About Us
The owners of Dolphin Seafari, Tim and Beth, are originally from Ohio and have a passion for the island life. After a Hilton Head vacation in 1995, they decided they were ready for some adventure and moved to the island in 1996. They began to follow their dreams and pursue their passions in 2004 when they began working on the water, starting a boat rental and wave runner business. In 2008, they decided it was time to take it to the next level and began adding dolphin tours to their day-to-day agendas.
Every day out on the water is different, and it is something that they never tire of. They look forward to what every day has to offer. They love nothing more than sharing their passion and excitement for being out on the water with their customers: some who are experiencing it for the first time, and many return customers who, like Tim and Beth, just can’t get enough of what the Lowcountry has to offer!
When they are not working, Tim and Beth both enjoy fishing and spending time with family and friends. Come be a part of our family so we can show you Hilton Head like you have never seen it before!
FAQ
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The boat has been treated with a 90 day hospital grade NANO-SHIELD anti-microbial disinfectant and protectant. We also sanitize in between trips.
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YES! 90 minutes long. Minimum of 5 guests up to 20 guest of the same family/group. The boat does have a restroom onboard and cools are welcomed. Pleas CALL for rates and times to reserve. (843) 785-2345
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Definitely! We have nearly 200 local bottlenose dolphins that live here year-round. In the summer, our visiting dolphins make that total grow up to 400 – 600!
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Any time is a good time to see the bottlenose dolphins. Like us humans, they need to breathe air and are always coming up to the surface.
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With our frequent tide changes (approximately every six hours), our 30-foot covered pontoon boat can navigate the waters well. The boat can get very close to shore if it needs to for the best viewing.
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With the water constantly moving and changing, no two trips are ever the same. The lower tide does bring out more of the wildlife and all of the different bird species. Maybe you could even spot a shark on the shoreline feeding! The higher tides are calmer waters and make it easier to spot the dolphins.
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This is the #1 question we get, and unfortunately, the answer is no. It is illegal to feed or harass the dolphins in any way. Bottlenose dolphins have a very delicate makeup, so hunting and feeding on fresh fish, crabs, and squid is very important for them. The dolphins get their water from eating fresh fish. There is up to a $10,000 dollar fine for feeding the dolphins.
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The captain will get as close to the dolphins as is safe and allowed by the Coast Guard. The dolphins are very friendly and inquisitive by nature.
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Bald eagles, bottlenose dolphin, cormorants, egrets, manatee, ospreys, and even maybe a shark!
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On occasion, there may be one; however, alligators do not live in salt water. They live mainly in the brackish water of the lagoons.
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Our Dolphin Seafari boat is a 30-foot Coast Guard USS approved vessel. It is a completely covered boat with a restroom on board, and it’s comfortable for 20 passengers.
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Yes, you may have the boat all to yourselves when you reserve a private charter for your family or friends. The boat will hold up to 20 passengers and comes with a captain and first mate! We can do our regular tour of 90 minutes, or you can just sit back and enjoy your own planned birthday, anniversary, bachelorette/bachelor party, or even a celebration of life. Please call for times and reservations (times based on availability).
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We have a 24-hour notice of ANY changes to your reservation or number of guests in your group. If weather is an issue, the captain will make the call and we would notify you to either reschedule you for another day or offer a full refund.
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There are a couple of ways: Book directly on our website or call 843-785-2345. A credit card is needed at that time to reserve your seats. We are sorry we cannot take any reservations without a credit card.
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The Dolphin Seafari is a 30-foot covered pontoon boat with comfortable bench seating that is Coast Guard-approved to hold up to 20 passengers plus a captain and a first mate.
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The boat travels up and down Broad Creek, where it is calm. There is no open ocean travel.
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Yes, and it is completely covered from the hot sun in June, July, and August.
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Yes, PLEASE call for the best times with more convenient accessibility, 843-785-2345. Manual wheelchair access only please.
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Yes, we have life jackets for everyone one on board, however you are not required to wear them. They are located under each seat on the boat.
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For your safety, there is no swimming off of the boat. We are strictly a sightseeing vessel.
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Yes, the Dolphin Seafari is covered pontoon to keep the direct hot sun off of you.
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Coolers are welcome on any of our 90-minute boat tours, and yes, beverages of any kind are welcome (bottles or cans).
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Yes, you may bring snacks, food, and small coolers on board — anything that you want to make your time on the water more relaxing and enjoyable. The captain and mate are there to ensure you have a great time!
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Our Dolphin Seafari is geared for any age from 1 to 101!!
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The GPS address for our kiosk for check-in and boarding the boat is 1 Shelter Cove Lane, where ELA’S restaurant grille is also located. Parking is free and there are NO gate fees. However, we do ask you to come 30 minutes early because parking can be limited there. We do have additional parking at 9 Harbourside Lane, close to San Miguel’s restaurant and then a short walk to the left to our kiosk.
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Shelter Cove Marina does not have any gate fees. All parking is free.