Private Dolphin Tour Hilton Head: 90-Minute Boat Cruise

Cruise Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound to watch dolphins in their habitat

A private 90-minute dolphin and nature tour of Hilton Head departs from Shelter Cove Marina in a stable powerboat, exploring the Broad Creek Wildlife Area and Calibogue Sound with a USCG-licensed captain who explains the Lowcountry's history, culture and natural connections. You choose the boat size at checkout: up to 6, 12 or 16 guests travel together on the same route and schedule.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private dolphin and nature boat tour

• Meet at Shelter Cove Marina desk
• Check in with Captain
• Board powerboat for 90-minute cruise
• Explore Broad Creek Wildlife Area
• View Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
• Visit Calibogue Sound and marshes
• Learn about Lowcountry history and nature

The experience

The boat leaves from Shelter Cove Marina in the far north end, next to Ela's Grille, where you'll check in at the outdoor desk before boarding. Your captain navigates the Broad Creek Wildlife Area and Calibogue Sound (waters where Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are active year-round), while pointing out the marshes and explaining what makes the Lowcountry ecosystem work. The 90-minute cruise is built around what your captain finds on the water that day, not a fixed itinerary of stops.

The powerboat is stable and comfortable, and bottled water comes with your ticket. Not all seats have shade, so plan accordingly depending on the weather and time of day. Families book this tour regularly. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if you request them. Service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• The 90-minute private boat cruise.
• USCG-licensed captain guide.
• bottled water.
• access to the Broad Creek Wildlife Area and Calibogue Sound to view Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and other wildlife.

Options for this experience

3 options

Private eco option: up to 6 guestsUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Private eco option for up to 12 guestsUp to 12 per booking · Guide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Private eco option for up to 16 guestsUp to 15 per booking · Guide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Outside Hilton Head

Is this one for you?Book the 6-guest option if your group is small and wants the most intimate experience. Choose 12 or 16 guests if you're traveling with an extended family or friends and want to split the boat cost across more people while keeping the tour private to your party.

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Top questions

What are the chances of seeing dolphins on this Hilton Head boat tour?

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins live in these waters year-round and viewing opportunities are described as great, though sightings depend on what the captain encounters on the water during your specific departure.

How many people can I book on one private boat?

You choose at checkout: the private boat holds up to 6 guests, up to 12 guests, or up to 16 guests, and your group travels together on the same cruise.

Where do I meet the boat, and how do I find the check-in desk?

Meet at Shelter Cove Marina's outdoor desk in the far north end, next to Ela's Grille and the Harbormaster's Office. The marina sits on Broad Creek where your dolphin tour begins.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes the 90-minute boat cruise, a USCG-licensed captain guide, bottled water, and the chance to see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and other wildlife in the Broad Creek Wildlife Area and Calibogue Sound.

Is this tour suitable for young children and infants?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available on request, though children must be accompanied by an adult and not all seats offer shade.