We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 133 Hilton Head Attractions »

Island Explorer

101 Marshland Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926
Ranked #7 of 52 tours in Hilton Head
5.0 of 5 stars 169 Reviews
Type: Tours
Owner description: With over 30 years experience in dolphin and nature cruises around Hilton Head Island, Capt. Jim Harkins and Island Explorer offers unique and...... more » Owner description: With over 30 years experience in dolphin and nature cruises around Hilton Head Island, Capt. Jim Harkins and Island Explorer offers unique and memorable tours. With both 12-passenger and 6-passenger boats, Island Explorer can accommodate large families or groups and still offer initmate experiences.You may choose a 1-Hour Introductory Tour, a 2-Hour Dolphin and Nature Excursion, or one of our 3-Hour and 3.5-Hour Expeditions. On our popular expedition to "Vanishing Island" you'll view the dolphins, cross the Calibogue Sound, and have the opportunity to disembark on a secluded sandbar to search for sand dollars at the low tide. We offer Lowcountry Backwater tours and even a special Nature Photography tour guided by a professional photographer. Evening Sunset Cruises will bring you to beauty of the Hilton Head sunsets along with scenic views of the marshlands, birds, and dolphins that make the Lowcountry special. During the summer months join us for a Tuesday night Fireworks Cruise. Our captains are experienced, friendly, and informative. Our mid-island location is convenient to every resort on Hilton Head. Parking is always free, and there are no gate fees. Our boats are docked at the popular island restaurant, The Old Oyster Factory Restaurant at 101 Marshland Road. With years of experience on Hilton Head Island and variety of unique cruises, Island Explorer will treat you to a memorable experience for your family or group. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
Update attraction details
Write a Review

169 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    145
    13
    8
    2
    1
Date Rating
South Jersey
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW

My husband and I just returned from our own private dolphin cruise with Capt. Dave. We were scheduled to go out yesterday, but they called us in the morning to say they didn't have enough people, so we rescheduled for today, not realizing there was no one else signed up for today either. In any case, they didn't want to... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

We had a blast on this tour. There were 12 of us in our group and everyone really enjoyed themselves. We were able to see pods of dolphins the whole ride amongst so much other wildlife. Captain Dave was super friendly and informative. I would reccomend this tour to anyone. It was relaxing, entertaining and simply fun for everybody of... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Brockton, Massachusetts, United States
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

Capty Dave took our family of 2 adults and 4 kids (8,8,8,10) to Vanishing Island. He is very knowledgeable and personable. Laid back and fun, but also safe. He told us a great deal about the local flora and fauna, the ecosystem, Broad River and Calibogue Sound while on our way. He let kids 'steer' the boat under his watchful... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Cincinnati, Ohio
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2012

An excellent trip to see dolphins and the vanishing island. Captain Dave was extremely knowledgable about the history of the area and the wildlife (i.e. dolphins, birds, fish etc). It was great fun. Our daughter got to drive the boat twice and she loved it. Plus, it was a great photo op. We were the only group on the vanishing... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Philadelphia
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 April 2012

I was on vacation with my 16 year old son who is interested in Photography. The 3 hour tour with Captain John Bracket was the highlight of his trip. We started at 7AM with a magnificent sunrise and then spent the next few hours taking awesome pictures of the scenery, wildlife, and seeing the dolphins within feet of the boat... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 April 2012

While on vacation, we decided to take a one hour boat tour. The tour was a lot offun and we were able to see a lot of dolphins. Our tour guide was very informative, which also added to our great experience. I would definitely recommend this to others. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Atlanta
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
42 helpful votes 42 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 April 2012

This was our second time doing a tour with island explorer. We did the three hour vanishing island tour with our 2 kids and it was well worth it. We got to see dolphin and exploring the vanishing island was a fun experience. Highly recommend and bring your sunscreen. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 April 2012

The Three Hour Beach Combing Tour to Vanishing Island was our favorite activity in Hilton Head! Captain Jimmy was obviously an experienced guide and extremely knowledgable, which made the excursion even more interesting! A local since 1972, he is very passionate about the local eco-system. We saw too many dolphins to count, and Captain Jimmy never hesitated to personalize his... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Ottawa, Canada
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
50 helpful votes 50 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 March 2012

We had a wonderful - virtually private tour with Captain Jim of the Island Explorer on the 11th of March. We booked the 3 1/2 hour zodiac tour out to Vanishing Island and the Captain took his time to explain the local flora and fauna as well as the heritage of the area to us. We really enjoyed stepping off... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
GA
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 March 2012

Its taken me some time to write on this, but travel and work - and just came across the b usiness card for Island Explorer and thought now would be the perfect time, since we are coming up on busy season. Visiting from the north and hearing great things about Island Explorer, with all my friends, we set up a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Island Explorer also viewed

Outside Hilton Head
5 of 5 stars 214 Reviews
Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina
IslandAce Adventure Tours
5 of 5 stars 17 Reviews
Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina
 
Live Oac Outdoor Adventure Company
5 of 5 stars 134 Reviews
Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina
Coligny Beach
4.5 of 5 stars 155 Reviews
Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina
 

Been to Island Explorer? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Island Explorer, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Get the #1 travel app FREE>>
Take TripAdvisor with you

Find 50 million reviews & opinions of hotels, things to do, restaurants and more

GET IT
Named "#1 Travel App" by Frommer's