hilton head speed boat tours

Hilton Head Speedboat Tours

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18 Simmons Rd

Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Serving Hilton Head Island Area

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About the business.

Business owner information

Come experience a trip of a lifetime! You will navigate the waters of Hilton Head in style on a unique racing boat that is exclusive to Hilton Head Speed Boat Tours. Our boats have a dry ride and a lot more comfort then other small tour boats on the island. You will follow a professional local guide on a 2.5 hour 30+ mile journey focusing on wildlife viewing, which includes dolphin encounters, wading birds, sea otters, bald eagles and a touch of history. …

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This was a fun, interesting day out. The guide knew what he was doing but was also laid back. Getting on and off the water was also quick and easy. Most importantly, this was a unique tour experience. You drive your own little two person speedboat and follow the tour guide, and these boats move much faster than I expected. Our tour was a little modified because some rain was coming through the area, but we still got to see dolphins. We were in a calm river and were right up close to them at one point. The guide knew right where to find them. I'd recommend checking this out for a fun few hours while visiting Hilton Head.

My 10 year old son and I had a total blast on this tour! The boats were super fun and we saw tons of dolphin, birds, eagles nests and a very large Bald Eagle. Jeff took us to areas where no other boats ventured and found 2 pods of dolphin strand feeding which is the coolest thing to witness! He is very knowledgeable and taught us a lot about sea life and the history of Hilton Head. I highly recommend this fun boat tour and we will definitely do it again during our next visit to HHI!

Nick was an awesome guide he definitely made the experience great! Surprisingly fast/fun boats and learned a lot about the area. Even got super close to a family of dolphins! Highly recommend! We'll definitely be doing it again next time we visit Hilton head.

Had a great time with pre-teen kids. Boats were fun and Jeff was a great guide. Saw several dolphins....learned some history....but it was a thrill to be out on the water in the boats (~12 feet long). Boats were fast enough but not too fast.

What a great way to spend a couple of hours out on the water, Jeff the owner was very accommodating and pleasant to work with. Nick our guide lead us to see many dolphins and showed us many points of interest. What a great value, I would definitely do another tour with them.

Our tour should have been cancelled due to rough water. The tour directly after ours was cancelled, but our was not. Apparently, the $600+ we paid for the tour was more important than the safety of the customers. We were taken out in very small boats in very rough water making the ride miserable for all of us. At the beginning of the tour one of our boats quit working, the guide didn't even notice we weren't behind him for almost 5 minutes. The website promises "30+ mile journey focusing on wildlife viewing, which includes dolphin encounters, wading birds, sea otters, bald eagles and a touch of history." We saw dolphins, but that was it. We saw more dolphins during our shark fishing tour (through another company) the day before. The dolphins we did see were because someone in our group pointed it out, not our guide. Our guide's version of history was talking about his friends and nothing more. The website also promises a dry ride with a few splashes, by the end of the tour we were all soaked through! If this had been my only experience on a boat I would probably never get on the water again! Way too expensive for what you get!

7 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Hilton Head Dolphin Tour

Family-owned & operated for 40 years.

Explore Hilton Head's waterways with Hilton Head's most experienced and knowledgable captain.

Choose Your Hilton Head Dolphin Tour

• Most Popular
• Calendar Monday - Saturday
• Hour Glass 1.75 hours

Enjoy a relaxing Hilton Head dolphin tour with Captain Mark, the most experienced Captain on Hilton Head. This calm-water cruise highlights our coastal wildlife, nature, and history.

• Calendar Varies
• Clock Sunset

Dolphin Watch Sunset Cruise

Watch the sun set over Hilton Head Island as you relax on this cruise, watching bottlenose dolphins and seabirds, and taking in the beautiful sites on the island.

Rated "Excellent" by 150+ Reviewers on TripAdvisor

This is a very good value as the cruise lasted about 2 hours...Captain Mark was very informative and told me lots of things that I did not know about the area and dolphins. The weather and the scenery were great. This was the second time I have taken this trip and I would absolutely do it again.

Captain Mark and Thomas were friendly, the boat was clean, and we learned things that we hadn't known before--thanks to Captain Mark's excellent and informative narration of all things HHI. We will do this boat trip again, next time with our kids.

We took a sunset cruise and it could not be more happy with the experience! It was absolutely gorgeous and we saw tons of dolphins. Captain Mark is very knowledgeable. It was truly a pleasant evening!

It was just wonderful...Captain Mark was most informative about the history of the island, and the development of Hilton Head as a community. And yes, we did see several pods of dolphin, and Captain Mark gave us plenty of information.

Recently took my fifth cruise with Capt Marks Dolphin Watch....I enjoy this informative and delightful cruise so much! The trip is narrated with so many facts about HHI, I am constantly amazed. The ship is very big, not fast, not scary, no motion sickness. Just a really enjoyable trip.

About Captain Mark's Dolphin Cruise

Capt. Mark’s Dolphin Cruises is a family-owned company that has operated for more than 30 years. We are the premier dolphin watch cruise company on Hilton Head Island, SC. We are located about one hour north of Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia. We are also located an hour south of Beaufort, SC.

We offer boat tours at multiple times throughout the day and evening, Mondays through Saturdays.

Each cruise combines sightseeing and nature watching – you’ll spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, seabirds, and other wildlife as you cruise past the beautiful sites of Hilton Head, from private homes and amazing yachts to the Harbour Town lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, and more. We also offer a fun crabbing adventure, where you can practice crabbing in the marshes – the person who catches the most wins! Don’t miss out – book a cruise with us today!

• 2-Hour Hilton Head Dolphin Tour
• 2-Hour Hilton Head Sunset Cruise
• 2-Hour Large Group Sunset or Dolphin Cruise
• 3 Hour Hilton Head Yacht Charter
• Hilton Head Bachelorette Party Cruise (4 Hours)
• 6 Hour Private Island Beach Getaway and Yacht Charter
• 6 Hour Hilton Head Yacht Charter
• 6-Hour Savannah Boat Tour
• 7 – 20 person Boat
• Axopar 37′ XC Premium Cruiser

Key West 239 DFS

Making Memories

Planning a vacation is all about making memories. At Hilton Head Boat Charters, our goal is to help you, your family, and your friends have an unforgettable experience on the water filled with fun, laughter, beaches, dolphins, sunsets, and more.

Why Choose Us?

Ride in Comfort and Style

Our top-of-the-line fleet provides comfortable seating for two, four, and six hour tours alike. We only offer private charters to ensure you have the absolute best experience.

A Top-Rated Charter

We are one of the highest rated charter services on Hilton Head and have the industry awards to prove it 🙂 Click here  to read our reviews.

The Full Hilton Head Experience

Unlike other charter services, we spend zero time in no-wake zones, allowing us to cover the most ground of any tour offering out there. Trust us, you won’t miss a thing!

Two-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Tour

Experience Hilton Head Island like never before on our highly-rated and 100% private two-hour Hilton Head Dolphin Tours. This activity always ranks at the top of everybody’s list of things to do in Hilton Head. On this unique adventure, you and your group will take to the majestic waters of the Calibogue Sound for a one-of-a-kind experience. This charter is an unforgettable opportunity to spend quality time connecting with our majestic Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Don’t miss out on your chance to embark on one of the best dolphin tours in Hilton Head.

Two-Hour Private Hilton Head Sunset Cruise

Experience the beauty of Hilton Head Island from a different perspective with this premium sunset cruise! Enjoy breathtaking views, stunning sunsets, and an abundance of wildlife as you cruise along the island’s back water. Whether it’s a romantic evening for two or an unforgettable adventure with family and friends, this two-hour Hilton Head boat tour offers something special for everyone. Join us today and find out why this tour always rates at the top of the fun things to do in Hilton Head Island list.

20 Person Boat

With seating for up to 20 passengers, our Captains will take you and your group through the Atlantic waters in comfort and style.

Luxury Cruiser

Cruise in luxury with our 35 ft top-of-the-line cruiser with seating for up to six passengers. Luxury never looked so good.

With 3 models in our fleet, our Key West 239 DFSs are outfitted and ready to take you to see the dolphins, watch the sunset, and more.

Book Your Tour Today

Plan your unforgettable experience with us and see all that Hilton Head has to offer.

Hilton Head Mini Boat Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2.5 hours
• User Ages: You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license to drive the boats
• Info Pets: No animals of any kind are permitted on tour , including service animals
• Tag Tipping: 15% of ticket price is customary if your trip was awesome

Discover Hilton Head Mini Boat Tours

We are a couple of guides that want to show off the best island in the country. Best of all, we will do it in style, so come join us and view the island and dolphins in one of our mini speedboats.

We start every tour with detailed instructions on how to operate the boat and will teach you everything you need to know prior to leaving the dock. Once we’re on the water, you will follow our guide boat while we take you on the best dolphin watch tour on the island. Our mini boats will take us into the shallows and back waterways where we will find local dolphins feeding, playing and swimming near our marsh banks.

During the tour, our guide will give out history facts in neat knowledge about the area and the eco system. This tour route is the exact same as Island Skiff Adventure Tours so you will navigate around Bull Island, Daufuskie Island and parts of Hilton Head Island.

Each boat is equipped with a small cooler which is preloaded with water and ice prior to leaving the dock. You can bring your beach bags on this tour and we encourage you to take photos along the way.

Visit Hilton Head Speedboat Tours

Related tours.

• 15% of ticket price is customary if your trip was awesome
• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Hilton Head Skiff Dolphin Tour

Book a boat tour with us to enjoy a 25+-mile excursion through salt marsh and local waterways, complete with stops for amazing wildlife sightings and photo ops.

Savannah First-Timer's Guide

Plan the Perfect Trip to Savannah

9 Epic Hilton Head Boat Tours to try This Year

• HILTON HEAD , LOWCOUNTRY
• by Erin Clarkson

Planning a trip to Hilton Head Island and hoping to spend some time on the water? These Hilton Head boat tours are a fun way to do just that!

There are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from family-friendly dolphin tours to romantic sunset cruises to action-packed shark adventures.

You can even charter a private yacht or rent a pontoon for the day!

Note: This guide contains affiliate links to my trusted travel partners.

In a hurry? These are three of the most popular options: This sunset dolphin tour departs out of Harbour Town Marina, so you’ll get to see the Harbor Town Lighthouse, the Haig Point Lighthouse, and the beautiful Calibogue Sound. It’s fun for all ages! Argggg Matey! This pirate ship cruise also departs out of Harbour Town Marina and is the top option for young kids. This beachcombing tour on a disappearing island departs out of Palmetto Bay Marina and is another fun one for families with children.

Hilton Head Boat Tour Parking Tips (Don’t Skip!)

Parking is the most important part of making it to your boat tour on time, so don’t skip over my tips in this section!!

The majority of the island’s boat tours originate from one of three areas: Palmetto Bay Marina, Broad Creek Marina at Shelter Cove, or Harbour Town Marina at Sea Pines.

• Palmetto Bay Marin a is the easiest to access and the area doesn’t have many parking issues. If the marina parking lot is full, there’s plenty of overflow parking at the nearby boat ramp under the Cross Island Expressway. Plan to arrive at the Palmetto Bay Marina at least 20 minutes before your tour’s departure time.
• Shelter Cove Marina also has plenty of parking, but you may have a bit of a walk to get to the boats. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour departure time.
• Harbour Town Marina at Sea Pines has the worst parking issues. If you aren’t staying in Sea Pines, make note that there’s a $9 entry fee per vehicle to enter the community and that parking is very scarce during peak tourism season. Once you pay to enter Sea Pines, I suggest parking in the Sea Pines trolley pickup area (it’ll be on your left, within a half-mile of the entry gate) and taking the free trolley to get to the marina. The marina has valet parking, as well — but even the valet lot fills up! The valet fee ranges between $10 – $20.

Insider Tip: During peak tourism season (May – September), it’s best to arrive at the Sea Pines gate at least an hour prior to the start of your boat tour to ensure you have plenty of time to board the boat. There are plenty of things to see and do in the area while you wait!

Related Reading: Hilton Head Marinas Parking Tips

Sunset Dolphin Tours

Ideal for: Everyone! Book it Now: Try the most popular option or my personal favorite View More Options: HHI Dolphin Tours

Hilton Head Island is an awesome destination for dolphin watching! That’s because approximately 400 Atlantic bottlenose dolphin live in the surrounding waters.

That means your chances of spotting a pod during your tour are pretty darn good. I’ve been on many HHI dolphin tours through the years, and I’ve spotted them every single time.

Because they’re so playful and inquisitive, it’s very common for dolphin to swim alongside the boat or leap out of the water. You should be able to get a good look at them.

My personal favorite Hilton Head dolphin tours are the sunset dolphin cruises — especially the smaller, private ones that operate out of less-busy marinas, like this one . The views in the Calibogue Sound are incredible!

Sunset dolphin tours typically last one and a half hours, and the larger boats usually have restrooms on board. A few of the tours even include drinks.

Photo Tip: In addition to photographing the dolphins, make sure you have your camera ready to capture the beautiful Haig Point Lighthouse on Daufuskie Island! You’ll cruise right past it.

Private Sunset Cruise

Ideal for: Families or Couples Book it Now: Most popular option View More Options: Sunset cruises

This is a great idea for a date, honeymoon activity, or even a proposal!

You can opt for a variety of sunset cruises on Hilton Head, from sunset dinner cruises to happy hour boat tours to the popular sunset dolphin cruises mentioned above.

Make sure you read the descriptions carefully, since some sunset cruises are private and others are group tours.

Pirate Ship Adventure

Ideal for: Kids Book the Harbour Town Marina (Sea Pines) Option: Black Dagger Book the Palmetto Bay Marina Option: Black Sparrow

This option is perfect for the younger kids! They can become a pirate for the day and go exploring to hunt for treasure in the Calibogue Sound.

Kiddos get decked out in pirate gear and receive pirate training from the crew before boarding the pirate ship. The training helps prepare them for what’s to come — the treasure hunt!

The crew of little adventurers will follow the pirate map they’ve been given and must defeat Stinky Pete — the stinkiest pirate on the island — to retrieve a key he has brazenly stolen.

From there, it’s a race to secure the treasure before Stinky Pete makes off with it himself!

The most exciting part of the adventure is when the little pirates all get the opportunity to spray Stinky Pete with their water cannons as he floats past them in his dinghy.

Overall, this is one of the best options on the entire island if you have little ones aged 3-10.

Insider Tip: If your kids fall in love with all things pirate-related, I suggest taking them to Lowcountry Celebration Park near Coligny Beach afterwards so they can play on the cool pirate ship playground!

Vanishing Island Adventure

Ideal for: Families with Children Book it Now: Group tour or a private beachcomber tour

It makes me giggle a little that this tour has gotten so popular, but it’s currently one of the top things to do in Hilton Head !

The island is nothing more than a sandbar that’s exposed during low tide and then disappears when the tide comes in. (Sometimes it’s called the Disappearing Island, as well.)

Kids love the mystique of it all, though, so that’s why it’s so popular!

As a bonus, there’s a decent chance you’ll spot dolphin on your way to and from the island (aka: sandbar 😂).

Once you get there, you can hunt for shells, starfish, shark teeth, and sand dollars.

Make note that it’s illegal to keep live sand dollars, but your guide can help you spot the differences between the live and dead ones.

When they’re alive, sand dollars are a greenish-brown color and have tiny little hair-like tentacles. The dead ones are usually bleached white.

Insider Tip: Plan to spend approximately 3 hours on the trip. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, and bring water and snacks. You might also want to include water shoes, towels, sunglasses, and a hat.

Private Sailboat Cruises

Ideal for: Couples

A private tour in a sailboat is one of the most peaceful ways to explore Hilton Head’s salt marshes and tidal creeks. It’s also one of the best ways to personalize your experience!

With a private cruise, you’ll only share the boat with your own group, so the trip feels more intimate.

Some guides are even ok with you packing a picnic and a bottle of wine to enjoy during the outing. (I would definitely suggest asking first to make sure it’s ok, though.)

As with all of the other Hilton Head boat tours, there’s a great chance you’ll spot a pod of dolphin frolicking in the water during your outing, so be sure to keep an eye out.

If you leave out of Sea Pines, there’s even an option to sail aboard the Stars and Stripes — a boat that competed in the America’s Cup race!

Insider Tip: If you’re thinking of proposing (or already did and are honeymooning on the island), a private sailboat cruise is one of the most romantic things to do on Hilton Head .

Rent a Pontoon Boat

Ideal for: Families, Friends Groups Book it Now: Pontoon Rentals

Want to be the boss of the boat? Try heading out for a relaxing cruise on a pontoon that you operate yourself. You can rent one for a half-day outing and customize your own itinerary.

To operate the pontoon, you must be a minimum of 18 years old, hold a valid driver’s license, and have prior boating experience. Pontoons can hold up to 10 people.

When picking up the boat, you’ll be given a professional orientation so you can learn how to best navigate the tidal creeks surrounding Hilton Head Island.

The cost of the rental doesn’t include fuel, so you’ll be asked to pay based on usage once the trip ends.

Explore Skull Creek, see Daufuskie Island, or even venture over to the swanky Palmetto Bluff area.

Take a Ferry to Daufuskie Island

Ideal for: Families, history buffs, nature lovers Book it Now: Take the ferry or a private boat + tour combo

If you’re interested in seeing Daufuskie Island, you can take a ferry over to explore it or venture out on a private boat.

The ferries take about 45 minutes, and you’ll enjoy the beautiful views of the coastline and salt marshes on your way there.

Once on the island, the best way to get around is via golf cart. There are 4 or 6-seater rental options.

Daufuskie isn’t crowded at all, so the island makes a nice escape when Hilton Head’s beaches get a little too busy.

You can take guided tours while you’re on Daufuskie Island, too, so keep that in mind.

The top tour I recommend is the Daufuskie Gullah Heritage Tour with Sallie Ann Robinson. It’s so important to support the island’s dwindling Gullah community and learn about the culture first hand.

Insider Tip: You might want to pack water and snacks, since there aren’t many places to eat on Daufuskie Island. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and towels (if you plan to swim).

Cruise on Over to Savannah

One of the most relaxing ways to take a day trip to Savannah from Hilton Head Island is by boat.

You’ll get to enjoy the beautiful Lowcountry scenery and will have an excellent chance of spotting dolphin along the route.

The ride takes approximately 2 hours each way, so be sure to pack sunscreen and a hat.

There are plenty of incredible things to do in Savannah , from admiring the architecture throughout the Historic District to visiting one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world to posing in front of the iconic fountain in Forsyth Park .

For convenience, I suggest taking a Savannah trolley tour while you’re there so you can get a broad overview of the city’s history while letting someone else handle all of the driving.

Hilton Head Boat Tours: Summary

As you can tell, there are a wide variety of boat tours you can take, whether you want to keep the kids entertained or are planning a romantic getaway on the water.

The most popular Hilton Head boat tours are the sunset dolphin tours, trips to the disappearing island, and the pirate ship adventures.

If you have questions about any of these Hilton Head boat tours, please let me know in the comments below.

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866-661-3822

Hilton head island's premier location for fishing, watersports & boating.

Welcome to Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina is situated in the middle of Hilton Head Island across from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort , just off the Intracoastal Waterway. Shelter Cove Harbour offers year round waterfront dining, shopping and entertainment, and water sports , activities and tours .

All kinds of water sports and activities may be enjoyed at our Hilton Head Island marina

From inshore and offshore fishing charters to sport crabbing, sailing and dolphin tours , sightseeing and nature excursions, we have everything! Shelter Cove Marina is your #1 destination for Hilton Head Island water adventures. With 178 slip rentals, Shelter Cove Marina is the largest award-winning deep water marina on Hilton Head Island .

Hilton Head Island Marina Activities

Hilton Head Boat Rentals

When it comes to water adventure Shelter Cove Marina is the place to be! Rent a pontoon boat , kayak or paddleboard .

Cruises & Nature Tours

Explore the waterways on a 2-person catamaran boat , discover more with our  nature & dolphin tours  or just sit bac and relax with our  fireworks cruises . There's so much to do on the water at Shelter Cove Marina.

Fishing Charters

Enjoy the ultimate fishing experience at Shelter Cove Marina! Inshore, nearshore and offshore fishing in Hilton Head Island, SC is some of the best fishing in the world!

News & Events

Shelter cove harbour & marina happenings & events, spring music & taste on the harbour continues.

Learn more about Upcoming Events

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina is Hilton Head Island's Happening Harbour with year-round events and entertainment!

News from Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

Stay in the know about news and all things Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina.

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