. Loved seeing the island and the dolphins.
Valerie_c, Aug 2025
This experience was absolutely phenomenal and far exceeded my expectations! From the start, Captain Jack and Emelia were amazing funny, welcoming, and full of family-friendly humor we truly appreciated. Their knowledge of the island was incredible and made the trip even more special.
“Vanishing Island” itself was beyond anything I imagined. My kids had the unforgettable opportunity to help return countless starfish and sand dollars back to the ocean something they’ll remember for a lifetime.
The surprises didn’t stop there! On the way back, we were treated to an unforgettable dolphin sighting. Not only did we see them up close, but we even watched them breach the water and caught it all on video!
This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Susanna_K, Aug 2025
Unfortunately we didn’t get to meet out our excursion due to our boats engines breaking down. They got them up and running enough for us to idle and see some dolphins but didn’t make it to disappearing island. Thankfully we made it back safely and the company offered everyone refunds or credit towards a different experience.
Aimee_O, Aug 2025
My grandkids loved the boat ride and walking on the vanishing island. We saw lots of animals, even multiple dolphins! Very fun!
Holly_K, Jul 2025
Didn't stop to see any dolphins, instead wasted time allowing all the kids to drive. Didn't pay to experience that. Plus the vanishing Island didn't have any shells like it was advertised to have. False advertisement. Not happy with your service for the price
TracyElizabeth_C, Jul 2025
Lovely time with first mate Michelle and Captain David who were very knowledgeable and chill - learned a bit of the ecology of the area, saw dolphins and other marine life all while boating with cool breezes to boot - what could be better?!
Tammy_S, Jul 2025
Staff at check in were friendly and accommodating. Gift shop was nice. Kim and Captain Kate were a blast! They play great music and interacted with everyone. We saw many dolphins! The disappearing island was a great addition! We will be back!!
Tara_A, Jul 2025
Great staff. Wendy and Kate are wonderful. They make sure your safe. They ensure a great experience with laughter along the way. They do their best to make sure we get Dolphin sightings which we did! Taking the time to take pictures for every family is the icing on the cake. It's our second time with this crew and I'd do it again. Thanks so much!
Steven_S, Jul 2025
The captain (Kate) and Wendy (first mate) did a great job of engaging the passengers. Wendy was especially knowledgeable about dolphin biology.
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From $55.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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