What to do and see in Hilton Head, South Carolina (SC): The Best Dolphin & Whale Watching

March 23, 2022 Christa Meece

Long known as a golfer's paradise, Hilton Head Island is heaven for any type of sports enthusiast. Tennis, volleyball, polo, championship golf on some of the best fairways in the United States - those are just a few athletic options. In fact, the island plays host to many prestigious sporting events throughout the year. All of it surrounded by sunny beaches and lush greenery. In between games or matches, explore Hilton Head's natural wonders. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve offers a close-up look at a swamp without having to get mucky. Raised boardwalks provide a protected path for pedestrians. And don't miss the colorful Harbourtown Lighthouse, the island's icon. Choose from a number of first-class resorts and hotels to experience it all.
Restaurants in Hilton Head

1. Island Explorer

Excellent
94%
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5.0 based on 1,942 reviews

Island Explorer

Now offering Premium Private Tours for your comfort and safety, Island Explorer is a great choice for your family or group. With over 30 years experience in dolphin and nature cruises around Hilton Head Island, Capt. Jim Harkins and Island Explorer offers unique and memorable tours. With three 12-passenger boats Island Explorer can accommodate larger families or groups and still offer intimate experiences. Choose a Sunset Dolphin Cruise, a 1-Hour Discovery Tour , a 2-Hour Dolphin Encounter, or our 3-Hour Vanishing Island Expedition™ to disembark on a secluded sandbar to search for sand dollars at the low tide. Every cruise will explore Hilton Head Island with scenic views of the marshlands, birds, and dolphins that make the Lowcountry special. Our captains are experienced, friendly, and informative.

2. Outside Hilton Head

Excellent
92%
Good
5%
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1%
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5.0 based on 4,322 reviews

Outside Hilton Head

Outside Hilton Head prides itself in creating fun and memorable outdoor experiences for Hilton Head Island residents and visitors. Outside Hilton Head is Hilton Head's premiere outdoor outfitter. In addition to providing a multitude of excellent programs 365 days of the year, Outside Hilton Head has a retail shop loaded with everything you need for your adventure. Programs include guided Kayak Tours, Kayak Fishing, boat based Dolphin Tours, Charter Fishing, Boat Charters and Rentals, tours of historic Daufuskie Island, and Teambuilding. Facilities include the private and serene Page Island . We specialize in designing custom adventures to suit your interests! The staff at Outside Hilton Head is made up of experienced, knowledgeable and personable retail associates, reservationists, interpretive nature guides and USCG licensed Captains.

3. Special K Sailing Charters

Excellent
88%
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13%
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

Special K Sailing Charters

Sailing Charters, Hilton Head Island, South CarolinaThe Special K is a 40ft Beneteau sailing yacht. The charter is based on just you and your family and friends- up to 6 people. The Yacht sails from Shelter Cove Marina at Palmetto Dunes and Sails along Broad Creek out to Calibogue Sound between Harbour Town and Daufuskie island

4. Bay Runner Fishing Charters

Excellent
93%
Good
4%
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2%
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1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 110 reviews

Bay Runner Fishing Charters

You've come to the right place to book your Hilton Head Island charter fishing trip! An original Hilton Head charter captain with 43 yrs experience, will share his secrets for hooking, reeling in, and even cooking the best fish in the Atlantic Coastal waters. 3 boats: The Bayrunner, The Fin-Atic, and The Phantom can can accomodate up to 11 passengers.

5. TailTamer Fishing Charters

Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 37 reviews

TailTamer Fishing Charters

Experience the beauty of Hilton Head island from a private boat as we head out to sea. Fishing for popular saltwater species such as Cobia, Mackerel, Redfish and Sharks, just to name a few. Enjoy the playful Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin as we depart from Broad Creek and pass the HarbourTown Lighthouse on your complimentary Dolphin Cruise with every fishing Charter.

6. Live Oac Outdoor Adventure Company

Excellent
98%
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5.0 based on 713 reviews

Live Oac Outdoor Adventure Company

Boating, Fishing, Watersports, Dolphin & More! Create your perfect adventure with Live Oac, The Lowcountry's Outdoor Adventure Company. Offering boat excursions from Hilton Head Island exploring the Pinckney Wildlife Refuge and surrounding waters. Shared and Private Charters include Dolphin Nature Tours, Watersports, and Fishing Charters. Best location on Hilton Head for year-round dolphin activity, and 15 minutes or less from premium ski areas for wakeboarding, waterskiing and tubing. Inshore fishing varies from serious red fish and sea trout angling to easy family shark fishing adventures for all ages. Live Oac is the island's leader in professional guided outdoor adventures, creating custom trips to suit your group perfectly.

7. Dolphin Discoveries Boat Tours

Excellent
94%
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5.0 based on 266 reviews

Dolphin Discoveries Boat Tours

Dolphin Discoveries will take you on a boat ride that is sure to be one of your favorite memories of Hilton Head Island! We tour the waters surrounding Hilton Head where friendly Bottlenose Dolphins feed and play. The Dolphins don't seem to mind at all if we turn off our motor and watch all the fun things they do. Some of them we've even named over the years. Blackbeard, Choppy and Nick are just a few of our favorites as they sometimes are as curious about us as we are about them and may swim right over to the boat to say hello! This is an activity that is fun for all ages. After all, how can it not be fun being out on the water watching Dolphins from close up!! Our tours are either private or semi-private meaning we take 6 passengers maximum so everyone on the boat has plenty of room to move about to get the best views of the dolphins. You won't have to fight for camera room to get the fun photos you would like since it will usually be just you and you family. Couples are welcome too as we will just pair you up with another couple. Please call us today to make your reservation as reservations are required. If you are feeling adventurous, or your kids are, we do offer our Family Shark Fishing tours in the warmer months also. Catch and release, just for fun! But the Sharks will give you time for a picture too! We go after the smaller 2, 3 to 4 footers just for the kids. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you soon!

8. Island Time Charters

Excellent
99%
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5.0 based on 233 reviews

Island Time Charters

We offer the most customized experience on the island, perfect for all occasions and all ages. The only thing you will have to worry about is what to pack in the cooler and how much fun you are going to have! If you are looking for the Ultimate Charter while enjoying our beautiful Hilton Head Island, you have come to the right place. Our motto is “It’s Your Day, Enjoy It Your Way!” and we promise the best personal service on The Island! Come join us on our 25-foot pleasure craft which provides the ultimate in entertaining, featuring built-in tables, cup holders, coolers, and satellite radio for your convenience. Unlike most of the other available charters, which offer only inflated zodiac boats or group gatherings, our boat provides the newest, cleanest, fastest, most comfortable and fun experience on the island!

9. Kayak Hilton Head, Inc.

Excellent
90%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 816 reviews

Kayak Hilton Head, Inc.

Dolphins, Dolphins, Dolphins.......The best place and way to see dolphins in Hilton Head! Providing recreational family kayaking and dolphin nature tours by both kayak and boat on Hilton Head Island. A great activity for beginners and experienced alike. Offering guests leisurely, fun, and educational nature tours. Our kayaks are easy to paddle and completely safe and comfortable. Both single and double kayaks are available. We've been teaching area visitors about the dolphins, birds, oysters, salt marsh and many other interesting things about our island for over 15years!

10. Hilton Head Dolphin Tours

Excellent
94%
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

Hilton Head Dolphin Tours

“Hilton Head Dolphin Tours” is a premier Boating Operator in Hilton Head, SC. We are committed to providing the highest quality Dolphin Tours and Sunset Excursions on Hilton Head Island. Join us as we cruise the quiet estuaries surrounding the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge in search of the many Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin that call Hilton Head home.

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