The 4 Best Hilton Head Island Boat Tours

1.Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,424 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39Our pick

Board at Palmetto Bay Marina for a 90-minute cruise through Broad Creek with a licensed captain and local guide. Expect dolphin sightings, birds, marsh scenery, and clear stories about Hilton Head’s ecosystem. Captains Kate, Pete, and first mates Wendy, Kim, and others are praised for warm, lively commentary.

“I had done a different dolphin watching tour near sunset out of sea Pines last spring. This particular excursion was far better. The boat held fewer people so it was easier to get a view of the dolphins. The acoustics were excellent and our host and captain were female. They provided great detail about the dolphins, the marsh land ecosystem, and even some of the local flora and fauna! The excursion was exactly enough time hour and a half and since we are entering the cooler months, it was better to go out earlier in the day. We were able to see several pods with new juvenile dolphins who were…”

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2.Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 700 reviews · 1h 30m · from $39

Cruise from Palmetto Bay Marina with a Coast Guard licensed captain and English-speaking guide. Look for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, turtles, and osprey while passing Harbour Town Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island. Covered seating keeps the ride comfortable.

“It was amazing, the crew was fantastic and very nice.”

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3.Hilton Head Pirate Ship Adventure Sail aboard the Black Dagger

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 668 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $47

Join Scurvy and the crew aboard the Black Dagger for a 90-minute Hilton Head treasure hunt. Kids receive pirate names, face paint, tattoos, costumes, and lessons before battling Stinky Pete with water cannons. Expect shade, sun, dolphins if you are lucky, and treasure to take home.

“We loved it all! It was very interactive, and the kids had a great time! Ever did a great job, thank you guys!”

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4.America’s Cup 12-Meter Yacht Afternoon Sail from Hilton Head

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 504 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Sail for 90 minutes aboard the 39-foot Stars & Stripes from Harbour Town. Captain Peter and crew may invite you to raise the mainsail, grind lines, or take the wheel while you pass the lighthouse, marina, and Lowcountry shoreline. Cushioned deck seating, drinks for purchase, and a maximum of 20 people keep it personal.

“Outstanding! The boat was amazing. We saw more dolphins than we had seen on any previous dolphin tours which was great for the kids on board. Great first mate!! He explained things well and shared his knowledge on the area. It was a really fun afternoon.”

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