Hunting Island Dolphin
Cruise

SEE DOLPHINS IN THE WILD

We don’t want to jinx it by saying this, but in the three years that we’ve offered this tour, we’ve seen dolphins every time. Our Hunting Island Dolphin Cruise is a fantastic 1.5 hours on the water- and perfect for families and friends.

FUN & EDUCATIONAL

Bottlenose dolphins love the protected waters around Hunting Island State Park and take advantage of the “24-hour-all-you-can-eat seafood buffet” that teems under the water.

pelicans seen on Hunting Island Dolphin Cruise

WILDLIFE & STUNNING VIEWS

Dolphins aren’t the only wildlife you’ll see! This rich habitat attracts bald eagles, ospreys, pelicans, blue crabs, herons, ibises and more.

Our guides will deepen your understanding of the area’s ecology by sharing about the local islands and waterways, how they were formed, and what unique features make for an ideal wildlife habitat.

GATHER A GROUP AND COME ON!

This 1.5 hour boat cruise is a great outing for all ages and is the perfect introduction to the beauty of the Lowcountry. Get a group of friends and family together for a relaxing boat cruise near Hunting Island State Park!

Hunting Island Dolphin Cruise Details

TOUR INFO

Adults: $40
Children 3-12: $20
Children 2 & under: Free

1.5 hours

WHERE TO MEET

ST. HELENA BASECAMP
1928 Sea Island Parkway
St. Helena Island, SC

From Hunting Island State Park, turn right and drive 5.9 miles. Coastal Expeditions will be on the left.

THINGS TO KNOW

Bring drinking water, sunscreen, and binoculars if you have them!

Dress for the weather and wear a hat and sunglasses. A light windbreaker or raincoat is often welcome, even on warm days.

LOOKING OUT FOR WILDLIFE

On Coastal Expeditions tours, we are careful not to do any thing that interferes with a wild animal’s natural behavior. On our dolphin tours, we follow practices that are taught to us by the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network to ensure that we never cause Atlantic bottlenose dolphins or other any other wildlife stress.

Dolphins are curious and gregarious by nature, and when they appear near the boat, we cut off the engines and enjoy their presence.

“Captain Henry Brandt offers a boat tour that cruises through the area’s Native American, Spanish, and French history; union occupation…all interspersed with musings on the estuary ecosystems and the fecund marvels of pluff mud.”

-SOUTHERN LIVING

Frequently Asked Questions

On the Hunting Island Dolphin Cruise, we regularly see bottlenose dolphins, eastern brown pelicans, bald eagles (and their nests!), ospreys, herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, wood storks, shorebirds and more.

We love dogs, but please leave yours at home unless it is a medical service dog. Please call with any questions at (843) 929-2047.

You’ll need to cancel 48 hours prior or you will not be eligible for a refund for the tour.

Weather (thunderstorms or high winds) may impact this excursion. Cancellations usually occur due to lightning, thunder or high winds and we will make sure to reschedule your group if needed. Our general cancellation policies apply unless our experts determine it is potentially unsafe or unwise to venture out. In the event that we decide to cancel due to weather, we will make every effort to call you at least two hours before your departure and help you reschedule or credit/refund the full cost of your trip.

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Gratuity is not included in your tour price. Our guides go above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic time out on the water! Average gratuity ranges from 15%–25% of your tour cost based on your experience. It is not required, but always greatly appreciated!