Voted The Best Dolphin Tour On The Island
We offer a 90 minute dolphin tour on a 30 foot covered pontoon boat with a restroom on board.
We know the local dolphins well, some by name, and we love to introduce them to you! This tour gets you up close and personal to these amazing animals and is also educational. You will learn about Hilton Head, the nature around the island, and of course, dolphins!
- Each tour is 90 minutes, giving us plenty of time to explore the waters around Hilton Head and find those dolphins!
- Coolers are welcome!
- Comfortable bench seating
- Boat sits low on the water for excellent viewing of lowcountry wildlife, and the salt marsh
- Holds up to 20 people ask about our private tours!
- Reservations required
- Schedule now because youre not going to want to miss this opportunity to meet our local dolphin friends!
- Chevron down Cancellation Policy
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We require a 48 Hour notice of any cancellations, changes in the number of guests to be called in- 843-785-2345. Thank you for being considerate.
Providing A Glimpse Into The Past While Preserving The Lowcountrys Future
Vagabond Cruise has been operating in the world-famous Harbour Town since 1968, providing Hilton Head Island vacationers with a wide range of water bound tours and excursions ranging from a romantic dinner cruise, a day trip to Savannah, a fully narrated dolphin nature cruise, a once-in-a-lifetime ride aboard a 12-meter racing yacht, and a trip back in time to visit the Lowcountry of Daufuskie Island.
Whether you are looking for a fun family activity, a relaxing day on the water, a thrilling adventure, or a romantic getaway, Vagabond Cruise has the Hilton Head Island cruise for you!
We went on “Spirit Of Harbourtown” for a day in Savannah.. The captain and crew did an amazing job and were having a great time along with everyone else. I would definitely recommend this cruise as it’s a fun way to visit Savannah while you’re in Hilton Head..
Went on a dolphin watch and it was a really nice experience for us and our almost 4 year old. The staff was very professional, friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. Was such a nice scenic relaxing ride in between the excitement of seeing the dolphins.
Had an awesome evening with Vaptain Justin and all of the crew. Saw a pod of dolphins and an amazing sunset and a great storm brewing. Lovely bunch of men who took great care of us. Will do this again when we comeback. Thank you Vagabond
Island Skiff Adventure Tours
Enjoy a guided boat tour in your search for dolphins with Island Skiff Adventure Tours! You will travel 25 to 30 mile excursion through salt marshes and local waterways. There will also be several stops for dolphin sightings and photo opportunities! Your guide will point out some of the hidden gems in Hilton Head, explain some local history and discuss things that you never knew about the island. The guide will lead the way in a separate but identical boat while you have the fun of operating your own 2-person catamaran that is easy to drive! These CraigCat catamaran boats are equipped with outboard engines that allow you to reach speeds of 30 miles per hour! Each catamaran has a Bimini top that provides shade for those who request it during the excursion.
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Our Eco Tour Charter Boat
Tale Hunter is a 2018 27-foot Carolina Skiff she is a shallow draft vessel created specifically for sailing our low country estuaries and waterways. Our 15 passenger US Coast Guard certified tour vessel is designed for your safety and comfort. It comes equipped with a helm to bow canvas top to keep you and your family in the shade and comfortable cushioned seats that surround the boat offering great viewing in any direction.
Find Crabs Living Around South Beach Marina On Our Hilton Head Crabbing Tours
Hunt for crabs in the Lowcountrys famous salt marshes on our Hilton Head crabbing tours around South Beach Marina. Perfect for all ages, our passionate captains will help you and your kids learn about the local ecosystem while having buckets of fun!
South Beach Marina is located in a perfect position to cruise around for 2 hours, looking for a range of interesting shellfish. Well show you the ropes with a quick demonstration, before giving you the gear to see what lurks below. We often find Blue crabs, Stone crabs, Horseshoe crabs, Fiddler crabs, Oyster crabs, Squareback Marsh crabs, Ghost crabs, Hermit crabs and more!
It doesnt stop there either! Well see plenty of unique wildlife, from seabirds to everyones dream sighting dolphins!
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More Than Just A Sunset Cruise
Youll see more than just a stunning skyline on our Hilton Head Sunset Cruises. You can expect to see a variety of local wildlife! We regularly see bottlenose dolphins, jumping stingrays and various seabirds flying overhead and beside the marshes.
Theres something for everyone on our Hilton Head sunset cruises, whether youre a couple looking for a romantic evening or a family wanting to make memories with your kids.
Hilton Head Sunset Cruises
Plan a romantic date or enjoy quality time with family and friends on our sunset cruises in Hilton Head, SC. Gliding along the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll get unobstructed views of breathtaking colors as the sun disappears over the horizon. There’s nothing better than a southern sunset!
- 2 Hour Hilton Head sunset cruise
- Safe and suitable for all ages.
- The very best views of the horizon at sunset.
- Breathtaking colors and wildlife.
- See twinkling mansions and harbors.
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Hilton Head Island Dinner With The Dolphins
Enjoy our Lowcountry-themed menu prepared fresh daily by the award-winning chefs the Sea Pines Resort. Nowhere on Hilton Head do you have dining views like this as we travel through the intracoastal waterways. Enjoy your favorite cocktail from our full-service bar or a great bottle of wine from our extensive list. If you are celebrating a special occasion or a romantic evening, we have a selection of champagnes to help you celebrate.
This early-bird Dinner Cruise allows daylight throughout the entire trip with beautiful views of the lowcounty and the wild Atlantic bottlenoses dolphins that call these waters home. Along the Dinner Cruise route you will see some historic Hilton Head and Daufuskie Island landmarks and learn about them from the narration by the boats Captain.
The Spirit of Harbour Town offers both inside seating which is climate controlled and outside seating with an overhead canopy for shade. Every party aboard will have their own private table with a window seat aboard the lower level or perimeter seating with open views on the upper deck. When you purchase your tickets online you will see the two options for seating and table size when you checkout.
You wont find a restaurant on Hilton Head Island with views like this, book your Dinner with the Dolphins today!
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Experience The Unique Disappearing Island Tours
South Beach Marina is a short boat trip away from the truly unique Disappearing Island. Theres no other way to reach this island than by boat because it only appears for 1.5 hours when the tide subsides.
Once we arrive at the sand bar, youll get the chance to jump out the boat and walk through the shallow waters and onto this famous beach. Here you can beachcomb and find Sand Dollars, starfish and other sea life found nowhere else in Hilton Head! Book your Disappearing Island Boat Tour Today!
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Mermaid Of Hilton Head
With Mermaid of Hilton Head, you can see both dolphins and mermaids! Book a daytime dolphin cruise to enjoy a day out on the water or choose a sunset cruise to watch the sun go down as you scout for dolphins. For an even more magical adventure, book a mermaid encounter tour for a chance to meet a real-life mermaid!
A Guide To Dolphin Watching On Hilton Head Island
Everyone loves dolphins, but theres nothing quite as spectacular as interacting with these playful, intelligent, and magnificent mammals in their natural habitat. On Hilton Head Island you wont find any dolphins in captivity or controversial dolphin shows our warm South Carolina coastal waters are a natural haven for wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, some migrating through in summer, and others choosing to stay year-round in the ocean and waterways surrounding Hilton Head Island. Very intelligent indeed!
Hilton Head Island ranks as one of the 10 Best Dolphin Sighting Destinations in North America and dolphin watching is one of the most popular activities on the island. Dolphins are easily spotted from the beaches, oceanfront golf courses, waterfront restaurants, and even from the comfort of a vacation home!
Our guide to dolphin watching on Hilton Head Island highlights when, where, and how best to experience our migratory and resident Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in the wild.
DOLPHIN SEASON ON HILTON HEAD
WHERE TO SPOT DOLPHINS ON HILTON HEAD
DOLPHIN WATCHING TOURS & EXPERIENCES ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND
Dolphin tours are the best way to encounter bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat and explore the hidden creeks and coves otherwise unreachable! A dolphin watching tour is sure to be the highlight of your Hilton Head Island vacation, and there are endless options to choose from.
Outside Hilton Head
Dolphin Discoveries Nature Tour
Dolphin Seafari
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Sunset Cruises In Hilton Head South Carolina
If youre interested in a romantic boat tour in Hilton Head, SC, contact us today to book a Sunset Cruise. Suitable for all ages, booking in advance is strongly recommended to ensure we can accommodate your group.
After booking confirmation, we will send you a text message with detailed instructions for your chosen pickup location.
Tickets are non-refundable unless your tour is cancelled by Hilton Head Dolphin Tours, but you may reschedule your tour with at least 24 HOURS notice prior to the scheduled departure time. You may also request a voucher to use at a later date if cancellation is made prior to 24 hours of your departure time. We will NOT honor rescheduling or vouchers within 24 hours of your departure time.
Cancellation due to weather is at our Captains discretion only!
We will contact you on the phone number provided on the day of your tour if there are any weather concerns/cancellations. The Captain keeps a diligent eye on the weather and will inform you in ample time to get you rescheduled. Weather cancellations are 100% refundable if rescheduling is not possible. Isolated/pop-up thunderstorms are a way of life here in the summer months and they may delay us for a few minutes or miss us entirely, so please show up unless you hear from us.
Fireworks Tours By Boat
One of Hilton Heads most popular summer events is the weekly fireworks display at Shelter Cove each Tuesday evening. The fireworks displays run from mid June through mid August, part of the annual HarbourFest summer entertainment series.
If you want to enjoy the fireworks show from a boat, several tours are available that time an evening sunset dolphin-watching boat or kayak tour to return to Broad Creek in time to watch the display from the water.
Fireworks Tour, with Dolphin Seafari2hrs30. 20 people max. Seasonal tour, Tuesday evenings. Adults $45, children $35.Sunset dolphin tour from Shelter Cove Marina on a 30-foot pontoon boat, including fireworks viewing. Restroom available onboard. Call 843-785-2345 or book online. More details
Sunset & Fireworks Dolphin Tour, with One HHI2hrs15. 22 people max. Seasonal tour, Tuesday evenings. Adults $55, children $45, young children free.Dolphin-watching and sightseeing tour of the waters near Hilton Head on a covered pontoon boat, from Palmetto Bay Marina, also seeing the Shelter Cove Harbor fireworks. Call 843-684-2004 or book online. More details
Fireworks Cruise, with Sky Pirate Parasail2hrs. 12 people max. Seasonal tour, Tuesday evenings. $50 per person.Boat tour out of Broad Creek Marina, to coincide with the fireworks at Shelter Cove Harbor. Call 843-842-2566 or book online. More details
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Hilton Head Fireworks Cruises Near South Beach Marina
Experience Hilton Head Islands firework nights away from the crowds on our private Hilton Head Fireworks cruises. Suitable for all ages in groups of up to 6 people, well take you to the perfect viewing spots not far from South Beach Marina.
Undoubtedly the best seat in the house, our Hilton Head fireworks cruises allow you to beat the crowds and traffic as we arrive early to soak up the atmosphere before a night of celebration.
On route, well also see a variety of wildlife, including dolphins and seabirds. This is also a fantastic chance to see Hilton Head islands glittering night lights, from marinas to gated communities. So, sit back and relax!
Join us every Tuesday night throughout the summer for HarbourFest as we enjoy Hilton Head fireworks in style! We also run special trips for 4th of July firework cruise celebrations.
Y Around South Beach Marina On Our Hilton Head Booze Cruises
This is the ultimate party boat experience! Our Hilton Head Booze Cruises give you the freedom to plan your own custom booze cruise route around South Beach Marina and Hilton Head Island. Pick your stop-off points at bars, restaurants and landmarks as we give a party unlike any other! If youve got a bigger group, we can take multiple boats.
With 3/4/5 hour Booze cruises available, youll have plenty of time to enjoy stunning wildlife and scenery from dolphins and seabirds to sandy beaches and as many bars as you want! We also have an onboard Bluetooth surround sound speaker.
Whether you want to drink till you drop or enjoy a more relaxed and casual day out, well make it happen. We commonly help provide private party boat tours around South Beach Marina for birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, spring break parties, Sunday funday parties, weekend parties, Hilton Head vacations, wine cruises, firework cruises and more!
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Dolphin & Nature Tour
Hop aboard a Dolphin & Nature Tour to explore Broad Creek and get a glimpse of the local scenery and animals that await. Of course dolphins are the highlight of this tour, but you can also keep an eye out for otters, bald eagles, ospreys, pelicans, and more! The covered boat will keep you shaded during your tour but plan on bringing sunscreen and enjoy the ride!
Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise
- 4.5 212 Reviews
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- 149 Lighthouse Road, Harbour Town, SC, 29928, United States
Experience the beauty of low-country on this 90-minute, narrated Dolphin Nature Cruise aboard the Vagabond! Enjoy a live narration by the Vagabond’s naturalist captain, and see some of our local Atlantic Bottlenosed Dolphins! Departing from Harbour Town Yacht Basin just below the icon Lighthouse. Best of all, dolphin sightings are guaranteed!Take-in the breathtaking sights of a Carolina sun-setting into the unspoiled estuaries behind Bull Island.
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The Perfect Way To End The Day
Our Hilton Head sunset cruises are the perfect way to end your day on Hilton Head Island.
The Low Countrys sunsets are renowned for producing stunning colors as the sun reflects off the water.
With nothing but clear sky in front of you, youll see a spectrum of colors, including shimmering oranges, gorgeous reds and dreamy pinks.
As we glide along, this is your chance to sit back and relax. Watch the beauty unfold and soak it in. Youll also get a chance to see the twinkling lights of the famous local gated communities on the shoreline, the famous Harbor Town Lighthouse and experience the ocean in a truly unique manner.
About Captain Mark’s Dolphin Cruise
Capt. Marks Dolphin Cruises is a family-owned company that has operated for more than 30 years. We are the premier dolphin watch cruise company on Hilton Head Island, SC. We are located about one hour north of Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia. We are also located an hour south of Beaufort, SC.
We offer boat tours at multiple times throughout the day and evening, Mondays through Saturdays.
Each cruise combines sightseeing and nature watching youll spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, seabirds, and other wildlife as you cruise past the beautiful sites of Hilton Head, from private homes and amazing yachts to the Harbour Town lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, and more. We also offer a fun crabbing adventure, where you can practice crabbing in the marshes the person who catches the most wins! Dont miss out with us today!
Captain Mark’s Dolphin Cruises
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Dinner With The Dolphins
- MENU | NOW SERVED PLATED :Private Table Seating
What to Expect:
- Enjoy your own personal table and steward service
- Inside dining options at our climate-controlled cabin with a window view
- Outside dining options on our upper level shaded deck
- ALL NEW Latin inspired menu prepared by the award winning chefs of the Sea Pines Resort
- Sightings of wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
- Narration by the Captain
- Full bar featuring an extensive wine list with many local libations *additional cost*
Please Note: If booking the Upper Deck for a party of more than 6, your group will be split in to 2 tables.
- Adult
- Free
Rated Excellent By 150+ Reviewers On Tripadvisor
This is a very good value as the cruise lasted about 2 hours…Captain Mark was very informative and told me lots of things that I did not know about the area and dolphins. The weather and the scenery were great. This was the second time I have taken this trip and I would absolutely do it again.
Captain Mark and Thomas were friendly, the boat was clean, and we learned things that we hadn’t known before–thanks to Captain Mark’s excellent and informative narration of all things HHI. We will do this boat trip again, next time with our kids.
We took a sunset cruise and it could not be more happy with the experience! It was absolutely gorgeous and we saw tons of dolphins. Captain Mark is very knowledgeable. It was truly a pleasant evening!
It was just wonderful…Captain Mark was most informative about the history of the island, and the development of Hilton Head as a community. And yes, we did see several pods of dolphin, and Captain Mark gave us plenty of information.
Recently took my fifth cruise with Capt Marks Dolphin Watch….I enjoy this informative and delightful cruise so much!The trip is narrated with so many facts about HHI, I am constantly amazed. The ship is very big, not fast, not scary, no motion sickness. Just a really enjoyable trip.
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