$299 • 2 Hours • All ages • Up to 6 passengers
Discover the thrill of dolphin strand feeding on a private two-hour salt marsh cruise around Hilton Head Island. Watch playful dolphins hunt and learn about this unique ecosystem from an expert Captain.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels since the tour is boat-based with minimal physical exertion
Wildlife
History
Hilton Head Island has a rich maritime history as a critical port during the Civil War and later developed as a conservation-focused resort community.
Conservation
The tour operators emphasize sustainable practices to minimize disturbance to wildlife and promote the preservation of the salt marsh ecosystem.
Cross Island Cruises
$299 • 2 Hours • All ages • Up to 6 passengers
Cross Island Cruises operates private boat tours around Hilton Head Island, specializing in intimate dolphin-watching excursions and tidal island adventures in Calibogue Sound. The company offers four distinct private trips: a Private Sunset Dolphin Cruise that glides through Calibogue Sound at sunset, a Private Dolphin Tour with an educational captain, a Vanishing Mile Isle Tour to explore the temporary sandbar and tidal pools, and a two-hour Strand Feeding Tour through the salt marsh. Each trip is delivered as a private charter, giving guests exclusive access to the vessel, personalized attention, and flexible itineraries tailored to weather and wildlife activity. Captains guide guests to natural dolphin habitats, point out local wildlife, and explain dolphin behavior, tidal patterns, and marsh ecology. Because tours focus on small private groups, Cross Island Cruises emphasizes a relaxed, family-friendly pace that prioritizes wildlife observation without disturbance. Photo opportunities include dolphin pods, marsh landscapes, and sunset vistas over the sound. Booking detail and trip length vary by experience; the Strand Feeding Tour lasts approximately two hours, and the Vanishing Mile Isle excursion is scheduled around low tide to access the sandbar. Safety briefings and basic safety equipment are provided aboard each private charter. Cross Island Cruises is featured on The Adventure Collective and is recommended for travelers seeking a personalized, educational, and scenic marine outing near Hilton Head Island. Tours accommodate families, couples, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking a private experience with knowledgeable local guidance and flexible departure times, and memorable coastal wildlife encounters for all ages.
Tours Offered
4 private trips
Private charters for each experience
Typical Length
2 hours
Strand Feeding Tour duration
Private Charters
Exclusive boats
Personalized attention for groups
Featured On
The Adventure Collective
Curated local tour listing
Reserve a private charter for sunset, low-tide sandbar access, or a two-hour strand feeding tour — limited spots, book early.
Bring binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing with binoculars for spotting dolphins and birds far in the marsh.
Keep noise levels low
Maintain quiet during the tour to avoid disturbing the dolphins and other wildlife.
Dress for changing weather
Wear layered clothing to stay comfortable as coastal conditions can shift quickly.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin while preserving the fragile marine environment by choosing reef-safe products.
Binoculars
Essential for spotting dolphins and birds in the salt marsh from a distance.
Sunhat
Protects from direct sun exposure during the open-air boat tour.
summer
Light jacket
Helpful for cooler coastal breezes in spring and early mornings.
spring
Reef-safe sunscreen
Important for skin protection while minimizing environmental impact.
summer