Hilton Head: Sunset Dolphin Cruise & Salt Marsh Wildlife Tour

Summary

Sunset colors, dolphins surfacing, salt marsh drifting by

You’ll watch wild dolphins surface against a Lowcountry sunset, listen to your captain share stories about Hilton Head’s salt marshes, and spot local birds along the way. Bring snacks or drinks if you like — bottled water is included — and let yourself drift for ninety minutes while the sky changes color around you.

What’s the experience like?

We were already gliding through the Hilton Head salt marsh when I realized how quiet it felt out there — just the low hum of the boat and someone behind me pointing, “Look!” A dolphin’s fin sliced up through the water, then another right beside it. Our captain — I think his name was Mike? — started telling us about how these Atlantic bottlenose dolphins sometimes hunt together, corralling fish up to the muddy banks. I tried to snap a photo but honestly, I just ended up watching instead. The light was turning gold across the water and you could smell that briny edge in the air.

There was this moment when we drifted near some reeds and you could hear birds calling out over each other — not sure what kind, but Mike rattled off names like he’d known them forever. He handed out bottled water from a cooler (which was nice since I forgot mine), and someone asked if people ever swim here. He grinned and said only if you want to meet a crab up close. We all laughed. The sun was sinking fast by then, throwing those wild pink streaks across the sky. It got quieter again, except for a kid asking if dolphins sleep with their eyes open (apparently they sort of do?).

I didn’t expect to feel so calm just floating there watching everything slow down for a bit. You can bring snacks or drinks on board — wish I’d packed something salty — but honestly I barely thought about food with all that going on outside. Sometimes I still picture that last bit of sunlight flickering over the marsh grass as we headed back in, and it’s weirdly soothing even now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset dolphin cruise on Hilton Head

• Board the boat at Hilton Head Island
• Explore the tidal salt marsh
• Learn about wildlife and local culture
• Spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
• Enjoy the breathtaking Lowcountry sunset
• Visit the onboard bar for drinks

Top questions

How long is the Hilton Head sunset dolphin cruise?

The cruise lasts 90 minutes from departure to return.

Are snacks or drinks allowed on board?

You can bring your own snacks and beverages for the tour.

Is this dolphin cruise suitable for young children?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; strollers are allowed.

Will we definitely see dolphins during the cruise?

Dolphin sightings are likely but not guaranteed as they are wild animals.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you'll need to arrive at the departure point.

Are service animals permitted on this cruise?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board during the tour.

Is there a guide or captain providing information?

A local captain leads the cruise and shares stories about wildlife and history.

What kind of wildlife might we see besides dolphins?

You may spot various birds and other salt marsh wildlife native to Hilton Head.

What’s included

Your 90-minute Hilton Head dolphin cruise includes bottled water for everyone on board, a comfortable vessel with an experienced local captain guiding you through salt marshes at sunset, plus plenty of chances to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and other wildlife before returning to shore together.