Hilton Head Island Dolphin Tour 90-Min from Broad Creek Marina

Watch dolphins from the water without driving to find them

A 90-minute dolphin tour from Broad Creek Marina in central Hilton Head Island explores Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound aboard a custom tour boat with a USCG captain and live guide. The boat route changes based on tides and conditions to increase chances of spotting bottlenose dolphins, birds and other wildlife. You'll see Harbour Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, Buck Island and Bull Island from the water. Children from age 1 are welcome, and all safety equipment is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

90 Minute Dolphin Tour on Hilton Head

• Depart from Broad Creek Marina
• Explore Broad Creek dolphin area
• Pass by Harbour Town lighthouse
• View Daufuskie Island and nearby waterways
• Explore Calibogue Sound and surrounding islands

The experience

The boat leaves from Broad Creek Marina, which sits in the center of Hilton Head Island and is a known hotspot for dolphin activity. Broad Creek itself is a rich ecosystem where bottlenose dolphins, herons, egrets and other birds move through the waterways. The captain has multiple routes to choose from depending on the time of day and the tide: flexibility that matters because dolphins and other wildlife respond to water conditions, and the best spot to find them shifts.

From the water, you'll pass Harbour Town Lighthouse in Calibogue Sound and see Daufuskie Island, Buck Island and Bull Island. The tour is 90 minutes, which gives the captain time to move between the spots where wildlife congregates without rushing. The boat itself is a custom tour vessel built for comfort on the water, and all safety equipment comes with your ticket. A live guide in English narrates the tour and points out what you're seeing as it appears.

Children from age 1 can ride along: infants sit on an adult's lap, and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are welcome. Public transportation options are available near the marina if you're staying elsewhere on the island or don't have a car.

What’s included

• Boat and all safety equipment.
• live guide in English.
• 90-minute tour of Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound with views of Harbour Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, Buck Island and Bull Island from the water.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day at 13:00, from US$ 47.70 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 14 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 144 private ›

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (1 to 12 years)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Island Head at Broad Creek

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying on Hilton Head without a car or don't want to arrange your own boat. The marina is central, the captain adjusts the route by tide to find dolphins, and you're on the water instead of searching the shore.

Traveler reviews

4.63★★★★★★★★★★

178 verified traveler reviews

5 ★143

4 ★19

3 ★8

2 ★2

1 ★6

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 12 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of dolphins will I see on the Hilton Head dolphin tour?

Bottlenose dolphins are the main species you'll encounter in Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound. The captain adjusts the boat's route based on tides and time of day to increase your chances of spotting them, along with a variety of birds and other wildlife.

How long is the 90-minute dolphin tour and when does it depart?

The tour runs 90 minutes total. It departs from Broad Creek Marina in the center of Hilton Head Island. Check with the operator for specific departure times, as the captain may adjust the route based on tides and conditions.

What will I see from the boat besides dolphins?

From the water, you'll see Harbour Town Lighthouse in Calibogue Sound, Daufuskie Island, Buck Island and Bull Island. The tour also passes through Broad Creek, where birds and other wildlife are active in the ecosystem.

Is there parking or transportation to Broad Creek Marina?

Broad Creek Marina is located in the center of Hilton Head Island. Public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have a car or are staying elsewhere on the island.

What's included in the dolphin tour price?

The tour includes the boat ride, all safety equipment and a live guide in English who narrates the experience and points out wildlife as you travel through Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound.