Top Hilton Head Island Nature and Wildlife Tours

Go sailing at sunset in Hilton Head Island with this private dolphin-watching tour. Climb aboard a sailboat and cruise out into Port Royal Sound during this tour. Keep an eye out for wildlife including dolphins, manatees, sting rays, and more. Learn about sailing if you choose or just sit back and enjoy the ride, complete with sunset views.

Enjoy sunset views and scan the water for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins on this dolphin-watching cruise off the coast of South Carolina. The frequency of dolphin sightings makes this cruise ideal for those hoping to catch photos of the majestic sea creatures. Plus, throughout the cruise, you can learn about dolphins and your surroundings from an on-board naturalist.

On this dolphin watching cruise from Hilton Head, you have the chance to see wildlife, check out local landmarks, and admire the coastline as you cruise out on the Calibogue Sound and Atlantic Ocean. Your guide narrates the entire trip as you sail past Bull Island, the Haig Point Lighthouse, and more, all while looking out for dolphins, egrets, herons, and other animals in the wild.

Learn about the marine life populating the waters off the coast of Hilton Head Island on this dolphin watching cruise. Up your chances of spotting dolphins and other marine animals with the help of your professional guide, who will also provide information about the ecosystem as you go.

Zoom around Hilton Head Island on a small, motorized "creek cat" boat during this guided tour. Get views of all the quintessential sights, as well as access to some smaller marshes and wildlife-rich areas. Enjoy the opportunity to operate your own creek cat under the supervision of a guide; multiple departure times available.

Cruise from Hilton Head to Savannah on this Lowcountry day trip that’s packed with views. Relax on the open-air upper deck or air-conditioned lower cabin as you cruise through the Intracoastal Waterway, drink in hand from the onboard bar (own price). Then, dock in Savannah and spend a few hours of free time shopping, dining, and sightseeing before sailing back to Hilton Head.

Remote Daufuskie Island is accessible only by boat and remains largely undeveloped, despite its fame as the setting of Pat Conroy’s novel “The Water is Wide.” A guided tour makes the trip a cinch—this package includes round-trip ferry tickets, plus transportation between island attractions such as the First African Baptist Church and Mary Fields School, all visited with the benefit of commentary from your guide.

End your day in Hilton Head aboard a relaxing sunset cruise around the island and waterways. Board your private vessel and enjoy a calm ride on Calibogue Sound with views of Harbour Town and the area is awash in golden light. While you sail, keep your eyes peeled for several species of wildlife including the playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.

A sailboat cruise from Hilton Head is a peaceful way to see stunning Lowcountry landscapes without the noise of a moor. Join a captain and crew aboard a 39-foot long (12 meter) sailboat that competed in America’s Cup—head through quiet waters and past gorgeous scenery without the roar of a motor. You can even try your hand on deck and help out with the sails.

See Hilton Head Island from a fresh perspective with this private sunset dolphin tour. Meet your boat captain at Palmetto Bay Marina for a private tour that can accommodate up to six people. Keep an eye out for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins as you learn about their feeding patterns, social behavior, and more. Admire sunset views from the deck of the boat.

Discover the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island with a guided kayaking tour. Meet your guide for a quick safety tutorial and then paddle out into the Broad Creek Wildlife Area. Keep an eye out for birds and dolphins as you explore salt marshes, tidal rivers, and creeks. Learn about the local ecosystem and history from your naturalist guide. No prior kayaking experience is necessary.

Explore Hilton Head Island at your own pace with a private pontoon boat rental. Go sightseeing on the beautiful waters of Skull Creek and keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins. Travel toward the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean and see Daufuskie Island and Palmetto Bluff. Get tips from a local on where to go and personalize this boating adventure according to your interests.

Set out on a cruise from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina in search of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Board your private vessel and cruise past the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island. While you sail, keep your eyes peeled for the playful dolphins as well as other local wildlife like bald eagles.

Explore the waters around Hilton Head, South Carolina aboard your own vessel during this morning excursion. Meet your dedicated captain and sail to Port Royal Sound to begin your tour. Take in the views of Hilton Head, Pickney Island, Paris Island, and many other landmarks while you keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins that play in the wake of the boat.

Explore the southern city of Beaufort aboard a horse and carriage during this small-group excursion. Enjoy a relaxing ride around the historic district while your guide regales you of stories from the Antebellum South. See Civil War sites, historic churches, and even movie sites as you tour the city.

Discover Beaufort’s old southern charm on a horse-drawn carriage tour around the historic center. Join a small group for a narrated tour of Old Beaufort and pass by the area’s key landmarks. Listen to your guide retell the history of the city from its early Colonial period to the American Revolution and Civil War eras up to the present day.

Get out on the water in Hilton Head with this small-group mini boat tour. Follow your guide and drive your own mini boat, which can fit up to four people, to go in search of the best places for spotting dolphins. See popular local landmarks like the Harbour Town Lighthouse during this wildlife-focused itinerary.

Go sailing in Hilton Head Island with this private dolphin-watching tour. Motor out to Port Royal Sound and then put up the sails for a true sailing adventure. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife including birds, dolphins, manatees, and sting rays during this boat tour. Maximize time with a private tour and learn about sailing from your guide.

Increase your odds of seeing dolphins in the wild on this dolphin watching cruise from Hilton Head. Sail out from easy-to-find Palmetto Bay Marina at your selected departure time: admire views of the shore, look for wildlife, and learn about the local ecosystem. Plus, take a quick stop to look for shells, starfish, and sand dollars at “Disappearing Island,” a strip of land only accessible at low tide.

Chase after a mermaid and look for dolphins in the wild on this fun-filled boat tour from Hilton Head. Mermaid Nina swims right up to your boat and shares tons of information about marine life and ocean conservation in a light-hearted way that kids are sure to love—you can ask her about life as a mermaid, too.

Travel along a forested bike trail without breaking a sweat on this Hilton Head Segway tour. Admire the scenery and the ride as you glide among live oaks, Spanish moss, and saw palmettos at a leisurely pace that’s ideal for teens and families. This fun ride doesn’t include any narration—just get rolling and enjoy the views.

Explore the waterways around Hilton Head, South Carolina on a guided tour using a motorized Creek Cat boat. Join a small group and set out to explore the area including Harbourtown, Daufuskie Island, and South Beach. This tour is focused on nature and wildlife, specifically the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, so keep your eyes peeled for the playful creatures.

On this Hilton Head pirate cruise, let your inner buccaneer out to play as you set sail off the coast of Hilton Head Island. This cruise was specifically created for kids and includes fun details such as face paint, pirate gear, and fake tattoos so you can look the part, plus water cannons for a blast of entertainment.

Combine an excursion to see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment with personalized attention on this private tour. Depart from the Palmetto Bay Marina in a boat headed for the dolphins' swimming and hunting grounds with a guide, who will teach you all about their biology and behavior. Having a dedicated guide means you can ask plenty of questions as you travel.