Discover the Vanishing Mile Isle, a shifting sandbar off Hilton Head Island that appears only at low tide. Join a private tour for an intimate beachcombing adventure with wildlife sightings and pristine coastal views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves light walking on sand and around tide pools.
Wildlife
History
The shifting sandbars around Hilton Head Island have long influenced local navigation and fishing patterns in the Lowcountry region.
Conservation
Tour operators follow strict guidelines to minimize impact, preserving the delicate ecosystem of the sandbar and marine habitats.
Cross Island Cruises
Discover the Vanishing Mile Isle, a shifting sandbar off Hilton Head Island that appears only at low tide. Join a private tour for an intimate beachcombing adventure with wildlife sightings and pristine coastal views.
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.
Check tide schedules
Plan your visit around low tide to ensure the sandbar is exposed and accessible for exploration.
Wear non-slip shoes
Tide pools and wet sand can be slippery—footwear with good grip will keep you steady while exploring.
Bring sun protection
The exposed sandbar offers little shade; use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays.
Keep distance from wildlife
Observe dolphins and seabirds from afar to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors during the tour.
Waterproof hiking sandals
Ideal for walking in wet sand and shallow tidal pools comfortably.
summer
Wide-brimmed hat
Protects against sun exposure on the open sandbar.
summer
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Useful for occasional coastal breezes or light rain showers.
spring
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during the outing in the sun-exposed environment.