Hilton Head Dolphin Tour: Atlantic Bottlenose Year-Round

Spot dolphins in Broad Creek while a captain explains the Lowcountry's working waterways

A 90-minute shared boat tour departing from Shelter Cove Marina in Hilton Head, exploring Broad Creek Wildlife Area, Calibogue Sound and nearby marshes to watch Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins year-round. Your USCG-licensed captain narrates the ecology and history of the region as the tour unfolds. The boat is stable and comfortable, and the tour suits families and all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

90-minute dolphin and nature boat tour

• Meet at Shelter Cove Marina desk
• Check in at outdoor desk
• Board safe, comfortable powerboat
• Explore Broad Creek Wildlife Area
• Cruise Calibogue Sound and marshes
• View Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
• Listen to Captain's nature and history guide

The experience

You meet at the Outside Hilton Head desk in Shelter Cove Marina (at the far north end, next to Ela's Grille), and board one of the company's stable powerboats from the dock on Broad Creek itself. The 90-minute cruise heads into the Wildlife Area, Calibogue Sound and the surrounding marshes, where Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins are active year-round. Your captain is USCG-licensed and guides the boat to points where dolphins are likely to appear, explaining how the Lowcountry's history, culture and ecology are woven together as you cruise.

The boat has comfortable seating, though not all seats carry shade, so bring a hat or sunscreen if the sun matters to you. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if you need one. The tour works for families and for anyone regardless of fitness level. You're on the water the whole time, not walking or climbing.

What’s included

• 90-minute boat cruise in a stable, comfortable powerboat.
• USCG-licensed captain guide who narrates the ecology and history of Broad Creek, Calibogue Sound and the surrounding marshes.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day at 10:00 and 13:30, from US$ 47 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 163 private ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Outside Hilton Head

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour, so you'll be on the boat with other guests. A good fit if you're comfortable in a group and want a captain's expertise without the cost of a private charter. The fixed 90-minute schedule and the captain's knowledge of where dolphins congregate make it the right choice if you want to see dolphins without spending the day planning the route yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What time of year are dolphins most likely to appear?

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins are active in Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound year-round, so sightings happen in every season. Your captain will navigate to the best viewing spots based on conditions on the day you tour.

Where do I meet the boat, and how early should I arrive?

Meet at the Outside Hilton Head outdoor desk in Shelter Cove Marina at the far north end, next to Ela's Grille and the Harbormaster's Office. Arrive early enough to check in before your departure time so the captain can get you aboard on schedule.

Is there shade on the boat?

Not all seats have shade, so if sun exposure is a concern, bring a hat, sunscreen or plan to sit in a shaded spot if one is available. The boat moves during the tour, so shade coverage may shift as you cruise.

What does the captain explain during the tour?

Your USCG-licensed captain guides the boat to points of interest and explains the unique connections between the Lowcountry's history, culture and nature: how the waterways, marshes and wildlife are linked to the region's past and present.