Hilton Head Island Dolphin Tour Archives - Sunset Rentals Vacation Blog

September 15, 2022September 26, 2022

A Guide to Dolphin Watching on Hilton Head Island

Everyone loves dolphins, but there’s nothing quite as spectacular as interacting with these playful, intelligent, and magnificent mammals in their natural habitat. On Hilton Head Island you won’t find any dolphins in captivity or controversial dolphin shows – our warm South Carolina coastal waters are a natural haven for wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, some migrating through in summer, and others choosing to stay year-round in the ocean and waterways surrounding Hilton Head Island. Very intelligent indeed!

Hilton Head Island ranks as one of the “10 Best Dolphin Sighting Destinations in North America” and dolphin watching is one of the most popular activities on the island. Dolphins are easily spotted from the beaches, oceanfront golf courses, waterfront restaurants, and even from the comfort of a vacation home!

Our guide to dolphin watching on Hilton Head Island highlights when, where, and how best to experience our migratory and resident Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in the wild.

DOLPHIN SEASON ON HILTON HEAD

Dolphin season on Hilton Head Island is year-round! While most dolphin pods migrate seasonally, the mild year round water temperatures on the South Carolina coastline are highly attractive to Atlantic Bottlehead Dolphins. The Lowcountry coastline is home to an estimated population of 600 resident dolphins with approximately 170 full time resident dolphins thriving on Hilton Head Island. In the summer months, the dolphin population almost doubles with migratory dolphins seeking warmer waters close to shore and hunting for food in the salt marsh estuaries.

WHERE TO SPOT DOLPHINS ON HILTON HEAD

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins are a familiar site on Hilton Head Island and can be easily spotted frolicking and feeding in the Atlantic Ocean, rivers, creeks and tidal marshes. Visitors to Hilton Head regularly encounter our resident dolphin pods playing in Broad Creek, following the shrimp boats on Calibogue Sound, or strand feeding on the muddy banks of the shallow backwater creeks. The South Carolina coastline is one of the few places in the world where you can witness the unique activity of dolphin strand feeding.

DOLPHIN WATCHING TOURS & EXPERIENCES ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Dolphin tours are the best way to encounter bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat and explore the hidden creeks and coves otherwise unreachable! A dolphin watching tour is sure to be the highlight of your Hilton Head Island vacation, and there are endless options to choose from.

Hilton Head’s dolphin watching tours range from intimate kayak tours right in the water to narrated group tours on a double decker boat. Any water activity on Hilton Head presents an opportunity to encounter our friendly dolphins and diverse local wildlife – the experience is up to you!

Outside Hilton Head

Outside Hilton Head offer unique guided experiences for all dolphin lovers with options for group tours or customized private outdoor adventures with a naturalist. Choose to dolphin watch by kayak, SUP, pontoon, catamaran, or luxury sail boat by sunset. You can even go tubing with dolphins! If you prefer to explore the coastal waterways unguided, Outside Hilton Head has a wide selection of boat, kayak, and SUP rentals.

Dolphin Discoveries Nature Tour

Unlike many of the big boat tours on Hilton Head, Dolphin Discoveries offers an intimate dolphin watching experience limited to 6 guests only, with no set loop on the water and dolphin sightings GUARANTEED! There are great options to choose from including sunset dolphin cruises, fireworks and dolphin nature tours, and kayaking dolphin experiences to encounter the local pods up close and personal.

Dolphin Seafari

The famous Donuts Dolphin Cruise with Dolphin Seafari is always a favorite with families visiting Hilton Head. The 30-foot covered pontoon boat sits close to the water for ultimate dolphin viewing, with private tours available to escape the crowds. Traveling without kids? The Sunset Dolphin Cruise aboard Dolphin Seafari is voted the best dolphin tour on the island, with private tours available for smaller groups.

Captain Mark’s Dolphin Cruises

Captain Mark has been cruising dolphin lovers down Broad Creek and along the Calibogue Sound for 40 years! Captain Mark’s dolphin cruises cover the coastal wildlife, nature and history of Hilton Head Island and take you past some of the top attractions and secret dolphin viewing spots on the island. For pet parents looking for a dog-friendly Hilton Head dolphin tour, this is it!

Coastal Discovery Museum

The Coastal Discovery Museum offers group tours and private experiences to encounter dolphins in their natural habitat on both Hilton Head and the remote waters of Daufuskie Island. The Coastal Discovery Museum also presents an opportunity to make a difference during your stay on Hilton Head and Adopt a Dolphin! Your support will help raise funds towards saving dolphins and continuing conservation efforts on the island to protect the local pods.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ATLANTIC BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS

Dolphins are named after their elongated snout.
They eat small fish, squid and crustaceans and swallow their food whole.
They grow up to 13 feet long and up to 1,300 pounds.
They use sound to communicate, navigate and hunt and can make up to 1,000 clicking noises per second.
They do not have vocal chords, all sounds come through the dolphin’s blowhole.
They shed their outermost layer of skin almost every two hours.
Their dorsal fin is as unique as a human fingerprint
They can remain submerged and hold their breath for up to 15 minutes.
They dive as deep as 800 feet below the surface.
They launch themselves as high as 20 feet out of the water.
They can reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour.
They can hold their breath for up to 7 minutes.
Dolphins need to be awake to breathe. They have two brain lobes that act independently, one side sleeps while the other stays awake to breathe.
They feel emotions such as fear, grief and joy.
They LOVE humans but they are wild animals and should always be treated with respect!
Dolphins are a federally protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act – it is illegal to feed, touch or harass dolphins!

Stay with Sunset Rentals and you can watch the dolphins from home! Our collection of 225 Hilton Head Island vacation homes and villas are situated in the top resort areas of Hilton Head Island and include luxury rentals on the Calibogue Sound, Broad Creek and Atlantic Ocean with fantastic vantage points for dolphin viewing from your front porch. Start planning your Hilton Head dolphin encounters today with our on island team at Sunset Rentals.

May 5, 2022August 14, 2023

7 Tips for Responsible Wildlife Watching on Hilton Head

Hilton Head Island is a destination known for its stunning beaches, diverse ecosystems, and unique habitats abounding in wildlife. Whether it’s witnessing the marvel of baby sea turtle hatchlings, getting up close and personal with our beloved marine mammals, encountering alligators, or discovering Hilton Head’s best birding spots with your binocs, you’ll soon discover a deep appreciation for our island’s natural wonders.

Witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat is a magical and memorable experience but it’s vital to engage in responsible wildlife watching to maintain a healthy balance between humans and the island’s delicate wildlife habitats. For the safety of our local wildlife (and yours!), here are 7 tips for responsible wildlife watching on Hilton Head Island.

1. Drive Slow

When exploring Hilton Head Island by car, it’s important to drive at a slow and cautious pace, follow the speed limits, and keep a careful watch for wildlife on the roads. During dawn and dusk, wildlife are far more active on the roads and tend to travel in groups, if you see one crossing the street, the chances are more will follow.

2. Leash Up Your Furry Friends

The locals on Hilton Head Island love our pets as much as we love our wildlife, but please respect the rules in place to protect and preserve our wildlife habitats. To ensure the safety of our local wildlife and your furry friends, please keep pets on a leash at all times, do not allow them to swim or roam near alligator habitats, keep a mindful eye around sea turtle nesting grounds, and never leave them unattended. At night, keep your pet indoors for safety and bring pet food and water dishes inside to deter nighttime visitors.

3. Observe Wildlife from a Safe Distance

Be sure to add binoculars and a camera to your Hilton Head packing list! As exciting and tempting as it may seem to get up close and personal with wildlife, our local wildlife should never be approached. Respect their space, avoid close interactions, do not provoke, and always observe wildlife quietly from a safe and respectful distance – this is critical for their wellbeing, and yours!

Marine Life Encounters: On the waterways surrounding Hilton Head, marine life encounters are a given. Be mindful and maintain a safe distance when boating and paddling the waterways to avoid collisions or injuries, allow them to swim freely and undisturbed, and stay at least 140 feet away from dolphins at all times. The Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin is protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, it is illegal to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal.

Alligator Encounters: Hilton Head is home to a healthy population of American Alligators, one of the Lowcountry’s most iconic native species. Always assume every body of water may contain an alligator, swimming or wading in ponds and lagoons is prohibited, fish only from the docks and piers, and keep a close eye on kids and pets near any water on Hilton Head. If you’re planning to book at tee time on Hilton Head’s iconic golf courses, you may even encounter alligators strolling between lagoons. Local rules and regulations require you to stay at least 60 feet (4 cars in length) away from alligators.

Sea Turtle Encounters: Hilton Head Island is a nesting ground for several species of sea turtles, including greens, leatherbacks, and the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. During the sea turtle season (May to October), our ancient residents and their hatchlings are strictly protected by local and federal regulations with severe penalties for handling or interfering with sea turtles, nesting sites, and baby hatchlings.

4. Don’t Feed Wildlife

While it may seem harmless, please resist the urge to feed our local wildlife. Feeding wildlife makes them associate humans with food, can disrupt their natural behaviors and diets, and can turn the animal aggressive leading to potentially dangerous situations. Visitors to Hilton Head are often tempted to feed our friendly local dolphin pods without realizing that under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, feeding or harassing dolphins is illegal, resulting in fines that can reach up to $100,000.

5. Always Follow the Signs

Always be on the lookout for posted signs and guidelines to avoid disturbing the natural habitats on Hilton Head Island. Whether it’s a marked-off sea turtle nesting area on the beach, an alligator alert on the fairways, or interpretive signage along the 60+ miles of Hilton Head Island pathways, these rules are in place to protect our fragile ecosystems, free-roaming wildlife, and curious visitors tempted to get too close and personal with our local wildlife.

6. Lights out!

Artificial lighting disorientates sea turtles and their hatchlings from the natural light of the moon. If you’re staying in an oceanfront rental, from 1 May to 31 October all light fixtures visible from the beach are required to be switched off between 10 PM and 6 AM. This includes interior blinds and drapes, all outdoor lighting, and any flashlight photography. Always report any sea turtle sightings or stranded sea turtles to the SC Department of Natural Resources Hotline at (800) 922-5431.

7. Leave Only Footprints

Our presence in nature should never leave a lasting impression! To minimize the impact on our diverse barrier island ecosystems and maintain the island’s pristine environment, please leave no trace, only footprints! Dispose of all trash properly to prevent harm to wildlife, always leave the beach clean, remove sandcastles and fill in holes for traveling sea turtles, and do not leave any umbrellas, chairs, or accessories on the beach overnight. Book a stay with a participating Sunset Rentals property to quality for complimentary bike & beach gear from Vayk Gear. Learn how it works HERE!

Wildlife on Hilton Head Island Beaches

The wildlife on Hilton Head is found without effort on our miles of wild beaches. Our suggestion – walk or bike ride the shoreline from where the Calibogue Sound meets the Atlantic at South Beach to the remote shoreline of Fish Haul Creek and Mitchelville Beach near Port Royal Sound.

You’ll find wildlife encounters all along the shoreline – South Beach on Hilton Head Island is a prime spot for shore birds, and dolphins making their way to the Calibogue Sound, Fish Haul Creek and Mitchelville Beach overlooking Port Royal Sound are Hilton Head’s most natural beaches with maritime forests, boardwalks for wildlife viewing, historical sites and tidal flats teeming with shorebirds and crabs (best found at low tide!).

There’s no need to head off the beaten path for wildlife encounters on Hilton Head! From luxury oceanfront villas to fairway retreats and lush lagoon hideaways, you’ll find the perfect vantage point to observe the island’s diverse wildlife from the comfort of home in our collection of 240+ Hilton Head vacation rentals – the most trusted vacation rentals on Hilton Head Island.

Questions? Call our team at (843) 785-6767 today!

Stay with Sunset Rentals

Stay near Hilton Head’s top wildlife attractions with Sunset Rentals – the chances are you won’t have to leave home to experience some of the best wildlife viewing on Hilton Head.

Our selection of luxury Hilton Head Island vacation homes and villas are situated in the top resort areas of Hilton Head Island with luxury amenities, peaceful Lowcountry views, and opportunities for wildlife watching from your porch.

September 3, 2020October 6, 2021

The Top 3 Hilton Head Dolphin Tours

Truth be told, very few mammals are as equally cute, captivating, and majestic as an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Humans instinctively have a soft spot for these adorable and wildly intelligent underwater critters. Scientists assert that dolphins are quick learners, self-aware, able to problem-solve, and even have the rare ability to show empathy. Naturally, pods of bottlenoses frequent the aquatic acreage surrounding paradisical Hilton Head Island, home to Sunset Rentals, the region’s most experienced vacation rental management company. We have stark relationships with the area’s premier cruise-based outfits. Thus, our concierge team has compiled the three best Hilton Head dolphin tours, where spotting a grinning bottlenose is innate as an Atlantic Ocean sunrise.

The Best Hilton Head Dolphin Tours

Nearly a dozen local businesses offer 90-minute (or two-hour) Hilton Head dolphin tours, two of which are located in Shelter Cove Harbour. Prices are comparable across the board, so keep a close eye on each company’s various amenities. Remember to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a light jacket, and a camera, because dolphins absolutely love being photographed!

1 – Dolphin Seafari
Dolphin Seafari is home to the famous “Donuts and Dolphins” tour, where a bevy of colorfully-coated, deep-fried sweets are readily available for consumption throughout the trip. Complimentary coffee (or tea, water, or juice) is also served if you’re in the dunking mood. However, the main event is the legion of 200-plus bottlenose dolphins that circle the isle. The 30-foot-long covered pontoon sits low to the surface so that you can practically high-five a dolphin when the opportunity presents itself. A crab-trap demonstration always garners “Oohs” and “ahhs” from the crowd, especially amongst youngsters.

2 – Dolphin Discoveries Nature Tours
What sets Dolphin Discoveries apart from all of the other Hilton Head dolphin tours is its semi-exclusivity. Most expeditions host anywhere from 12 to 40 people. Dolphin Discoveries, however, seats six people, max. Thus, it’s perfect for families. Large groups, obviously, will have to go elsewhere. Each 105-minute voyage motors past pods of curious bottlenoses, as well as bald eagles, egrets, brown pelicans, and, occasionally, adorable river otters. Make sure to browse through their various trip options to find one that best suits your family. The tours can include anything from beachcombing to shark fishing.

3 – Captain Mark’s Dolphin Cruises
Pet owners, rejoice! Captain Mark’s is one of only dog-friendly Hilton Head dolphin tours, with expeditions starting at just $21.95 per person. Captain Mark has skippered over 20,000 cruises in the past 37 years, so he knows a thing or two about dolphin “honey holes.” He specifically leads groups to the serene, 13-mile Calibogue Sound, just south of the island. Lucky passengers will coast past a variety of architectural marvels, including plantations and a lighthouse.

Long-Term Rentals in Hilton Head

Start and finish each day in South Carolinian paradise with Sunset Rentals of Hilton Head. We boast one of the largest fleets of Hilton Head vacation rentals, including nearly 100 homes and over 170 villas. While each property is unique in size, location, and design, they share common luxuries, such as pool access, lavish furnishings, chef’s kitchens, and air conditioning. Some homes and units overlook the Atlantic Ocean, while others feature dazzling, private pools. All of them are within walking distance of the beach, so a full day of oceanic exploration is always a short stroll away.

Explore Vacation Rentals