The Hilton Head Island Dolphin Touring Blog

Hilton Head Dolphin Tours: The Complete Guide to Broad Creek's Wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:36:41 GMT

If you're planning a trip to Hilton Head Island and dolphins are on your must-do list, this is the guide that'll save you a few hours of homework. We'll walk through what a Hilton Head dolphin tour actually looks like on a typical morning on Broad Creek, the wildlife you can expect to see beyond the dolphins themselves, when to go for the best chances of an up-close encounter, what to bring, and how to pick the right tour for the people in your group. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, organizing a family reunion, or just looking for a beautiful 90 minutes on the water, you're in the right place.

A note before we start: this is the most complete page we'll write on the topic. Bookmark it. We'll link out to deeper pieces on specific questions (sunset cruises, what to bring with kids, the science behind dolphin behavior, and so on) as those go live. Think of this as your home base.

What a Hilton Head Dolphin Tour Actually Is

A Hilton Head dolphin tour is a guided boat trip — usually 90 minutes, occasionally longer for private charters — through the tidal creeks and sound waters that surround Hilton Head Island. The goal is straightforward: get you close enough to a pod of wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that you can see their dorsal fins break the surface, hear them exhale, and watch how they actually move in their home water.

It's not an aquarium. Nothing's scripted. The dolphins are wild residents of the Lowcountry, doing what they do every day whether or not a tour boat is watching. That's the whole appeal. You're a guest in their water for an hour and a half, not the other way around.

Our tours leave from Broad Creek, the tidal waterway that cuts inland from Calibogue Sound and is home to a long-established resident dolphin population. Broad Creek is the more intimate way to see them — narrower water, closer shorelines, and a wildlife mix that goes well beyond just the dolphins. It's also a big part of why our sightings are so reliable: the resident pods feed and travel through this creek every day, and we often spot fins from the dock before we ever cast off.

Why Broad Creek Is Different

Broad Creek is a tidal estuary, which is a fancy way of saying it's a brackish waterway where freshwater from inland meets salt water from the Atlantic. That mix supports an incredible amount of life — fish, shellfish, shorebirds, wading birds, and the dolphins that feed on all of it.

The dolphins you see on a Broad Creek tour aren't passing through. Most of them live here year-round. Researchers at the University of South Carolina Beaufort have been photographing and identifying individual dolphins in these waters for years, tracking them by the unique nick patterns on their dorsal fins and giving them names that local guides know by heart. When your captain spots a particular dolphin and tells you which one it is, that's not a sales pitch — that's local knowledge built over decades of being on this water.

The creek itself is beautiful in a way that surprises a lot of first-time visitors. You'll cruise past shoreline lined with spartina grass — the same marsh grass that holds the Lowcountry coastline together — and past oyster beds exposed by the tide, with great blue herons standing motionless on the mud. Some of the more impressive waterfront homes on the island are visible from the creek, including properties in Long Cove, Wexford, and Spanish Wells Plantations. Depending on how far you head out, you might also catch sight of the Harbour Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island in the distance, or the Savannah River Bridge on a clear day.

What You Can Expect to See

Dolphins are the headline act, but they're not the whole show.

Dolphins

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are the main species you'll encounter. They typically travel in pods of three to ten, sometimes more. You'll often see them surfacing in coordinated patterns — one dolphin coming up, then another, then a third — as they breathe between dives. Adults are six to twelve feet long, and the calves, when you spot them swimming close to their mothers, are surprisingly small. Bottlenose dolphins eat about five percent of their body weight each day — roughly fifteen to thirty pounds of fish, squid, and crustaceans — which is one reason they're constantly on the move.

If you're lucky, you might see what biologists call strand-feeding. It's a foraging technique unique to a small number of Lowcountry dolphin populations, where a coordinated group rushes a muddy creek bank, uses their bow wave to push fish onto the shore, and then briefly throws themselves onto the mud to grab their meal before sliding back into the water. It's one of the more unusual hunting behaviors in the entire dolphin world, and South Carolina is one of the only places it happens.

Wading Birds and Shorebirds

The salt marsh is a birder's paradise even if you didn't know you were a birder. On a typical 90-minute tour you'll likely see great egrets, snowy egrets, great blue herons, brown pelicans, osprey, double-crested cormorants, and oystercatchers. Bald eagles aren't unusual either — there's a healthy population in Beaufort County, and they nest along the coast. Some tours have spotted wood storks, anhingas, and roseate spoonbills depending on the season and the route.

Other Marine Life

Sea turtles surface occasionally, particularly in warmer months. Jellyfish drift through in waves seasonally. Stingrays glide along the shallower bottoms. Blue crabs and shrimp are constantly visible in the creek bottom when the water is clear. If the captain spots something interesting, they'll usually slow down so you can take a look.

When to Go

Hilton Head dolphin tours generally run from spring through fall, with the heart of the season being June through September. There are differences between the seasons worth knowing about before you book.

Early Season (March through May)

Cooler water, fewer tourists, lighter booking volume. Dolphins are present but slightly less active in cooler water, and you may need a light jacket on a morning tour. The advantage: better availability, often a quieter boat, and easier sunset views since the sun sets earlier.

Peak Season (June through August)

The classic Hilton Head experience. Warm water, active dolphins, abundant birdlife, late sunsets. Tours fill up early — booking a week or more in advance is wise, especially for sunset cruises and weekends. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Mornings are slightly cooler and the light is better for photos.

Late Season (September through Mid-October)

Often the best month for dolphin watching if you want to dodge the heaviest crowds. The water is still warm, dolphin activity is high, and the tourist volume tapers after Labor Day. Sunsets get earlier, which means you can pair a dolphin tour with dinner without it running late.

Off-Season (Late October through February)

We run year-round, and many visitors are surprised to learn the dolphins stay too. Activity is lower in the coldest stretches and the weather is cooler, but on a mild winter day a quiet creek to yourself is its own kind of tour. Several other operators close for the season — we don't.

Time of Day

Mornings (around 9 to 11 a.m.) and late afternoons (4 to 6 p.m.) tend to be when dolphins are most actively feeding, since they follow the tides and the schools of fish moving with them. Sunset cruises pull double duty: you get the dolphin activity of late afternoon plus the visual payoff of a Lowcountry sunset over the water. The downside is that sunset tours sell out fastest, so book early.

Choosing the Right Tour for Your Group

There are a few different ways to spend your time on the water, and the right one depends mostly on who you're traveling with.

Families with Young Children

A shorter tour (our 90-minute daytime cruise is the sweet spot), shaded seating, and easy access to a restroom make all the difference with little ones. The narration matters a lot here, too — our captains pitch the educational content at multiple age levels, which keeps a five-year-old engaged without boring the adults. A smaller boat with a smaller group is a better experience than a packed double-deck cruise ship, especially for kids who need to move around. Our Wee Ones pricing covers ages 2–11 at under $6, and under 2 ride free.

Families with Teenagers or Older Kids

The daytime and sunset tours both work well. The chance to point out specific dolphins by name, talk about strand-feeding behavior, and connect what they're seeing to actual marine science can turn a tour from "boat ride" into "the best part of the trip" for a curious kid.

Couples and Adults-Only Groups

The sunset cruise is usually the right call. The photography is dramatically better in golden-hour light. If the trip is for a special occasion — anniversary, proposal, milestone — a private charter is worth the upgrade. You'll have the boat to yourselves, can request a customized route, and skip the rhythm of a shared tour.

Larger Groups, Reunions, and Events

Our private charters aboard the Splash and Prince of Tides scale better than booking out a public tour, and they're priced per boat rather than per person — which makes them surprisingly competitive for a group of six or more. Custom timing, a custom route, and a dedicated captain are part of the deal.

Guests with Mobility Considerations

Just ask — we'll give you a straight answer about whether our dock and boat will work for someone using a walker, wheelchair, or who has trouble with steps. A private charter often gives us more flexibility to make it comfortable.

What to Bring

Dress in layers, even in summer — the breeze on the water cools you down faster than you might expect, especially on a sunset tour. Sunscreen is mandatory, even on overcast days, because reflected light off the water doubles the UV exposure. A hat is helpful for the same reason. Closed-toe shoes or sandals with a back strap are better than flip-flops on a moving boat.

Bring water, especially on warm afternoons. If you're prone to motion sickness, take whatever you usually take about thirty minutes before boarding — the inshore water on a 90-minute Broad Creek tour is usually flat, but on a breezy day it can chop up a little.

Cameras and phones are welcome. The dolphins move quickly, so if you're shooting on a phone, set it to burst mode when you see fins coming up — you'll get one or two good shots out of a sequence of ten that you'd miss on a single tap. If you have a real camera with a longer lens, that's a meaningful upgrade for photos, but it's far from required. And don't forget to put the phone down now and then — the best moments are the ones you actually watch.

How Bookings Work

We take reservations online and by phone, and during peak season the smart move is to book at least a few days in advance. Sunset cruises and weekends fill up the fastest. If your travel dates are flexible, midweek mornings are easier to book and often less crowded. We run seven days a week, year-round — including Sundays, when several other operators are closed.

Our 90-minute daytime cruise is our standard cruise. The sunset cruise is a small premium over the daytime tour. Private charters are priced per boat rather than per person, which makes them a strong value for groups of six or more compared to booking individual seats.

And there's the guarantee: see dolphins on your tour, or your next tour is free. It's a promise we can make because the resident pods are on these waters nearly every day of the year, and after three decades on Broad Creek we know exactly where to find them at any tide. When you're comparing operators, look for a guarantee backed by that kind of local knowledge rather than hope.

What Makes a Good Dolphin Tour

After being on this water for decades, here are the things that actually separate a great Hilton Head dolphin tour from an average one.

Local Captains Who Know the Individual Dolphins

The captain who can tell you "that one's a regular we've been watching for years, and her calf is right there next to her" is giving you something you can't get from a boat that's brand-new to the water. Tenure on the creek matters.

Boats Built for Viewing, Not Just Capacity

A smaller boat with a stable platform and clear sightlines beats a packed double-deck ship if your goal is to actually see the dolphins well. Crowded boats mean limited viewing angles and a slower pace getting people back to the dock.

Narration That Matches the Water

The best guides talk about what's actually happening in front of you — that dolphin's behavior, that bird in the marsh, the tide we're working with — not just a generic script. You can tell within five minutes whether your captain is reading from memory or reading the water.

A Family-Friendly Atmosphere That Genuinely Means It

"Family-friendly" gets stamped on a lot of marketing copy. The real test is whether the tour is actually enjoyable for the adults too, whether kids are welcomed rather than tolerated, and whether the boat has the practical things — restroom, shade, room to move — that make 90 minutes with kids work.

The Guarantee Backed by Experience

A dolphin guarantee is meaningful when the operator has been on the water long enough to actually know where the dolphins are at different tides and times of day. A new operator offering the same guarantee is making a promise on hope. A long-tenured local family is making one on knowledge.

About Dolphin & Nature Tour

Dolphin & Nature Tour has been running guided dolphin and nature cruises out of Broad Creek since 1993, when Captain Sonny Compher founded it as a small family business. More than thirty years later it's still family-run — today by Sonny's nephew, Capt. Ted Compher, and his wife Katie — which is unusual in this market and shows up in ways you can feel on the water.

The fleet runs a daytime dolphin and nature tour , a sunset dolphin cruise , and private charters aboard the Splash and Prince of Tides, all from our longtime home dock on Broad Creek. Cruises are narrated by Coast Guard-licensed captains who know the creek's dolphin pods individually, the local nesting birds, and the tide patterns that govern wildlife activity on any given day.

The guarantee is straightforward: see dolphins on your tour, or get a free return cruise. After decades of running tours on these waters, that promise is backed by knowing exactly where the dolphins tend to be at different tides and times of day. It's a guarantee we rarely have to honor, because Broad Creek's dolphins show up nearly every trip out.

Ready to Book?

If you're ready to plan your dolphin tour, the next step is to pick the tour that fits your group: a daytime 90-minute cruise, a sunset cruise, or a private charter for special occasions. Each one is built around the same core experience — Broad Creek's resident dolphins in their natural water — but the timing, the group size, and the atmosphere are different.

You can check schedules and book online, or give us a call. Tickets for sunset cruises and weekend tours tend to sell out the fastest during peak season, so the earlier you book, the better your timing options.

Have questions before you book? Reach out. A good dolphin tour operator should be willing to help you figure out which tour is right for your group before you put any money down. That's the kind of conversation that starts long-term guests — and it's the kind of conversation Hilton Head's longest-tenured tour family has been having with visitors for thirty-plus years.

BOOK A DOLPHIN TOUR TODAY >

Capt. Ted Compher is the owner of Dolphin & Nature Tour in Hilton Head, South Carolina. He has spent thirteen years running tours on the island's waters — ten of them as a licensed captain — after first learning the creeks as a teenage deckhand for the family business his uncle founded in 1993. An avid fisherman with deep knowledge of the local waterways and wildlife, Ted lives on Hilton Head with his wife Katie, their two daughters, and two Boykin Spaniels who are never far from the boat.

What to Expect on Your First Hilton Head Dolphin Tour: A Complete Guide

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:09:35 GMT

A first dolphin tour can feel like a leap into the unknown. How long is the trip? Where do we meet? Do the dolphins actually show up — or is “sighting guaranteed” just a clever line? What do you bring with two kids and a stroller? After more than thirty years on Broad Creek, and tens of thousands of families and first-timers later, we have heard every version of those questions, and we know exactly what to expect on your first Hilton Head dolphin tour.

I am Capt. Ted, and my wife Katie and I run Dolphin & Nature Tour on Hilton Head Island. The boats we run today were founded by my uncle, Captain Sonny Compher, back in March of 1993. I deckhanded for him as a teenager, learned these creeks one tide at a time, and ten years ago Katie and I moved south to carry the family business forward.

This guide walks you through everything — from booking and dock check-in to the moment a dolphin surfaces three feet from the boat — so your first dolphin tour with us feels less like a leap and more like an unhurried Lowcountry afternoon with a family that knows these waters as well as anyone.

Before You Arrive

How Far in Advance Should I Book?

Most families book their Hilton Head dolphin tour one to three days ahead in peak season (June through August), and a week or more ahead for sunset cruises, which book up fastest. Same-day spots do open up, especially on the daytime tours — but if you have a specific date and time in mind, booking online a few days out is the safest play. Tickets are available 7 days a week through our online booking system, or by calling the office.

If you are traveling with a larger group — say, six adults and a few wee ones — booking even further out is wise. And if you are planning anything special (a birthday, an anniversary, grandparents in town from out of state), a Private Charter is worth considering, and those usually need at least two weeks of lead time.

What Should I Wear and Bring?

Hilton Head’s water is calm — these are protected creeks and sounds, not open ocean — but you are still on a boat with a little breeze and a little sun. A few simple recommendations:

Layers.

Even on a hot June day, the breeze coming off Calibogue Sound is cooler than you would guess. A light long sleeve or wrap is welcome on the way back to the dock.

Sunscreen.

Apply before you board. The sun reflects off the water and burns you twice.

A hat with a strap, or a baseball cap.

Anything brimless or flimsy will end up swimming with the dolphins.

Sunglasses.

Polarized lenses help you spot dolphins under the surface a beat sooner

Closed-toe shoes for the kids; sandals or boat shoes for grown-ups.

Dock planks are forgiving but flip-flops can be slippery.

Camera or phone.

Bring it — but expect to also just watch. Dolphins surface fast and most of the time you will see more by lowering the phone.

A snack and water for little ones.

We have soft drinks and water on board, but nothing fends off a hungry three-year-old quite like grapes from home.

Are Kids Welcome?

Yes — and not just “welcome” in the polite sense. Half the joy of running this business is watching a six-year-old register what a wild dolphin actually looks like at boat-side, three feet away, eye to eye. We have built the tour around families with kids: our Wee Ones pricing covers children 2–11 at under $6 on the daytime cruise (and free under 2), and our crew is trained to talk with kids, not over their heads. If your child is dolphin-obsessed, this is going to be the highlight of their Hilton Head week.

At the Dock — Check-In on Broad Creek

Where We Are Located

We sail from Broad Creek Marina, on the south side of the island just off Marshland Road. Broad Creek itself is one of the reasons our dolphin sightings are so reliable — the resident pods feed and travel through this creek every day, and we often see fins from the dock before we ever cast off. (It is true. Ask a returning guest.)

Parking and Arrival

Parking is free and easy at Broad Creek Marina — there is no resort entry fee, no shuttle, no maze. Plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure so the crew can check you in, walk you to the boat, and answer questions before we untie. If you are running a few minutes late, call the office — the captain holds the boat when they can.

The Tour Itself — A 90-Minute Walkthrough

Cast Off and Heading Into Calibogue Sound

The first few minutes after we leave the dock are slow on purpose. We motor through the no-wake zone of Broad Creek, giving everyone time to settle in, get oriented on the boat, and start scanning the water. Our boats hold a maximum of 39 guests — small enough that there is a clear sight line from every seat, large enough that there is room to stand, move around, and find shade.

When (and Where) the Dolphins Usually Appear

Bottlenose dolphins are creatures of habit. The resident pods that live in these waters move with the tides, hunt in predictable spots, and tend to surface in the same handful of locations. Most of the time, we will see our first dolphins within the first 15 to 20 minutes of the tour — sometimes in Broad Creek itself, sometimes in the wider water of Calibogue Sound. On a strong day, we will see five or six different groups of dolphins; on a typical day, we will spend extended time with two or three.

Tides matter more than time of day. An incoming tide carries baitfish up into the creeks, and the dolphins follow them in to feed. An outgoing tide tends to push them back into the deeper sound. After three decades of running these tours, our captains know which bend to be sitting in at which point in the tide cycle — it is the kind of unwritten knowledge that does not exist on any chart, and it is the single biggest reason families who book with us see dolphins at the rate they do.

What Your Naturalist Captain Will Be Talking About

This is not a recorded narration. Whoever is at the wheel — me, or one of our captains — is a working naturalist with years of experience reading these waters. You will hear about the difference between a mother-and-calf pair and a hunting pair, why dolphins sometimes ride the bow wave, what “strand feeding” is (and yes — Lowcountry dolphins are one of the only populations in the world that practice it), and which birds we are sharing the creek with: ospreys, herons, the occasional bald eagle, and the ever-present pelicans. If you have a question, ask it. The whole tour is built around conversation.

Strand feeding is worth a sentence on its own. A small group of dolphins will work together to chase a school of mullet up onto a muddy bank, beach themselves momentarily, eat, and slide back into the water. Only the Lowcountry and a handful of spots in South America see this behavior. We do not always catch it on a tour — it is opportunistic — but when we do, it is the kind of thing your kids will be telling their teachers about in September.

How Close Will We Get?

Federal law (the Marine Mammal Protection Act) sets minimum distances for approaching wild dolphins — we never chase, herd, or feed them. That said, they often come to us. Dolphins around Hilton Head are well habituated to boat traffic and curious enough that they routinely surface within a few feet of our hull, sometimes alongside, sometimes underneath, sometimes in the wake. There is no need to push. The patience is the point.

The Dolphin Sighting Guarantee — How It Works

We guarantee dolphin sightings on every tour. If we go out and do not see a dolphin — which, in three decades, almost never happens — you ride again with us on a future tour, free. No paperwork, no negotiation. We are not promising you a circus act; wild dolphins are wild. We are promising you that if for some reason the creek does not deliver, we will. That promise is part of what has kept this business in our family for over thirty years.

Frequently Asked First-Timer Questions

What If the Weather Turns?

We run rain or shine — light rain on a 90-minute tour is genuinely no big deal, and many of our best dolphin days have grey skies. If the weather is unsafe (thunderstorms, small craft advisories), we cancel and rebook or refund. Coastal pop-up showers are usually short and pass over. For full cancellation policy details, see our FAQ .

Will Anyone Get Seasick?

Almost never. The protected creeks and sound we cruise are calm — much closer to lake conditions than open ocean. If anyone in your group is seasick-prone, the daytime tour is the safer choice (the wind drops mid-day), and we recommend a light meal an hour before boarding.

Can I Bring a Cooler or Drinks?

You are welcome to bring water and snacks. Adult beverages are fine on our tours in moderation. We do not permit glass containers (it is a boat — physics is unforgiving), so cans or plastic only.

Sunset vs. Daytime — Which Is the Best First Tour?

For your first Hilton Head dolphin tour, we usually recommend the 90-Minute Daytime Cruise . The light is best for spotting dolphins, the heat-of-day activity in the creeks tends to be strong, and you will be back at the dock with most of the afternoon ahead of you. If you are an early-evening person — or this is a date night — the Sunset Dolphin Cruise is a beautiful alternative. Many families do one of each across a weeklong vacation.

Do You Run Year-Round? Sundays?

Yes to both. We run dolphin tours seven days a week, year-round. Hilton Head’s mild Lowcountry climate means dolphins are here in every season, and our boats sail right through the cooler months when many other operators close. Sundays in particular are a popular tour day for visiting families — several of the other dolphin operators on the island are closed Sundays, and we are not. If your trip lands over a weekend, a Sunday morning cruise is one of the calmest, quietest times to be out on the water.

Ready to Book Your First Hilton Head Dolphin Tour?

You have now seen the whole picture: what to wear, when to arrive, what the tour looks like minute-by-minute, and how the guarantee works. The only thing left is to pick your day. We run tours seven days a week, year-round, with our peak season running March through October.

Sighting guaranteed. Free parking, no resort fees, family-owned since 1993.

Book Your Daytime Dolphin Cruise →

Capt. Ted Compher, Owner

Capt. Ted Compher is the owner of Dolphin & Nature Tour in Hilton Head, South Carolina. He has spent thirteen years running tours on the island’s waters — ten of them as a licensed captain — after first learning the creeks as a teenage deckhand for the family business his uncle founded in 1993. An avid fisherman with deep knowledge of the local waterways and wildlife, Ted lives on Hilton Head with his wife Katie, their two daughters, and two Boykin Spaniels who are never far from the boat.

The Great Dolphin Migration

Thu, 07 May 2026 14:52:52 GMT

A Story beneath the waves!

The bottlenose dolphin (scientific name: Tursiops truncatus) is one of the most recognizable marine mammals in the world. Known for their intelligence and playful behavior, these dolphins can be found in warm and temperate oceans across the globe. One of the most fascinating aspects of their lives is their migration behavior, which is influenced by water temperature, food availability, and breeding needs.

Unlike some whale species that travel thousands of miles each year, bottlenose dolphins do not always follow strict migration routes. Many populations are considered “resident,” meaning they remain in the same coastal area year-round. Others are “migratory” and move seasonally between regions. Along the Atlantic coast of the United States, for example, some bottlenose dolphins travel south during colder months and return north when temperatures rise in spring and summer.

Food is a major factor behind these movements. Bottlenose dolphins feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans, often following schools of prey as ocean conditions change. Water temperature also plays a key role because dolphins prefer environments that support abundant marine life. In colder seasons, migrating dolphins often seek warmer coastal waters where feeding conditions are more favorable.

Scientists study dolphin migration using satellite tags, photo identification, and acoustic monitoring. These methods help researchers understand population health, habitat use, and the effects of climate change. Rising ocean temperatures and increased human activity may alter traditional migration patterns, making long-term research increasingly important.

Migration is not only essential for survival but also for maintaining healthy ecosystems. As top predators, bottlenose dolphins help balance marine food webs. Their seasonal movements connect different coastal habitats and provide valuable insight into the changing health of the oceans.

Understanding bottlenose dolphin migration patterns allows researchers and conservationists to better protect these remarkable animals and the environments they depend on. Join us today to learn so much more about dolphins and our local ecosystems!

The Secret Feeding of Dolphins

hiltonheadtoursinfo@gmail.com (Katie Compher) — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 22:11:45 GMT

Strand feeding- the hidden secret

Strand feeding is a learned group hunting behavior that bottlenose dolphins sometimes use to catch their meals. Strand feeding is most common in the Lowcountry. It is very unique and special to see.

This hunting technique is started by a group of dolphins, average pod size of 2-8, circling a school of fish. Then it is followed by herding fish onto sandbars or mudflats by chasing them onto it or flinging the fish with their powerful tails. The dolphins will then throw themselves onto the sandbar or mudflat and eat the shocked fish. This strategy is one that is passed down from generation to generation. This strategy is used in this area, to target minnows, mullet, menhaden, and other bait fish. Dolphins most commonly eat and hunt while swimming but will use strand feeding in limited circumstances to help fill their bellies.

Come out with us to see these amazing dolphins today!

Colossal Crabs of Hilton Head

hiltonheadtoursinfo@gmail.com (Katie Compher) — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 20:47:00 GMT

All about Stone Crabs

The Florida stone crab, or Menippe mercenaria, is one our amazing local crabs. It is found throughout the coastal areas of the Southeastern United States and thrives in salt marsh environments. The deeper waters of salt marsh environments are typically where you’ll find stone crabs, forty feet deep or more! The stone crab typically lives seven to nine years. The stone crab’s diet mainly consists of oysters, small shrimp, minnows, young menhaden and other bait fish. Stone crabs are often five to seven inches. These incredible crabs are most known for their claws! These incredible claws are sometimes larger than the rest of the crab! The claws are a delicious treat. When you catch stone crabs in your traps, only take 1 claw (if it only has one then leave it as they need a claw to defend themselves.)

Female stone crabs spawn as much as six times a year and lay anywhere from hundreds of thousands of eggs to a million in one sponge. A sponge is the name that is often used for crab nests and is attached to the mother until they hatch. But a dozen or less of those crabs will survive to adulthood. These crabs are only in the sponge for around two weeks. Then they go through several cycles of floating around with the tide, until they eventually go to the seafloor and begin crawling.

Predators of these amazing animals include dolphins, Loggerhead Sea Turtles, and shorebirds when the crab is very young. These crabs are famous for their massive muscular claws. To learn more about these extraordinary critters, their ecosystem and other amazing creatures come out our Dolphin & Nature Tour!

If you are interested in seeing a relative of the Stone Crab, the Blue Crab. Come check out our crabbing trip! We provide all of the gear, just bring yourself and enjoy this catch and release experience. www.hiltonheadcrabbing.com

The Majesty of the Marsh

hiltonheadtoursinfo@gmail.com (Katie Compher) — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 15:56:22 GMT

Read below to learn more about the Wood storks on Hilton Head Island!

The wood stork is a very shy and majestic bird. They are one of the largest birds of the low country and are usually seen on the

lower half of the tide. The Wood Storks diet mainly consists of small fish, snakes, frogs and even small alligators, as well as other

small water animals. They live in coastal shallows, marshes, swamps, flooded pastures and ponds. They can be found in most of

the southern half of the U.S.

Wood Storks are around 40 inches tall and have a large body and long legs. Their wingspan is usually around 60-65 inches long.

They have white feathers covering most of their body and wings, but their head is featherless. When in flight they have a black tail

and black feathers trailing down the outside edges of their wings. Their beak curves downward. For nesting these birds commonly

choose large cypresses or mangroves and nest in colonies. They nest a few feet above the water. They lay 3-4 eggs at a time and

the eggs are a dull white. The eggs hatch after 28-32 days and then leave the nest 55-60 days after being laid. These amazing

animals may be seen on our Dolphin and Nature Tour! Come visit our beautiful Island of Hilton Head to see the Majesty of the

Marsh!

The "Snowbird" of Hilton Head

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 01:05:37 GMT

Our 2019 Blog is kicking off with a fun migratory bird to Hilton Head. The Bufflehead duck can be seen this time of year in our local waters. This is one of the many birds that you may see along the edges of Broad Creek during our Dolphin and Nature Tour. They tend to be along the sides of the waterways near the marsh grass. They are a migratory diving duck and are part of the water fowl category. They are one of the smallest diving ducks of North America. Buffleheads are about 12-15 inches long and weigh about 1 pound. Adult males have a black back with a white body, they have a large dark head with a large white patch that wraps around the back of the head. Adult females and immature males, (before a year old) are grey and brown with an oval shaped patch on their cheeks.

The primary diet of a bufflehead is aquatic insects, crustaceans and mollusks, they will also eat a small amount of seeds when needed. Due to their small size they are eating almost constantly to help maintain their body temperature. Diving is the main way they get their food and typically swallow it whole. The dives can last 12-25 seconds in length. Bufflehead breed in the north in the spring and are monogamous animals. They can lay around 8-14 eggs and typically return to the same area every year to breed. They make their nests in tree cavities made primarily by the northern flicker. While migrating down the coast buffleheads prefer more protected salt and brackish waters. Come on out on our tour to see these beautiful birds while they are still here!

*The picture used is from ducks.org

The Osprey of Hilton Head

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 17:25:16 GMT

The osprey are an amazing animal, you will see them soaring through the air looking for their next meal. Locally they are known as “fish hawks.” The picture you see above is a picture of an Osprey nest on one of the pilings in Broad Creek, this was taken during one of our dolphin and nature cruises.

Osprey are part of the hawk family, they are a carnivorous bird. In the air they are commonly mistaken for eagles. The easiest way to tell the difference is osprey have a white belly, eagles have a brown underbelly. I will be covering eagles in another article, this week we are focusing on Osprey. Osprey can be around 2 feet tall and have a wing span up to 6 feet. They molt several times before reaching 18 months. Live fish are their primary diet. The fish are caught by the Ospreys sharp curved talons. Their talons are sharp and curved, on their “toes” are small spikes that keep the fish from slipping out while flying. The Osprey are able to dive into the water to catch their prey.

Osprey typically live near the water, making their nests off the ground, on pilings, bridges and channel markers are examples of where you could see their nests. They mate in the spring, mostly in the month of March and mate for life. During the breeding period the female does not leave the nest, the male usually brings her all of her meals. Osprey usually lay 2-4 eggs and incubation is around 40 days. Young Osprey fledge the nest around 40-60 days and stay with their parents for an additional 6 weeks. They reach breeding maturity around 3 years old.

Osprey are one of the wonderful birds that can be seen on our Dolphin & Nature Tour.

The Heads & Tails of the Hilton Head Dolphins

Sat, 14 Jul 2018 21:15:00 GMT

It has been a while since I have written about our main attraction. I love dolphins, they are such fascinating animals. Learning about them and getting the opportunity to see them on a regular basis is amazing. Dolphins are such fun animals, they each have their own personality and some are more social than others. You will be able to see these amazing animals on our cruise. Today I am going to talk about the make up of the dolphin’s body, starting with their beak and ending with their tails.

There are many types of dolphins, they each have a different appearance but have the same body composition. Dolphins are mammals like us. A mammal is defined as warm blooded, able to nourish their young with milk secreted from mammary glands and have hair. Dolphins breath oxygen. Dolphins can have up to 250 teeth and are mainly used for grabbing food. They tend to swallow their food whole. Their snout is called a rostrum, at birth baby dolphins have whiskers on the upper part of the rostrum. After the whiskers fall out, if you look closely you are able to see where the hair follicles were on their upper lip. Dolphins have 2 eyes, the fascinating thing about their eyes is they can each move independently of the other. One eye can be looking forward and the other eye could be looking in a completely different direction. Next is the blowhole, this is how dolphins breathe. They inhale and exhale very fast, the air movement can be up to 100 mph. Much to my surprise, dolphins do have ears. The holes are very small and easy to miss. Don’t be misled, just because their ears are small, does not mean they don’t have amazing hearing. Dolphins can have some of the best hearing in the animal kingdom. They also have something called a melon, I have briefly discussed the melon before in the article on echolocation. Depending on the species of dolphin, the melon can be more pronounced than others. The melons primary purpose is echolocation.

The dolphins skin is very interesting, it is very smooth and has almost a rubber feel to it. Their skin is very sensitive to touch. They have many layers of skin cells and their skin grows much faster than humans. Their skin is constantly being rubbed off and replaced. They can shed the outer layer of their skin up to 12 times per day, that is about every 2 hours! The dorsal fins are unique to each dolphin. The dorsal fin helps provide balance. The dorsal fin is one of the differing parts of the different dolphin species. Some species only have a very small, almost unnoticeable dorsal fin while others can have a much more defined fin. The flippers help with steering, they also assist the dolphin with starting, stopping and slowing down. Their tail fin is called a fluke. The fluke is what helps propel the dolphin thru the water. They can swim anywhere from about 3-7 miles per hour. It is incredible to watch these animals gliding and swimming in the water. Their movements are so fluid and graceful.

To see these amazing animals and other local wildlife, come out on our Dolphin & Nature Tour. We would love the opportunity to share this experience with you and your family.

Horseshoe Crabs at Hilton Head

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 19:37:07 GMT

Along the beautiful beaches of this island you can see these interesting animals peeking out of the sand. Sometimes you will see parts of their shells where predators have eaten them as a tasty treat. They are typically brown in color and have a pointed tail. Any idea what animal I am talking about? It’s Horseshoe crabs! These animals are so interesting because even though they are called a “crab” they are more like a scorpion than a crab. There has been some debate as to which animal group they fit into. They are officially considered an arthropod.

As stated above horseshoe crabs are brown in color. They have 7 pair of legs. The last set of legs are called chelicerae. The chelicerae are used for grasping and crushing, these are similar to spiders and scorpions.Horseshoe crabs have a hard outer shell and a sharp hard tail called a telson.The telson acts more as a rudder to assist in the navigation of the water than for protection. Many times you will only see part of the horseshoe crabs through the sand. They try to bury themselves to hide from predators. They feed on algae, worms, shrimp and small clams.

The females tend to be larger than the males. This time of year, you may see these fascinating creatures mating in the shallow waters. One female could have up to 9 males attached to her at onetime. The males help fertilizing the 500 plus eggs the female will lay in the nest in the sand. The females make several nests every spring. If all the eggs do not get fertilized when they are initially laid, a male horseshoe crab can fertilize them in the nest shortly after.

It takes about 10 years for horseshoe crabs to reach sexual maturity. Like other crabs, they have to molt to grow, they can molt anywhere from 15-20 times in their lifetime. After they reach their reproductive years they can live up to 10 more years, making their total lifespan about 20 years. Horseshoe crabs are an integral part of the salt water ecosystem.

Come out and visit us on our Dolphin and Nature Tour to learn more about the wonderful local wildlife of Hilton Head Island!

Getting Crabby in Hilton Head

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 22:28:44 GMT

We have quite the variety of crabs on this wonderful Island.The most commonly known crab is the Blue Crab, many people enjoy a meal of these while visiting. We have many different species of crabs that call HiltonHead their home, I am just going to discuss one of them this week. You can also learn more about this wonderful animal on our Dolphin & Nature Cruise.

The most well known local crab is the Blue Crab. Some consider the Blue Crab the prize of the “Lowcountry”. Blue Crabs are in the crustacean family. We will discuss the blue crab on our Dolphin & Nature Tour. They can be found in the salty and brackish marsh creeks and ocean surf. You don’t want to step on these little guys or you may get an unexpected surprise!

Blue crabs do molt, their age determines how often. When they are in the molting stage and have not regained their new harder shell, this is what is referred to as a soft shell crab. You can find these at local restaurants, primarily in the spring. Many consider these to be a delicacy and an extra treat.

It is rare that you will catch a soft shell or molting crab while crabbing, they tend to hide until their shell hardens. If you decide to try your hand at catching these crabs, they must be a minimum of 5inches tip to tip to keep.

Keeping females of any size is discouraged and you are unable to keep them if they have an orange sponge of eggs. April thruOctober is crab season here, many people use chicken necks or legs for bait.You can visit the South Carolina DNR website for all of their rules and regulations for recreational crabbing and the limits on what to keep.

A few of their favorite meals consist of other small crabs like fiddler crabs, clams, seaweed and dead fish. Crabs are bottom feeders, they are considered a tasty treat by a variety of shore birds, larger fish and people. If they loose a claw or leg they are able to regenerate it, anew one will grow back by 1 month after loosing the previous claw or leg. They have 10 limbs with 2 being pinchers.

Blue crabs are able to walk and swim. You can always tell the difference between male and female crabs by their underbelly. The male has a slim elongated hinge and the female has a wider hinge that looks like a triangle. The female crabs also have red on the tips of their pinchers, making it look they have been painted.

The female crabs can have up to 2 million orange colored eggs on their abdomen. The crabs will be born in seaweed and take a full year to reach adult size. Less than 1% of the eggs will survive.Luckily the female crabs with eggs are protected to help with the future crab population.

If you get to see these guys up close, they are fun to watch them walk and scurry around. The way they raise and yield their pinchers gives a good warning if trying to pick them up. If you enjoy seafood, getting fresh crabs isquite the treat, if seafood is not your thing, even watching them is a treat in itself!

As always, my facts are from reputable sources. For more information about crabbing and the regulations, please visit the South Carolina DNR website.

Until next time………………..Katie

The Pearl of Hilton Head

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 20:27:58 GMT

Did you know that pearls are created from just a small grain of sand? Oysters are the amazing animal that make these beautiful stones. Hilton Head Island is fortunate enough to call itself home to these amazing creatures. During mid to low tide is the best time to see most of the oyster beds on the Island. You will be able to see these large beds along the sides of Broad Creek during our Dolphin and Nature Tour.

Lets start with the basics, oysters are part of the mollusk family along with clams and mussels. Oysters start out as 1 of millions of eggs released in a milky yellow substance that is cross fertilized with the males sperm. The first body hairs hatch in about 10 hours from the egg and they form a shell within 2 days. At 2 weeks old they are now the size of a pea and sink to the bottom of the water. Oysters usually grow about 1 inch a year and can live for up to 10 years. A large cluster of oysters is called a bed. Oyster beds are a great habitat for many other small creatures. Oysters filter the salty water and eat the phytoplankton and algae in the water. Each oyster may filter anywhere from 7-50 gallons of water per day making them very important to the marshes ecosystem. Oysters are only recommended to be consumed in Months ending in the letter R.

Aside from being collected and eaten by people, oysters have other predators that enjoy them as a tasty treat. Small snails, starfish, stingrays, drum and sheepshead all enjoy feeding on these delectable mollusks. The beds of oysters, even the empty oyster shells create a place for baby oysters and other animals to attach and grow. Be careful if approaching and touching oyster beds as their shells can be sharp.

Now onto the pearl! A pearl is formed when a grain of sand gets into the oyster shell. To keep it from irritating the oyster, they cover the irritant with layers of a substance called nacre. This is the same substance that is used to create their shells. They continue to put layers of the nacre on it to decrease the irritation. Pearls found in wild oysters are rare and believed to be good luck when found.

Dolphins Chatter about Hilton Head

Thu, 31 May 2018 02:00:50 GMT

There is so much to learn about the amazing animals that are local to this wonderful Island. On our Dolphin and Nature Tour you will get to see these incredible bottlenose dolphins and other animals local to Hilton Head. Being a mammal, dolphins have a lot of similarities to humans. Dolphins communicate with one another much like people do. They have their own language that is a combination of chirps, whistles and clicks. Dolphins make these sounds without even opening their mouths, they don’t have vocal cords like we do. Dolphins communicate with body language and gestures much the same way humans do. The way they flip their tale or posture their body communicates to the other dolphin. Just like our language the combination of sounds can have different meanings depending on the situation. As many of the words in our language can have multiple meanings depending on the tone they are spoken in. Each dolphin chooses its own signature whistle by its first birthday. That signature whistle is their name and can stick with them for up to 10 years. Dolphins also communicate using echolocation.

Echolocation is a type of sonar that assists dolphins in communication and the location of items within the water. They sense items up to several hundred feet away without being able to see them. Dolphins send out sound waves, the sound waves help to determine the size, shape and distance of an object. Echolocation is one of the dolphin’s superpowers! They send out a series of clicks, amplified by its melon and hear it bouncing off different objects giving them a picture in their head. This allows them to avoid potential dangers and find those tasty fish that are buried in the sandy bottom of the ocean. Dolphins have what is called a melon in their head and its main purpose is to work as an amplifier for the sounds and clicks the dolphin releases. Dolphins are considered to have some of the best hearing in the animal kingdom. I could just go on and on but will sign off for now. Come back for more information on dolphins and the other incredible animals we have here on Hilton Head Island. For a viewing of these great animals and other local wildlife come take our Dolphin and Nature Cruise! We guarantee that you will see dolphins. Until next time………Katie

Hilton Heads Prized Pelicans

Wed, 23 May 2018 17:26:49 GMT

Hilton Head is home to these magnificent birds; you may see them gliding thru the air or perched down at the marina by our boats. The type of Pelican that are local to Hilton Head are the Brown Pelican and you have a very high chance of being able to see these wonderful birds on our Dolphin and Nature Cruise. To watch these bird’s soar thru the sky is a sight to behold. They are so majestic and graceful for their size.

The Brown Pelican are about 4 feet tall and can have a wingspan around 6 ½ feet wide. They have a large dark throat pouch and bill. They are 3 years of age before they reach breeding maturity. You will be able to tell the difference between breeding and non-breeding by the color of their neck feathers. The nonbreeding birds have a white or lighter colored neck and the breeding adults have a dark colored neck. They are monogamous for the entirety of each breeding season. They have 1 brood per year laying 2-4 white eggs. They build their nests out of sticks, grass and reeds. The incubation period is 28-30 days and the fledging period is an additional 70-90 days. Both parents assist with these responsibilities.

Pelicans are very social birds and are usually found in groups. They frequently travel in groups of about 8-10 birds. You will see them flying together in a V formation. One of the Pelicans habits that I find so interesting to watch is how they feed. They will be flying when all of a sudden they see something and dive to grab dinner. The Pelicans preferred food are mostly schooling fish; mullet, menhaden, herring and minnows. They use their bill as a scoop and skim along the top of the water gathering food and water. They are then able to push the water out with just the fish remaining. They swallow the fish whole. They are not slow about this process either, they can glide over the water at 30mph. Pelicans are a fun bird to watch and learn about. You will be able to see these beautiful birds on our Dolphin and Nature Tour.

Come on out to Hilton Head and take our Dolphin and Nature Tour to see this bird, dolphins and learn so much more about our wonderful Island!

The Great Egret of Hilton Head

Tue, 15 May 2018 21:52:59 GMT

The Great Egret is one of the many beautiful birds you may encounter on our Dolphin & Nature Tour. The Great Egret is a white bird with black legs and a yellow bill. They are considered a bird of prey and can be up to 39 inches tall. The Great Egret gracefully walks along the shallows and marshes searching for food. They feed on small fish, aquatic insects, small amphibians, small reptiles and small mammals. When they see a fish or food of choice, they quickly strike with their pointed beak. The Great Egret swallows their food whole. The entire meal happens so quickly that unless you are directly watching them it is easy to miss. They are not above stealing fish from other birds. Don’t let the gracefulness fool you, they can show aggressive behavior towards other birds when needed.

In addition to this birds beauty and grace, they have gorgeous plumes that appear during breeding season. Breeding season is usually in the spring, March thru May. The male builds the nest, usually around other shorebirds. The female can lay 1-6 eggs in a nest made of sticks, twigs and reeds. The eggs are light blue in color and both parents alternate siting on the nest. The relationship between parents is monogamous during each breeding season. The incubation period is around 20-29 days and the fledging period, (where parents feed their young) could be up to 50 days. When the babies are born, they can be very aggressive toward their siblings. It is a situation of true survival of the fittest. They have 1 brood per year.

In the 1800s and early 1900s the Great Egret was at risk of becoming extinct because people would hunt them for their beautiful plumes. They are now a legally protected species and their numbers have greatly increased. They are no longer at risk for extinction. I would love to see any pictures you have captured of these beautiful birds. They are a very fascinating species to see. We are so blessed that Hilton Head Island is home to these beautiful birds and so much other wildlife. Come out on our Dolphin and Nature Tour to see Great Egrets and other local wildlife.

*facts verified by reputable sources

Viewing Baby Dolphins on our Dolphin Tour

Tue, 08 May 2018 19:07:32 GMT

It is an exciting time on Hilton Head right now, everyone is gearing up for the big summer season. I am personally excited about all the baby dolphins in our waters. Hilton Head has resident dolphins and with them come new little ones. It is so sweet to see baby Dolphins with their Moms, growing and flourishing in the local waters of Hilton Head. We are so blessed to be in such a wonderful place to witness the growth of the dolphins throughout the year. Come on out with us on our dolphin tour and see these sweet baby dolphins for yourself!

Here’s a few facts about baby dolphins

· Baby dolphins are called a calf.

· The gestation period is usually around 12 months and most times are born tail first.

· Sometimes there is another dolphin that assists with the delivery called an “auntie”, this could be any dolphin male or female.

· The delivery happens on the move to help keep them safe from predators.

· The calf stays with its mother for the first 3-6 years if its life.

· They nurse exclusively for the first 3-4 months of life and then slowly introduce fish into their daily diet when they start to get their teeth.

· A female dolphin can potentially have a baby dolphin every 2 years

· They nurse for up to at least 12 months of life.

· At birth the calf fins are soft and floppy and gradually become firm

· Each dolphin chooses its own signature whistle.

There is so much more information I could share but the true wonder is getting to see them for yourself.

*I did fact check my information thru reputable sources, the main one being National Geographic.

Top 5 items to bring on your Dolphin Tour

Tue, 01 May 2018 17:58:18 GMT

We are asked many questions on a daily basis with the top question being, “What should we bring with us on our dolphin tour?” I always have a list of a few things to bring with you to make your cruise an even more enjoyable experience.

1. A Camera- You will be able to catch many great memorable moments on the boat that your family will enjoy looking at for years to come! Not only will you be able to capture pictures of the dolphins and other wildlife, our staff are more than happy to assist in taking group and family pictures for you! On top of the group pictures, there is a great photo op toward the end of the trip for those with kids, weather permitting, we allow the children to take turns driving the boat and wearing a captains hat to create a wonderful photo opportunity and memory for the kids!

2. Sunglasses-while both of our boats have some cover, the reflection of the sun off the water can be very bright so it is always best to protect your eyes by bringing your sunglasses. Plus an added bonus, you will get a better view of the wildlife if you aren’t squinting due to the beautiful brightness of the sun.

3. Sunblock- As stated above, while both boats do have some cover, the reflection off the water can create an unexpected situation for some. It is possible to still get sunburned on a cloudy day so I would recommend sunscreen, especially if someone in your party easily burns.

4. Water- We do sell water on the boat but welcome you bringing your own as well. We do ask that if you bring your own water bottles just please avoid glass.

5. What to wear- Swimwear is not needed, every once in a while there may be an small splash but not enough to really get wet. You want to dress for the weather, usually it is a few degrees cooler on the water than on land especially in the morning and evening trips. If you are concerned about getting chilly, feel free to bring a jacket. We do have sweaters and blankets on the boat for our passengers to use as needed. A hat is always a great accessory to bring with you as well.

I hope this basic list helps answer your question of what to bring, please feel free to leave feedback of additional ideas for those who have taken our dolphin tour. As always, we are more than happy to go into more detail about this list or answer additional questions via phone or email. We want to make sure you have the most enjoyable experience! Hilton Head is a wonderful place to vacation! Thanks for reading, until next time……..Katie

Fun Things To Do On Hilton Head Island

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 21:56:58 GMT

We're excited to announce our new blog featuring family-friendly ideas for your vacation time on Hilton Head Island, SC! We plan to feature ideas for your dolphin and nature touring, and other fun things you can do while you're here.

Also, we'd love to hear about your vacation plans, as well as your experiences while taking one of our dolphin cruises. Please feel free to get in touch with us via our Contact Page .

Stay tuned for lots more info in the weeks and months ahead!