Dolphin Seafari
Dolphin Seafari
5
Boat Tours • Private Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
We offer private trips . Thank you for Supporting a Small Family Business The Dolphin Seafari is a 30 foot covered pontoon boat with comfortable bench seating and a restroom on board. Sitting low and close to the water, gets you up close and personal with our wildlife and gives you optimal viewing of our salt marsh. With a friendly and accommodating staff, we love to educate you about Hilton Head Island while we look for dolphins, egrets, herons, Osprey, Bald Eagles, manatees and sharks
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Features animals
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
549 reviews
Excellent
519
Very good
25
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
0
lindanA3630JV
Mammoth Cave National Park, KY3 contributions
May 2021
My husband and I went on a Dolphin Seafari tour on Wednesday night of last week. We had been on sunset dolphin tours before on really large boats that carry 100 people or so. I highly recommend Dolphin Seafari because it is a much smaller boat and operates from Shelter Cove Harbor instead of the much busier Harbortown in Sea Pines. For our cruise there were only four of us and the two crew members. They could have canceled but the manager said it was such a beautiful night she just couldn’t disappoint us. We had the best time. We were free to move about the boat. The crew was funny and constantly spotting dolphins and telling us about the eco system of the are and the gorgeous neighborhoods we went by. If you are in Hilton Head book this tour. You won’t be disappointed!
Written May 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
My pleasure, sometime things just work out! It was our pleasure to enjoy the envening. Please come back soon.
Written June 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ethan
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
This Dolphin Seafari was perfect if you are looking for a relaxing sightseeing adventure for all ages. We saw plenty of dolphins and our tour guide Frances did an amazing job as she was very informative and friendly. Captain Jason did a great job piloting the boat and allowed us to see countless marine life as well. The experience is perfect for the price we payed and I would definitely recommend it to others. - give a generous tip too!!
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you! Hilton Head does have a beautiful eco system and march area that is home for varies types of wildlife. Thank you for leaving only footprints behind. Please come again.
Written July 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ruy
2 contributions
Jul 2022
I have been on another dolphin cruise in Hilton Head Island a few years ago, and it did not compare to this one at all. My family and I highly recommend Dolphin Seafari and the premiere dolphin boat tour. The owner greeted us and the crew, Captain Nick and his assistant (sorry can't remember her name) were fabulous. We took the sunset cruise and it was phenomenal. While other cruise boats would rush close to the dolphins (which in my opinion is the dumbest thing to do) and then leave, our boat ended up alone and we were able to appreciate the dolphins swimming around. Close to sunset (which was breath taking) we were given a show by 6-7 dolphins, not only coming up to the surface but jumping out of the water. I believe that was because of the captain, which was running the boat extremely slow and not disturbing the dolphins, since two of them were females with their new born. We truly recommend this company over any other one.
Written August 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you! Nature at its finest. Be kind while in their Habitat.
Written August 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mareron
San Antonio, TX65 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
What a wonderful pontoon cruise to see dolphins. The pontoon was covered to shelter us from the sun but with open sides giving us a clear view. The pontoon holds about a dozen people so the tour was very personal. We were told there are about 300 dolphins in Broad Creek where the cruise took place and we certainly got a good view of many of them!! Jason, the boat captain, slowed the boat whenever any of us saw dolphins so we all got a good view of them. Frances, the tour guide, was fantastic! She offered a lot of information about dolphins, manatees, the various Hilton Head plantations and waterways. She was happy to answer all our questions and was so personable. The cruise lasted 90 minutes and the cost of $35 each was well worth it. Definitely the best tour we took on Hilton Head.
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Captain Jaison is the Newest member to our great staff. I will share your kind words with him. As i do with all the wonderful staff!! We couldn't do it with out them. THEY are Dolphin Seafari!!
Captain Tim and Beth
Written June 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenna W
1 contribution
Sep 2021
Frances was our tour guide and she was fantastic. Her knowledge is extensive and she was highly engaging! She really catered to the audience including the children on our tour. Frances made the tour fun for everyone and she had fantastic recommendations on the local area as well. I cannot recommend Dolphin Seafari enough - it was fantastic and worth every penny. We did the Dolphin and Donuts tour which was enjoyable and allowed us to have snacks during the trip. I would recommend that instead of the Dunkin' they partner with a local donut shop (maybe The Purple Cow) in the future. Aside from that, everything exceeded expectations and supporting a small, local business was fantastic. We saw multiple dolphins and different wildlife along the way - all which we were quickly provided insight and information on. Very fun and educational.
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Starting your day with coffee and donuts!!! What can we say. We (being a local/family owned business) do support our fellow locals, we will check into this. But, Dunkin Donuts is a franchise and is as locally owned and operated.
Written September 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nightshade1
2 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
It's impossible to adequately describe our experience with Dolphin Seafari. The four of us were picked up at the Disney Hilton Head Resort, across the water from their office, and after picking up 12 other passengers at the office, our journey of 1.5 hours began. As Capt. Jason expertly maneuvered the pontoon boat, Deb began her expert narration of our dolphin quest. As she described many aspects of dolphin life, we proceeded to the open area of water where their experience tells them the dolphins usually show up. We were not disappointed, as we encountered a female dolphin and her cub which graced us with their swimming prowess, as Deb continued to regale us with scientific and fun facts that helped us to better appreciate this intelligent, caring species. One of a recurring mysteries of life to me is why the dolphins for thousands of years have been fascinated and protective of humans, and I can only respond that it is a true blessing. Any time you can enjoy this special experience is something you need to do, because you will be the better for it.
Written November 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
You must be a writer, I enjoyed your evaluation of our tour! Thank you for your insight and sharing it with others.
Written January 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Guide112750
2 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
We had a great experience on Dolphin Seafari! We were staying at the Disney Vacation Club and they pick you right up on the resort side of the marina. Frances was a knowledgeable guide. She took the time to answer all of the kids questions and even made sure she knew everyone’s name. They have reduced capacity and are following COVID-19 protocols. I know there are a lot of options, but I would definitely recommend picking Doplphi Seafari for your dolphin seeking adventure.
Written April 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We're so glad you enjoyed the tour. Thank you for your kind review. hope to see you again.
Best regards
Captain Tim
Written April 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
travelersalongway
McLeansboro, IL144 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
We took the 5pm cruise and was nice to have only 8 people on board so it wasn't crowded. We didn't go very far and was able to see several dolphin playing. The guides were able to tell about the animals and the area, very informative. It started raining and we were offered ponchos, was a good thing it was a covered pontoon. Definitely was worth the price, was not disappointed.
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sometimes the dolphin come to us! Broad Creek is home for many local dolphin. See them in their natural habitat is what we like to show you. Thank you for joining us.
Written October 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kevin S
Richmond, VA19 contributions
Jul 2021
Wonderful experience, laid back, comfortable, friendly and personal. We did the Dolphins and Donuts morning tour and the knowledge of the wildlife and the area shared by guide Deborah was relevant and interesting. We felt so welcome and appreciated. There were a lot of tired, whining kids on board this particular morning, our 5-year old included. Deborah was a master at patience and understanding and getting their attention. This was our 8-year old's birthday and Deborah and Capt Jason made her feel special and had all the passengers sing to her. Thanks for this great experience, just the right amount of time, especially for children.
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Any occasion is a good time to be on the Dolphin Seafari! Adding donuts to the mix is a nice touch too! We enjoyed having you on board.
Written July 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LB
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
This was well worth the cost! The boat was the perfect size to be close to the water so you could see the dolphins easier. Frances was a great guide - she was very knowledgeable about not only the dolphins but all the wildlife we saw. And the boat captain (sorry I don't remember his name) got the boat in position each time someone saw dolphins so we all could see. He did a fantastic job too.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for joining us on the Dolphin Seafari, I'm glad you enjoyed the tour and I'll pass your kind review along to the crew.
Best regards
Captain Tim
Written June 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
