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Here are the top 5 dolphin cruises in Hilton Head, according to Tripadvisor

Dolphins play an integral part of Hilton Head Island’s surrounding water life and ecosystems. Both locals and tourists alike can see them swimming off shore when driving over the bridge from the mainland, at beaches or in nearby marinas.

Does your family want to get a closer look at these playful mammals?

Here are the top five dolphin cruises on Hilton Head Island, according to Tripadvisor.

Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

With 98% of travelers recommending the experience, this dolphin cruise helps your family learn about Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and local coastal ecosystems from an onboard guide.

  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to cruise departure

  • 1 hour and 30 minute cruise duration

  • Stroller accessible

  • Service animals allowed

  • 40 person maximum

Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise

Get up-close to the island’s dolphins during a Lowcountry sunset on this evening nature cruise. Sightings of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are guaranteed by the company. The naturalist captain can provide information about the local marine mammals and other surrounding sea life.

  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to cruise departure

  • 1 hour and 30 minute cruise duration

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Stroller accessible

  • Service animals allowed

  • 140 person maximum

Hilton Head Disappearing Island Dolphin Tour

Recommended by 100% of travelers, this dolphin watching cruise offers an opportunity to learn about local ecosystems as well as the chance for guests to look for shells, starfish and sand dollars at a quick stop to “Disappearing Island,” only accessible during low tide.

  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to cruise departure

  • 2 hour duration

  • USCG licensed captain

  • 30 minute visit to Disappearing Island

  • Service animals allowed

  • 40 person maximum

Private Hilton Head Sunset Sailing Tour with Dolphin Watching

This private, dolphin-watching tour sails at sunset off of Hilton Head Island and cruises into Port Royal Sound on a sailboat. It is recommended by 100% of travelers. The tour allows their guests to be involved with the sailing experience or just enjoy the ride as the guides take care of everything else.

  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to cruise departure

  • 2 hour duration

  • Stroller accessible

  • Service animals allowed

  • A private tour/activity- only your group will participate

Hilton Head Island Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise

This dolphin cruise allows guests to view wild dolphins, herons and other local fauna on this wildlife-watching cruise. As it takes you through Calibogue Sound, the cruise passes locations of interest such as Haig Point Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island and the Lowcountry coastline while guests are guided by a naturalist on this excursion.

  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to cruise departure

  • 1 hour and 30 minute cruise duration

  • Adult beverages available for purchase

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Stroller accessible

  • Service animals allowed

  • 140 person maximum

While these dolphin cruises received the highest number of ratings by those who visited Tripadvisor, Hilton Head Island is home to many educational and exciting sight-seeing companies.

Sarah Claire McDonald
The Island Packet
Sarah Claire McDonald worked as a Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette. She specialized in writing audience-focused, unique, spotlight stories about people, places and occurrences in the Lowcountry. Originally from the Midwest, Sarah Claire studied news media, communications and English at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where she graduated in 2021.
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