5.0 (613) · Hilton Head Island · By Cross Island Cruises ▶ Watch the videoFree cancellation Private tour
Guaranteed dolphins! Experience a PRIVATE Dolphin Watching Tour on Hilton Head!
This is your exclusive boat, taking you on a private journey to spot dolphins in their natural habitat.
We venture to locations inaccessible to larger vessels.
Your group will have the boat to yourselves, with a maximum of 6 passengers, cruising the waters and observing dolphins as they feed, play, and interact.
Your Captain, a Lowcountry Master Naturalist, will offer detailed commentary on the surrounding ecology, highlighting what makes Hilton Head so special.
The boat is dog-friendly. You'll have ample time to observe the dolphins as they navigate the waters throughout the day.
Admire Hilton Head's iconic Harbourtown Lighthouse from the sea.
We may cross the Sound to view Daufuskie Island.
Keep an eye out for other local wildlife, including jumping mobula rays, occasional sharks and manatees, and sea turtles surfacing for air.
You might also see the numerous bird species that frequent the area during their migration periods.
✓ Private boat for your family's tour✓ Licensed Captain and Low Country Master Naturalist providing in-depth commentary for your group✓ All fees and taxes1 Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum
We may stop here for photo opportunities of the lighthouse.
Passing by without a stop.
· Non-stop passage
2 Daufuskie Island
The search for dolphins might lead us into the Cooper River and along Daufuskie Island.
Passing by without a stop.
· Non-stop passage
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.
Enter the parking lot of Cross Island Boat Landing, located just under the Cross Island Parkway. Ample parking is available. Proceed to the docks to meet your Captain.
Enter the parking lot of Cross Island Boat Landing, located just under the Cross Island Parkway. Ample parking is available. Proceed to the docks to meet your Captain.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Service animals are permitted. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Not advised for travelers with spinal injuries. Suitable for all levels of physical fitness. Dog-friendly boat. 90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island
Book in advance to secure your preferred date and time. Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Consider bringing a camera to capture the memories. Dress in comfortable clothing suitable for being on a boat. To receive a full refund, please cancel at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Product code: 313654P1
Activity offered by Cross Island Cruises via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Couples Nature enthusiasts Dog owners Guaranteed dolphin sightings Private boat tour for your group Expert commentary from a Lowcountry Master Naturalist Opportunity to see other local wildlife and landmarks Dog-friendly
Population 37,661 (2020)
Elevation 3 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 12° Jan 13° Feb 16° Mar 19° Apr 23° May 27° Jun 28° Jul 28° Aug 26° Sept 23° Oct 18° Nov 15° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the tour? + The tour lasts for 90 minutes.
Is this a private tour? + Yes, this is a private tour for your group only, with a maximum of 6 passengers.
What is the cancellation policy? + For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Are pets allowed on the tour? + Yes, the boat is dog-friendly.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Best Dolphin Experience
897boydh, October 2026
This was our fifth time going out with Captain Mark, and every trip has been amazing. If you do nothing else while visiting Hilton Head Island, do this tour!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Sunset cruise to see dolphins and learn some of the history and details around Hilton Head Island
O7346JNkevinc, October 2026
My wife and I booked a sunset cruise and were delighted with the entire experience.
Captain Mark was a wonderful guide and host.
Well worth the money!
Thanks!
Response from the operator · CaptainMark843 Thank you, Kevin! Really appreciate you and your wife joining me for a sunset cruise. No trip to the island is complete without one! Hope to see you back again soon!
★★★★★ Viator review
Awesome experience!
Shari_H, October 2026
Fantastic time on the water with Catain Mark! Dolphins were very active and the views were gorgeous! Highly recommend!!!
Response from the operator · CaptainMark843 Thank you, Shari! Very glad the dolphins were so active on our tour. Really enjoyed having you all out, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Wonderful experience
shoperogers, October 2026
This was an incredible experience! From beginning to end, Captain Mark is highly organized to get you to him and then he is so knowledgeable and informative. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip. First goal.
Response from the operator · CaptainMark843 Thank you for the wonderful review, Susan! It was a pleasure having you aboard! Really appreciate the kind words and I hope to see you again on your next visit to Hilton Head!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Awesome experience!
Beulah114u, October 2026
Such an incredible time on the water with Captain Mark! The dolphins put on quite the show for us. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator · CaptainMark843 Thank you, Beulah! The dolphins are absolutely everywhere right now, and we couldn't have asked for a better day! Really appreciate you guys coming out and I look forward to seeing you again soon!
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