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“It is of interest to note that while some dolphins are reported to have learned English- up to 50 words used in correct context- no human being has been reported to have learned Dolphinese.” – Carl Sagan

Ranked the World’s Number One Family Friendly Experience by TripAdvisor! Join us on Hilton Head for an outing your family will remember for ages, observing one of the most intelligent creatures on the planet; finding dolphins playing in the wild on your own private boat!

Bring your inquisitive minds and cameras on this private dolphin tour!  For ninety minutes we’ll explore the Calibogue Sound along the coast of Hilton Head Island with the opportunity to observe wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins swimming, feeding, and socializing.  While we never know what we’ll find, we guarantee we’ll find dolphins on your trip!

Your Captain is also certified as a Lowcountry Master Naturalist.  You’ll learn about the history of the island, the ecology of the Lowcountry and particularly the salt marsh. While viewing dolphins, you’ll learn about their social habits, physiology, diet, and more! You’ll also have the opportunity to view other marine animals.  Rays, sea turtles, manatees and sharks make cameos throughout the season!

We’ll depart from 68 Helmsman Way, along Broad Creek, just under the bridge. Cruising through Broad Creek and out into the Calibogue Sound, we’ll pass along the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse.  Our search for dolphins may take us to the coastline of Daufuskie Island or into the waters of Bull Creek.

What to bring: sunscreen, hat, jacket (watch the weather!), refillable water bottle (filtered water provided), camera, questions.

Please note: When booking, please provide a cell number that can receive SMS text messages. You will receive a reminder text within 24 hours of scheduled departure that will include a link to Google Maps with our dock location.

“May you always have a shell in your pocket, and sand between your toes.” – Unknown

Travel with us to the entrance of the Calibogue Sound, across from South Beach, to a mile long sandbar that’s exposed at low tide.  Labeled on nautical charts as Grenadier Shoal, this is a beachcombers paradise. As low tide approaches, tidal pools form, exposing sand dollars, sea stars, and a variety of different shells.

On the way to the Mile Isle, you’ll be introduced to the salt marsh around Hilton Head.  You’ll see its ecosystem and food web in action.  As low tide approaches, oyster beds will be exposed along the muddy banks.  Herons and egrets stand as still as statues over the remaining rivulets that drain the marsh, waiting for one last baitfish to swim by.   As we travel through the sound to and from Mile Isle, we’ll have opportunities to spend time watching dolphins feeding, playing and socializing.

This is a leisurely 2 hour, 30 minute adventure, exploring Mile Isle at your own pace. Your Captain is also certified as a Low Country Master Naturalist and will assist in identifying various shells and marine life, letting you know what you can keep and what needs to be left on the beach.

This trip does require some level of mobility, as it involves stepping down onto a step and wading in approximately two to six inches of water. This tour is also tide dependent. While low tide occurs daily, how “low” the low tide is depends on the lunar calendar, so please review our posted schedule.

As with all our tours, this is a private trip! You will be aboard our spacious Carolina Skiff Ultra Elite with just your group, up to 6 passengers, and your Captain.  Having a private tour ensures you’ll get a great seat no matter where you sit.  Social distancing at its finest!

We’ll depart from 68 Helmsman Way, along Broad Creek, just under the bridge. Cruising through the creek and out into the Calibogue Sound, we’ll pass along the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse in Sea Pines.

What to bring: sunscreen, hat, jacket (watch the weather!), refillable water bottle (filtered water provided), camera, questions.

Till his waters have flooded the uttermost creeks and the low-lying lanes,
And the marsh is meshed with a million veins,
That like as with rosy and silvery essences flow
In the rose-and-silver evening glow.
– Sydney Lanier, The Marshes of Glynn

An adventure awaits…

Enjoy the remaining hours of daylight on Hilton Head cruising the Calibogue Sound. As the sun sets behind Daufuskie Island, it casts the Harbourtown Lighthouse in its soft glow, making the local icon its most photogenic time of the day. The bright vibrant green of the summer spartina grass turn almost amber in the sun’s waning light. Dolphins surface and play with one another in the calm waters as dusk approaches.

Your visit to the island isn’t complete without a sunset tour, appreciating the beauty of the marsh and sound.  We’ll head out from Broad Creek, making our way down to the Harbourtown Lighthouse and out towards Daufuskie to watch dolphins at play.