Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise

Hilton Head Island offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the region while indulging in a delightful dining experience. The Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise takes guests on a 1.5-hour journey, where they can spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat and savor a freshly prepared, three-course meal crafted by award-winning chefs. With stunning views, flexible booking options, and positive customer feedback, this cruise promises an unforgettable evening on the water. But what makes this experience truly exceptional?

This experience made our article of What Are The Best Dining Experiences In Hilton Head Island? Our Top 5 Picks.

Key Points

• The Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise in Hilton Head Island offers a unique dining and sightseeing experience on the water, priced from €64.24 per person.
• The 1.5-hour cruise includes a 3-course dinner menu with dishes like mahi mahi tacos, jerk chicken, and vegetarian options, as well as a kids’ menu.
• Guests can search for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat while enjoying scenic views of Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie Island.
• The cruise has seating options on the upper or lower deck, with climate-controlled indoor and shaded outdoor seating available.
• The cruise departs from the Vagabond Cruise reservation office behind Harbour Town Lighthouse, with boarding 30 minutes before departure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The activity on offer is a Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise on Hilton Head Island, priced from €64.24 per person.

The cruise lasts 1.5 hours, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

The cruise lasts 1.5 hours, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later, without any upfront payment.

This provides flexibility and convenience for those interested in this unique dining and sightseeing experience on the water.

Dining Experience

As part of the dining experience, the 3-course dinner menu is prepared daily by award-winning chefs.

The menu includes:

• A Southwest Caesar salad for the first course.

• Main dishes like mahi mahi tacos, jerk chicken with pineapple salsa, and veggie tacos.

• A kids’ menu with options like chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, and chicken alfredo pasta.

• For dessert, a raspberry coulis with fresh whipped cream.

Guests can enjoy a selection of wine, champagne, and cocktails from the onboard bar while taking in the scenic views during the cruise.

Cruise Experience

Guests aboard the dolphin watching dinner cruise can search for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat as the boat provides scenic views of Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie Island.

The captain offers narration about the local history, enhancing the experience.

Seating options include private tables on the upper or lower deck, with climate-controlled indoor seating or shaded outdoor seating.

Whether enjoying the views from the upper deck or dining inside, passengers can relax and take in the sights while savoring the delicious 3-course meal prepared by award-winning chefs.

Meeting and Logistics

Travelers can meet at the Vagabond Cruise reservation office, located behind the Harbour Town Lighthouse, to begin their dolphin watching dinner cruise experience.

Boarding occurs 30 minutes before departure at the Spirit of Harbour Town on the pier. Due to high traffic in the evening, it’s recommended to arrive early for parking.

The vessel offers:

1. 10 steps to access the Lower Deck

2. An additional 10 steps to reach the Upper Deck

3. Accessibility for guests, though the steps may pose challenges for some.

The captain and crew aim to provide a smooth and enjoyable journey along the scenic Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie Island waterways.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have generally been pleased with their dolphin watching dinner cruise experience, rating it an overall 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 28 reviews.

The transportation and value for money were rated 4.3 and 4.2 respectively.

Positive feedback highlighted the courteous captain and crew as well as the delicious food.

Some suggestions for improvement included better securing upper deck items due to wind.

Highlights of the Cruise

The dolphin watching dinner cruise offers guests a delightful evening of wildlife viewing and scenic cruising along the picturesque waters surrounding Hilton Head Island.

The highlights of the cruise include:

1. Searching for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, with the captain providing informative narration about the local wildlife.

2. Taking in the stunning views of Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie Island as the vessel glides across the water.

3. Enjoying a delicious 3-course meal prepared by award-winning chefs, complete with a selection of drinks from the onboard bar.

Best Time to Visit

When is the best time to embark on this dolphin watching dinner cruise? The sunset cruises, which depart around 6 PM, offer the most ideal conditions.

As the day winds down, the dolphins become more active, searching for their evening meals. The lighting is also breathtaking, casting a warm glow over the water and surrounding islands.

Booking an evening cruise ensures you’ll witness the stunning Lowcountry scenery at its finest, while also increasing your chances of spotting the graceful marine mammals.

Cruises operate year-round, but summer and early fall tend to be the peak seasons for dolphin sightings in this region.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Although the cruise generally runs smoothly, there are a few additional tips and considerations guests should keep in mind.

First, arrive early to the meeting point to avoid parking challenges in the high-traffic evening.

Arrive early to the meeting point to avoid parking challenges in the high-traffic evening.

Second, bring a light jacket or wrap, as the ocean breeze can be cool, especially on the upper deck.

Finally, secure any loose items on the upper deck, as the wind can easily blow things overboard.

With these simple preparations, guests can maximize their enjoyment of the delightful dolphin watching and dining experience on the waters of Hilton Head Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

You’re not allowed to bring your own food or drinks on the cruise. The cruise offers a 3-course dinner prepared by award-winning chefs, as well as an onboard bar with wine, champagne, and cocktails.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for This Cruise?

The cruise website doesn’t mention any discounts or packages currently available. However, customers can save by booking early and taking advantage of the "Reserve now & pay later" option with no upfront payment required.

What Should I Wear to Be Comfortable on the Cruise?

To be comfortable on the cruise, dress in casual, weather-appropriate attire. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on the boat. Bring a light jacket or sweater in case it gets breezy on the water.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Children?

There are no age restrictions for the dinner cruise. Children are welcome and have a special menu with options like chicken tenders and pasta. Families should plan for the 10 steps to access the lower and upper decks.

Are There Any Special Dietary Accommodations Available?

The cruise offers special dietary accommodations, including a kids’ menu with options like chicken tenders and pasta. They can also accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners with advance notice.

The Sum Up

The Hilton Head Island Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise offers a captivating blend of fine dining and wildlife viewing. At €64.24 per person, it promises an unforgettable evening on the water, with delectable cuisine and the chance to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. With flexible booking options and positive customer feedback, it’s an experience worth considering for those visiting Hilton Head Island.

You can check availability for your dates here: