Best Boat Tours in Hilton Head Island: 9 Worth Booking

1.Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

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

Set out from Palmetto Bay Marina with a US Coast Guard-licensed captain and local guide. This 90-minute cruise follows Broad Creek through Hilton Head’s marshy waterways, with dolphin sightings promised, bird watching, and narration about the island’s ecosystem. Captains and guides may include Kate, Pete, Wendy, Kim, or Jamie.

“We had an AMAZING time on the dolphin tour. Being from Florida, I was expected to see a couple dolphins, but this blew me away! We saw SOOOO many dolphins, and even saw a few jump out of the water. Captain Pete and first mate Michelle were wonderful and made sure everyone had a great view and learned a bit about the local area. It was well worth the money!”

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2.Hilton Head Island: 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. You may see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, turtles, osprey, and herons while passing Harbour Town Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island. Captains such as Kate, Pete, Spike, and Mary keep the ride friendly and family-focused.

“The tour was amazing first mate and captain were both great! We loved the experience and will definitely be coming back!”

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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

Set sail from Harbour Town aboard the Black Dagger for a 90-minute pirate adventure made for children. The crew provides pirate names, face paint, temporary tattoos, costumes, lessons, treasure, and a water-cannon battle with Stinky Pete. Scurvy and the other costumed crew keep children busy while adults enjoy views from the water.

“This was a well-run, fun trip! It was well worth the money considering the kids (and adults) got tattoos and face paints. At the end of the trip the kids got “treasure”. The 2 female pirates were especially good with the children. “Stinky Pete” was a fun addition to our pirate journey and the kids loved dousing him with water cannons. My only comment is that my 9 and 11 year old grand children were the oldest kids on our trip - by far. They still enjoyed it but I would say it’s mostly geared for up to 5th graders.”

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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

Spend 90 minutes aboard the 39-foot Stars & Stripes, an America’s Cup 12-Meter yacht departing from Harbour Town Marina. Captain Peter and crew may invite you to raise the mainsail, grind lines, or take the wheel while sharing Hilton Head stories. Expect deck cushions, open-air seating, coastal views, and drinks for sale.

“Peter was an excellent captain who encouraged those passengers familiar with sailing to assist in many ways. Seating and movement around boat challenging for anyone with any physical issues but captain tries to accommodate as much as possible. Very beautiful sail and afternoon!”

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5.Hilton Head Island Guided Water Tour by Creek Cat Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 444 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $145

You pilot your own Creek Cat while a professional guide leads the group through Hilton Head’s creeks and surrounding waters. Expect Harbour Town, Daufuskie Island, wildlife, local history, and a good chance of getting wet. Guides such as Greg, Mason, Jack, and Buck have been praised for clear instruction and safe leadership.

“We had an amazing afternoon on this tour . It was a windy day so we switched from the Creek Cat vessel to a Zodiac style and I was so grateful we did ! There was some chop and a lot of wind which would have made the more open vessel cold and very wet …. The guides were knowledgeable and kept us all safe while still letting each little vessel to have fun ! The ride through the marshes was my favorite part. I would highly recommend this tour and will do it again when I return to Hilton Head”

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6.Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 412 reviews · 1h 30m · from $50

Board Vagabond at Harbour Town Pier for a 90-minute sunset cruise with guaranteed dolphin sightings. A captain narrates the wildlife, local lore, and views toward Hilton Head and Daufuskie Island. Bring a warm layer, arrive early for parking, and buy beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks on board.

“The cruise, guide and crew were great. Parking was scarce. It took 45 minutes to find a place to park.”

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7.Hilton Head Island Ocean Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 395 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Cruise the Calibogue Sound aboard the Vagabond from Harbour Town Lighthouse. A captain-led narration covers dolphins, birds, lighthouses, and Lowcountry landmarks. You’ll likely see wild dolphins, with snacks, drinks, beer, and wine available for purchase. The cruise runs about 90 minutes and returns to the same dock.

“Watching the dolphins as they napped and ate was one of my favorite parts of the trip. I also enjoyed listening to the detailed information about the dolphins. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and demonstrated enthusiasm for his job.”

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8.Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 393 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Set out aboard the Vagabond from Harbour Town Yacht Basin for a 90-minute narrated cruise with guaranteed wild dolphin sightings. Captain Justin and crew have shared local wildlife, shrimping, and island history on recent sailings. Beer, wine, soda, water, and snacks are available for purchase, while the evening light frames Haig Point lighthouse and the marsh.

“Fantastic cruise!! It was a highlight of our trip and helped us appreciate the beauty and natural wonders of the area. The captain and crew were great. Highly recommend and glad we went at sunset.”

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9.Hilton Head Shrimp Trawling Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 333 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $50

Board the Tammy Jane at Harbour Town Yacht Basin for a two-hour shrimp trawl with Vagabond Cruise. The crew explains Lowcountry fishing, salt-marsh ecology, and the day’s catch, which may include shrimp, fish, squid, jellyfish, or crab. Capt. Windows and crew members such as Sammy and Clayton have earned praise for their friendly, safety-minded approach. Bring a light jacket and sunscreen.

“The crew was knowledgeable, friendly, and entertaining. Participating in sorting the catch was the real highlight of the trip.”

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