Boat Tours in Hilton Head Island at a glance
- Our pick: Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise: Guaranteed Sightings, US$ 40 per person (1h 30m, 4.85★ · 1,702).
- Top rated: Hilton Head Island Dolphin Tour: Small Group, Guaranteed Sightings, US$ 289 per group (1h 30m, 5.00★ · 615).
- Best value: Hilton Head Island Dolphin Cruise: The Vagabond, 90 Minutes, US$ 39 per person (1h 30m, 4.51★ · 445).
Price per person across the 15 options priced per person: US$ 39–US$ 145 (median US$ 50). With 100+ reviews: 19 of 27.
Of the 27 options: 26 with live guides in English, 27 with free cancellation, 25 with instant confirmation, 15 kid-friendly, 10 private and 24 bookable last-minute.
How we rank: quality, number of reviews, availability, booking conditions and relevance to the topic. In the comparison table, our top 3 comes first. Prices are per person, except options priced per group: that price is for the whole group, and the per-person figure assumes the group is full. “Top rated” = the highest score among options with at least 100 reviews.
Boat Tours in Hilton Head Island
Based on each operator's calendar. Confirmed when you book.
27 options
The 15 best
Ranked by quality, reviews, availability and booking conditions.
Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise: Guaranteed Sightings Dolphin boat cruise on Hilton Head Island with guaranteed sightings, local guide narration and shaded seating. Every day · 9 start times, 11:00 to 16:00 · All ages ★ 4.85 (1,702 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 40 per person
Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise: Guaranteed Sightings Sail from Harbour Town Lighthouse on a 90-minute narrated cruise with guaranteed wild dolphin sightings at golden hour. Every day · 16:00 · All ages ★ 4.57 (482 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 45 per person
Hilton Head Island Dolphin Cruise: The Vagabond, 90 Minutes Cruise Calibogue Sound aboard the Vagabond, Hilton Head's original dolphin boat for over 50 years. Every day · 14:00 · All ages ★ 4.51 (445 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 39 per person
Hilton Head Island Dolphin Tour: Small Group, Guaranteed Sightings Private dolphin watching tour on Hilton Head Island with a licensed naturalist captain and your own boat for up to six passengers. Every day · 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00 ★ 5.00 (615 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 289 per group
Daufuskie Island: Guided History Tour & Boat Ride from Hilton Head Boat tour to Daufuskie Island from Hilton Head with historian guide, golf cart tour of historic sites, and wildlife viewing. 4.5 hours, includes water and cooler. Mon–Sat · 12:00 · All ages ★ 4.86 (1,215 reviews) Duration: 4h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 145 per person
America's Cup 12-Meter Yacht Afternoon Sail: Harbour Town Sail the America's Cup Stars & Stripes, the 12-meter yacht once skippered by Dennis Connor, for 90 minutes under full sail in Harbour Town. Every day · 13:00 and 14:00 · From age 3 ★ 4.61 (580 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 55 per person
Hilton Head: Shrimp Trawling Boat Cruise & Take-Home Catch Feel the salt breeze on a Hilton Head shrimp trawling cruise, help sort the catch with locals, and maybe bring home fresh shrimp. Includes 2-hour boat ride. Mon–Sat · 09:00 and 13:00 · All ages ★ 4.67 (372 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 50 per person
Private Dolphin Watching Cruise Hilton Head: Guaranteed Sightings Spend two hours on a private dolphin cruise in Hilton Head with a live English-speaking guide: guaranteed sightings mean your family leaves the water having seen them. Every day · 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 ★ 4.99 (319 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 298 per group
Hilton Head Island Guided Water Tour: Drive Your Own Creek Cat Cruise 25 miles around Hilton Head on your own 30HP Creek Cat boat with a professional guide leading the way. You're the pilot, not a passenger. Next departure: 2 Feb 2027 · From age 5 ★ 4.80 (519 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 145 per person
Private Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise: Up to 6 Guests Private sunset dolphin cruise in Hilton Head for up to 6 guests with an experienced local captain. Cruise Calibogue Sound and Skull Creek at golden hour. Every day · 15:30 ★ 4.98 (285 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 319 per group
Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise with 3-Course Meal Sail Calibogue Sound aboard the Spirit of Harbour Town for a 3-course dinner cruise with sunset views, private table seating and 10% gratuity included. Wed, Fri and Sat · 16:30 · All ages ★ 4.42 (268 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 109 per person
Hilton Head Dolphin Cruise: Broad Creek Wildlife Tour Watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in Broad Creek's salt marsh on a 90-minute cruise with a naturalist captain who shares Lowcountry history and wildlife facts along the way. Every day · 13:30 · All ages ★ 4.88 (215 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 47 per person
Hilton Head Dolphin Tour: Bottlenose & Disappearing Island Hilton Head dolphin tour with 2-hour boat ride from Palmetto Bay Marina, a 30-minute stop on Disappearing Island at low tide. Every day except Friday and Sunday · 8 start times, 10:20 to 14:50 · All ages ★ 4.74 (300 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 55 per person
Hilton Head Island Dolphin Tour 90-Min from Broad Creek Marina Ninety-minute dolphin tour departing Broad Creek Marina in the center of Hilton Head Island. Every day · 13:00 ★ 4.63 (178 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 45 per person
Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Tour: Drive Your Own Mini Boat Drive your own mini boat on a guided Hilton Head sightseeing tour past Harbourtown lighthouse and Daufuskie Island. Every day · 11:00 and 13:30 ★ 4.92 (176 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 199 per group
Also popular with travelers
The ones most travelers have taken, by number of reviews.
Hilton Head Dolphin Tour: Atlantic Bottlenose Year-Round Cruise Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound on a 90-minute dolphin tour from Hilton Head with a USCG-licensed captain who explains the Lowcountry's history. Every day · 10:00 and 13:30 · All ages ★ 4.87 (249 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 47 per person
Mile Isle Beachcomber Tour: Private Boat & Sandbar Hunt Private boat tour on Hilton Head Island's Calibogue Sound with a Master Naturalist captain: cruise past Harbour Town Lighthouse. Every day except Friday · 9 start times, 10:00 to 15:00 ★ 5.00 (132 reviews) Duration: 2h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 429 per group
Hilton Head Island Sunset Dolphin Tour: Guaranteed sightings Ninety-minute dolphin tour around Hilton Head Island with guaranteed Atlantic bottlenose sightings. Tue, Thu, Fri and Sat · 16:00 · All ages ★ 4.92 (109 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 50 per person
Hilton Head Morning Dolphins & Donuts Cruise: 1.5 hours Ninety-minute dolphin watching tour from Palmetto Bay Marina with fresh donuts, juice and a local guide narrating Hilton Head's history and wildlife. Tue, Wed, Fri and Sun · 11:00 and 12:00 · Season until 18 Dec · All ages ★ 4.89 (107 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 55 per person
Hilton Head Morning Kayaking Tour: Dolphins & Broad Creek Paddle Broad Creek on a guided morning kayak tour from Hilton Head with a trained guide, life jacket and paddle included. Sat and Sun · 11:30 · Season until 28 Nov · From age 5 ★ 4.76 (50 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 49 per person
Private Tubing on Hilton Head Island: 1-Hour Boat Trip Private tubing trip on Hilton Head Island waters for up to 12 passengers behind a custom boat with captain included. No experience needed and fun for all ages. Every day · Every 1 h, 08:00 to 17:00 ★ 5.00 (31 reviews) Duration: 1h ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 272 per group
Compare 6 more options for Boat Tours in Hilton Head Island
1 h to 2 h
Private Hilton Head Dolphin Tour: Up to 6 Passengers Private dolphin tour on Hilton Head Island's Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound with USCG-licensed captain and guaranteed sightings, capturing family memories along the way. Every day · 13:00 ★ 4.96 (25 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 329 per group
Hilton Head Private Sunset Cruise for up to 14 Passengers Private sunset cruise on Hilton Head's waterways departing Broad Creek Marina, customized by your captain for your group of up to 14. Bring your own snacks and drinks. Every day · 16:00 ★ 4.94 (16 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 549 per group
Private boat charter Hilton Head: 25ft custom tour for up to 14 Private 2-hour boat charter on a 25ft vessel in Hilton Head with USCG captain included. Customize your route for dolphin watching, sandbars, waterfront dining or swimming. Every day · Every 1 h, 07:00 to 15:00 ★ 5.00 (13 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 458 per group
Private Dolphin Boat Tour Hilton Head Island: 90 Minutes Private 90-minute dolphin boat tour from Broad Creek on Hilton Head Island with a live English-speaking captain, ice and coolers included for your beverages and snacks. Next departure: 3 Jun 2027 ★ 4.94 (18 reviews) Duration: 1h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 400 per group
Mini Boat Tour Hilton Head: Drive to Disappearing Island Drive your own mini boat to Disappearing Island on Hilton Head's 2-hour guided tour, spotting dolphins and wildlife while passing Harbourtown and Daufuskie Island. Next departure: 19 Mar 2027 ★ 4.67 (15 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 249 per group
Private Dolphin Tour Hilton Head: 90-Minute Boat Cruise Private 90-minute boat cruise from Shelter Cove Marina to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound with a USCG-licensed captain. Every day · 08:00, 10:00, 11:45, 13:00 and 15:00 ★ 5.00 (4 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 293 per group
The top 12 of 27 options, side by side
✓ 2026-11-14| Option | Price | Duration | Rating | Days and times | Guide languages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise: Guaranteed SightingsOur pick | US$ 40 per person | 1h 30m | 4.85★ · 1,702 | Every day · 9 start times, 11:00 to 16:00 | English |
| Hilton Head Island Dolphin Tour: Small Group, Guaranteed SightingsTop ratedPrivate | US$ 289 per group up to 6 people · ≈ US$ 48 per person if 6 go | 1h 30m | 5.00★ · 615 | Every day · 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00 | English |
| Hilton Head Island Dolphin Cruise: The Vagabond, 90 MinutesBest value | US$ 39 per person | 1h 30m | 4.51★ · 445 | Every day · 14:00 | English |
| Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise: Guaranteed Sightings | US$ 45 per person | 1h 30m | 4.57★ · 482 | Every day · 16:00 | English |
| Daufuskie Island: Guided History Tour & Boat Ride from Hilton Head | US$ 145 per person | 4h 30m | 4.86★ · 1,215 | Mon–Sat · 12:00 | English |
| America's Cup 12-Meter Yacht Afternoon Sail: Harbour Town | US$ 55 per person | 1h 30m | 4.61★ · 580 | Every day · 13:00 and 14:00 | English |
| Hilton Head: Shrimp Trawling Boat Cruise & Take-Home Catch | US$ 50 per person | 2h | 4.67★ · 372 | Mon–Sat · 09:00 and 13:00 | English |
| Private Dolphin Watching Cruise Hilton Head: Guaranteed SightingsPrivate | US$ 298 per group | 2h | 4.99★ · 319 | Every day · 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 | English |
| Hilton Head Island Guided Water Tour: Drive Your Own Creek Cat | US$ 145 per person | 2h | 4.80★ · 519 | Next departure: 2 Feb 2027 | English |
| Private Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise: Up to 6 GuestsPrivate | US$ 319 per group | 2h | 4.98★ · 285 | Every day · 15:30 | English |
| Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise with 3-Course Meal | US$ 109 per person | 2h | 4.42★ · 268 | Wed, Fri and Sat · 16:30 | English |
| Hilton Head Dolphin Cruise: Broad Creek Wildlife Tour | US$ 47 per person | 1h 30m | 4.88★ · 215 | Every day · 13:30 | English |
By what you need
- Private (10): Hilton Head Island Dolphin Tour: Small Group, Guaranteed Sightings (US$ 289 per group) · Private Dolphin Watching Cruise Hilton Head: Guaranteed Sightings (US$ 298 per group) · Private Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise: Up to 6 Guests (US$ 319 per group)
- Small groups (up to 15) (2): Hilton Head Island Dolphin Tour 90-Min from Broad Creek Marina (US$ 45 per person) · Hilton Head Morning Kayaking Tour: Dolphins & Broad Creek (US$ 49 per person)