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Summer’s Featured Attraction: Dolphin & Nature Tours

May 31, 2019

Subject: Dolphin & Nature Tour

Type: Nature Cruise

Location: Broad Creek Marina on Hilton Head Island

Cost:   Dolphin & Nature = $20 Adults; $10 Children

            Fireworks Evening Cruise = $28 Adults; $18 Children

            Sunset Dolphin Cruise = $22 Adults; $11 Children

Infants are FREE on all tours

Reservations: Yes

Audience: Everyone

Experience: I was in a seafaring mood so I decided to do something simple and relaxing this time around, and it couldn’t be any simpler or more relaxing than a sunset dolphin cruise with the folks at Dolphin & Nature Tours. Arriving within the 30-minute window they recommended before departure, I took my seat aboard the Island Queen, which is the larger of the two boats on their fleet. There was a brief talk about the commercial crab traps placed throughout the waters of Hilton Head which included a recommendation on checking the traps every 2-3 days so the crabs wouldn’t cannibalize each other. The commercial crabbing season usually occurs in the fall, but traps can be placed anytime.  We then set out in search of dolphins as we listened to the all-important safety talk.

We sailed towards Shelter Cove while Captain Scott spoke about phytoplankton and how it made the sea green as well as other nature tidbits.  As we went by Long Cove Club, Captain Scott talked a little about Hurricane Matthew and the damage the island sustained from the fallen trees and coastal flooding. We had yet to see any sign of dolphins as we began to head toward Palmetto Bay.

As we passed by channel markers, Captain Scott explained that they were colored and shaped differently to mark the right and left sides of the channels: green squares to the right (starboard) and red triangles to the left (port). The different shapes were to help the colorblind. We got a glimpse of Wexford Plantation and headed out through Palmetto Bay Marina.

As we passed by, Captain Scott recommended another attraction for the kids known as the Black Dagger, a fun pirate cruise ship tour. He then talked about how shrimp would go into Broad Creek as the tide lowered to hide from predators and spawn best in warm waters. If the winters were too brutal, the shrimp wouldn’t last. As we exited Palmetto Bay we passed by Spanish Wells and got a brief glimpse of the Harbor Town Lighthouse as its flashing light. We also spotted an Osprey nesting nearby and Captain Scott was ready to inform us all about the magnificent bird.

We made it to our destination, the Intracoastal Waterway, and searched for dolphins. We were told that the Intracoastal Waterway goes all the way from Miami to as far as the Chesapeake Bay. We were also told that Bull Island was once a hunting preserve for quail but now functions as a nature preserve. A previous owner of the island even once housed exotic species such as zebras and American bison.

Although we had no luck finding dolphins for now, we got some gorgeous sunset views. As we began our return to Broad Creek Marina, only then did dolphins begin to make their appearances. Seems like they were waiting for the right moment to show themselves.  As we spotted the dolphins breaking the surface of the water, Captain Scott spoke about how dolphins can cause half their brain to sleep so the other half can function and allow the dolphins to breathe while they sleep. We then concluded the tour and head back to the marina, but now without spotting another dolphin or two.  

Summary : A tour like this is a nice change of pace and a gentle ride throughout and on the whole quite educational. There were things I already knew like blue crabs having to be 5” tip to tip to be harvested and things I didn’t, like South Carolina having the most salt marsh on the Atlantic Coast.  Restrooms and refreshments are provided including beer and wine for the adults (cash only).  They do allow you to bring your own food and drink aboard

From the reaction of the other guests aboard, everyone seemed to really enjoy the trip, especially one lady who got really excited when she saw a dolphin jump out of the water. The kids were even giving a chance to “drive” the boat on the way back. This tour is just the thing you need to wind down from a long day on the beach with the family and just right for dates with the beautiful sunsets you will no doubt see. To a local like me, it wasn’t too exciting, but it was nice to learn new things since this is the kind of thing I grew up on. The crew was so determined to find dolphins we returned a little later than usual. It did take a while to see them, but we saw quite a few. If you need a nice affordable leisure cruise with a gorgeous sunset, look no further than Dolphin & Nature Tours.

Scoring (1-10):

Family Appeal ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9

Service ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8

Safety ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9

Atmosphere …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10

Fun …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8

Overall …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8.8

Recommend?: Yes and No

Contact:          P: (843) 681-2522              W: https://www.hiltonheadtours.com/

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