Hilton Head Dolphin Tour with Stop at Disappearing Island

Badge of ExcellenceHilton Head Island, USA

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

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.

Hilton Head dolphin watching tour
Search for wildlife at “Disappearing Island”
Kid-friendly tour is popular with families
Great chance to see dolphins in the wild

What's Included

USCG licensed captain
2 Hour Total Experience
20 Min. Stop at Disappearing Island - get off the boat & explore
Chances to spot Shells, Sand Dollars and Starfish
Dolphin Sightings along the tour

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA
Look for the Black Marlin Restaurant when you arrive. We are located in that same building on the very left side. Look for the American Flag outside our office.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Start your dolphin adventure by making your own way to the meeting point located on the left side of the Black Marlin Restaurant in Hilton Head before the departure time.

Climb aboard your vessel and depart from Palmetto Bay Marina, to explore the local ecosystem with a knowledgeable USCG licensed captain.

Keep an eye out for dolphins in their natural habitat and gain insight into the rich biodiversity of Hilton Head. The tour includes a stop at "Disappearing Island," a unique strip of land accessible only at low tide, where you can search for shells, starfish, and sand dollars.

Your tour ends at the original departure point.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Service animals allowed
Infants must sit on laps
Infant seats available

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Must be able to step down 1-2 feet onto Disappearing Island.
Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Kelly_M

We had the best time with Jackie and Captain Chuck. We have been on other dolphin cruises but the stop at Disappearing Island and the hospitality made this an activity we will never forget. This was a very family friendly outing and worth every penny!

Reviews

4.5

112 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 112 reviews

Awesome boat tour.

Danell_R, May 2024

Going to the disappearing island, the boat ride out there. Captain Mary and Wendy are the best tour guides .

Wonderful

Crystal_M, May 2024

The staff were wonderful and knowledgable. They greeted us with great respect and I felt very comfortable.

Great day on water

Patty_F, Apr 2024

The ride and scenery was great. Our day was little overcast and cool. We say quite a few dolphins but could not get out at vanquishing island. The wind was strong and pushed water over so there was really no island land to walk on. Mother Nature at her best. Captain and mate were great.

Awesome 🤩

Nadder_S, Apr 2024

The captain-Kate- stopped several times for us to see many dolphins! The visit to the island was also awesome! This was our second trip and we will be back! Our guide- Audria- also did a fantastic job!

Boat ride - Star fish - and Dolphins - HHI!

Jane_O, Apr 2024

Paige and Spike! Both were awesome to the guests! Took photos of our family- got to take a photo with Spike the Captain! Lol! Saw Dolphins - supplied blankets and got to experience the sunken island and found Star fish. And most of all a great boat driver!! Thank you for a fun afternoon making memories! Jane Olson

Disappearing beach was amazing.

janetmhatch, Apr 2024

Such a fun trip! We got to see dolphins on the way out and then again on the way back. Best part of all was the disappearing island. We saw hundreds of starfish, and Sandollar. the highlight was seen horseshoe crab, half buried in the sand. The guide Paige was so nice, and we had a beautiful day. Would do this again in a heartbeat!

Disappointed

Joan_W, Apr 2024

It was very disappointing that we couldn’t make it to disappearing Island. ( too rough) It was not the fault of the tour operators. They couldn’t have been nicer. It was quite cold and almost gave up on finding any dolphins. But, we finally did and they were wonderful. Our granddaughters were really looking forward to looking for creatures and shells. Maybe another time. 🐬

Great trip

Jenni_A, Mar 2024

Team did a great job narrating and answering questions . This was the 3 different dolphin cruise we did in 3 years and only one we seen dolphins.

Kids loved the dolphins

Sarah_J, Mar 2024

Had a great time with guide Wendy and captain Chuck! Saw loads of dolphins, kids enjoyed the stop at the sandbar.

Great Family Outing

Kelly_M, Mar 2024

Great

Janet_S, Mar 2024

It was a great time!! Highly recommend!! The Captain and first mate were very friendly and knowledgeable.

First time

Kristi_R, Sep 2023

It was really fun. The captain and co-captain were great. Got to see dolphins and a lot of sea life. Would do it again.

Great time!

Kerry_P, Aug 2023

Great time! Caption Kate and Audrey were amazing! The kids had so much fun finding snap dollars and stat fish! We saw so many dolphins!

Good Experience!

michele_k, Jul 2023

Captain Tony and Katie made our trip so fun! Boat had plenty of comfy seating! Saw a lot of wild life and enjoyed some historical facts as well.

Disappointed. Island kinda gone when we got there. No sand dollars and we only had 20 minutes.Not enough time to dig or

Psmela_G, Jul 2023

Grandkids liked the dolphins.they were disappointed in not finding shells or sand dollars shark teeth.

Vanishing Islanf

Jennifer_H, Jul 2023

Jack and Audra were amazing! The ride out and back was lovely. Saw dolphins, starfish, and crabs as well as lots of birds!

Do it!

Tiffeny_M, Jul 2023

Great narration about the area’s history, enjoyed walking on the disappearing island, and seeing the dolphins.

Nice daytime excursion!

janet_s, Jun 2023

They were VERY kid friendly! The younger kids got to drive the boat with the captain. The tide wasn’t low enough to see much of the island but we were still able to walk some of it and find a few shells. There was a storm earlier in the day that may have contributed to weather conditions… not the captain’s fault! The tour guide gave some informative facts that the kids were able to understand… definitely family orientated and the boat was super clean with a restroom. We saw a stingray jumping several times out of the water which was very impressive! We also saw several dolphins come up close to the boat. Overall, a wonderful trip.

Love Captain Jack

Brenda_F, Jun 2023

Captain Jack and Ginger were very welcoming and informative. The island wasn't really there because of the winds but he still let people off to explore which was super nice of him and he made sure everyone was safe!

Review by the Hinz crew!

Christina_H, Jun 2023

Captain Kate and her co-cap were great! They were very fun, friendly, and informative! We had a great family excursion!

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