Hilton Head: Sunset Dolphin Cruise from Harbour Town Lighthouse

Summary

Hilton Head sunset cruise with dolphins, lighthouse views and local stories

You’ll set sail from Hilton Head’s Harbour Town Lighthouse as golden hour turns marshes pink and gold. Watch wild dolphins swim alongside your boat while your local captain shares Lowcountry stories—sometimes funny, sometimes quietly beautiful. With drinks available onboard and guaranteed dolphin sightings, this sunset cruise is equal parts relaxing and unexpectedly joyful.

What’s the experience like?

"Did you see that one flip?" someone called out behind me, and honestly, I almost dropped my phone trying to catch it. We’d just pulled away from the Harbour Town Yacht Basin — right under that striped lighthouse you see in all the postcards — and already the water felt different, softer somehow. There was this hush as we drifted past the docks, except for the gulls yelling over each other and a couple of kids waving at us from shore. Our captain — I think her name was Jess — started sharing bits about the Lowcountry marshes, but I kept getting distracted by the smell of salt and sunscreen mixing in the breeze.

The boat (Vagabond, which is a great name) wasn’t crowded, so you could move around without bumping elbows. I leaned on the rail for most of it. The sun was dropping fast behind these tangled trees along the shore, turning everything gold and pink. Jess pointed out a pod of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins before I even spotted them myself — she had this sixth sense for where they’d pop up. They really do come close. One swam right alongside us for a few seconds; its back glistened like wet stone. I didn’t expect to feel so giddy about seeing dolphins in real life, but there’s something about watching them play that makes you forget you’re holding a camera at all.

I grabbed a cold drink from the little bar (wine for me, sodas for some folks nearby), and just listened to Jess talk about how egrets nest in those marshes and why pelicans always look like they’re frowning. She told us stories about old shrimp boats and storms that changed the coastline — not in a rehearsed way, more like she was talking to friends. At one point she paused so we could hear nothing but water slapping against the hull. It’s weirdly peaceful out there once everyone quiets down.

The whole cruise lasted about 90 minutes but it felt shorter — time does that when you’re watching light change by the minute. We docked just as dusk settled in and people were still pointing at dolphins off in the distance. Walking back toward the lighthouse with sand stuck to my sandals, I caught myself grinning for no reason. Maybe it’s silly how much joy dolphins can bring? But yeah, I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset dolphin watching cruise

• Depart from Harbour Town Yacht Basin
• Set sail on the Vagabond
• Enjoy 90-minute narrated cruise
• Watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
• View sunset over salt marsh

Top questions

Where does the Hilton Head sunset dolphin cruise depart from?

The cruise departs daily from Harbour Town Yacht Basin under the famous Harbour Town Lighthouse on Hilton Head Island.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed on this cruise?

Yes, wild dolphin sightings are guaranteed during this 90-minute narrated cruise.

How long is the Hilton Head sunset dolphin watching cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes on the water.

Is food or drink included on board?

Snacks and drinks such as beer, wine, soda, and water are available for purchase during the cruise.

Is this sunset dolphin tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Are infants allowed on board?

Infants ages 2 and under can ride free but require a ticket to account for them; specialized infant seats are available.

What happens if bad weather cancels our trip?

If canceled due to poor weather conditions, guests can reschedule or receive a full refund.

What’s included

Your evening includes a 90-minute narrated cruise departing from Harbour Town Lighthouse with guaranteed wild dolphin sightings; enjoy live commentary from your captain about wildlife and local history while snacks and drinks are available for purchase—wheelchair access is provided too so everyone can join in comfortably.