
90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 247 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head worth booking?
90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head is a 1.5-hour experience in Hilton Head Island, United States, from $47 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 247 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (247)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $47 per person
This is our most popular boat trip! Hilton Head and surrounding areas boast a large and active population of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin, with great viewing opportunities year-round! Join Outside Hilton Head for a 90-minute cruise in one of our stable and comfortable powerboats. We will explore the Broad Creek Wildlife Area, Calibogue Sound and nearby marshes. Your Captain will guide you to points of interest, while explaining the unique connections between history, culture and nature in the Lowcountry. This tour is great for families!
What you get
About this experience
This is our most popular boat trip! Hilton Head and surrounding areas boast a large and active population of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin, with great viewing opportunities year-round! Join Outside Hilton Head for a 90-minute cruise in one of our stable and comfortable powerboats. We will explore the Broad Creek Wildlife Area, Calibogue Sound and nearby marshes. Your Captain will guide you to points of interest, while explaining the unique connections between history, culture and nature in the Lowcountry. This tour is great for families!
What's included
Included
- USCG Liscenced Captain - Guide
- Boat cruise
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Hilton Head
Meet at our outdoor desk in Shelter Cove Marina. Here you will check in before joining your Captain on what of our safe comfortable boats. Find our desk in the far North end of the Marina next to Ela's Grille and the Harbormasters Office. The marina is on the beautiful Broad Creek, where you will start your dolphin tour.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Hilton Head
Hilton Head, South Carolina, United States
We meet all guests in Shelter Cove Marina at our Outside kiosk. The address is 1 Shelter Cove Lane, located near the Ship Store and Ela's Grill.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Hilton Head · Hilton Head, South Carolina, United States
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 16 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Outside Hilton Head
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Not all seats have shade
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 247 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
247 verified traveler reviews for 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
See Hilton Head Island from a different perspective!
We took this tour because we wanted to see dolphins, which we did see, but even if we hadn't seen any this still would have been a fantastic tour. We took the 8am tour with Captain Carter. We were practically the only boat on the water. It was calm and peaceful and it was really nice to see Hilton Head Island from a different perspective. Carter knows his stuff and he is passionate about the wildlife and ecosystem and really made sure we had a great trip. In addition to dolphins we saw several species of birds. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and learning more about the flora and fauna of HHI. Highly recommend this tour!
via Viator
Unhappy
Labor day weekend, thousands on vacation and they only sold 2 seats to the 8a excursion. We enjoyed captain Dan. He was knowledgeable and friendly but only seen the fins to a few dolphins and 1 baby. Most of this was at a distance because as we got closer, they'd disappear. Guess it wasn't a good day for that. I'm sure some days you'll have dolphins jumping everywhere. That's not what upset us. Only 2 on a large boat with 4 fuel tanks designed for probably 15-20 people. 90min excursion only lasted 55min and most of that was in no wake marina zones. Probably around 40-45min of boat time. Went to 3 spots very close and then back to 1st spot. I'm guessing to conserve fuel and paying the captain, we got screwed because they only sold 2 seats but we still paid full price. Dan was great but I'd recommend trying a different charter. Think we found out why they only sold 2 seats. Don't make the same mistake or call and find out how many seats are sold for the time slot you're looking at.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re glad to hear Captain Dan was knowledgeable and friendly, but we’re sorry the overall trip did not meet your expectations. Because dolphins are wild animals, sightings and activity can vary from day to day, and unfortunately some trips are quieter than others. That said, the number of guests booked should never affect the quality or length of the experience you receive. We are especially concerned to hear that your 90-minute excursion felt significantly shortened, and we will be reviewing this with our team. We truly appreciate your feedback and would welcome the opportunity to speak with you directly about your experience.
via Viator
Both amazing and educational.
Our tour guide, Wyatt, was very personable and professional. He went over safety before venturing out and we felt safe the entire trip. We encountered many dolphins along the way and he described in detail as to why that is possible. We've booked a lot of tours of various things over the years, but this one by far is one of the favorites and will be remembered. Such a great time.. Enjoy!
via Tripadvisor
Informative and fun!
We booked the dolphin eco tour and ended up being the only people booked so we had the captain (Andy) all to ourselves. He was very knowledgeable and made the experience fun. It was our granddaughters first time on a boat and she loved it. We saw sooo many dolphins and even an alligator! Andy was great and we had a great time. Parking was easy, check in was simple. I highly recommend booking with this company.
via Viator
Don't waste your money
Paid extra for the private tour and when we got to the Marina they put us on a boat with 32 other people would not offer a refund and there was no nature to the tour. We went out of the cove to the right. Turned around went to the left. And went back to the cove. Don't waste your money
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're sorry to hear your experience didn't meet your expectations. After reviewing your reservation, it appears your booking through GetYourGuide was for our shared nature tour rather than a private charter. Because of that, your tour was operated as a shared excursion with other guests. We truly appreciate your feedback and are sorry we didn't deliver the experience you were expecting. We hope you'll consider joining us again in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 86
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Outside Hilton Head, who run 26 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.0 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Outside Hilton Head runsWhy this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hilton Head Island.
How much does 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head cost?
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Prices start at $47 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hilton Head Island usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hilton Head Island is not rushed.
Is 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 247 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hilton Head Island, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head?
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Around 86 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hilton Head Island can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hilton Head Island and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hilton Head Island within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hilton Head Island?
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Hilton Head sells dolphin and sunset cruises out of Broad Creek, kayak and boat trips through Lowcountry salt marsh, bike rentals for the island trail network and shrimping demonstrations. On Outty we rank every Hilton Head Island experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Daufuskie Island Guided History Tour from Hilton Head, 2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour, Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hilton Head Island?
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March to May and September to November, warm without peak summer crowds. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hilton Head Island?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head?
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Included: USCG Liscenced Captain - Guide; and Boat cruise. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head?
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The experience starts at Hilton Head, Hilton Head, South Carolina, United States. We meet all guests in Shelter Cove Marina at our Outside kiosk. The address is 1 Shelter Cove Lane, located near the Ship Store and Ela's Grill. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Hilton Head Island. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head?
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Across 247 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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