What is the best HHI Dolphin tour?

[CrzyforPiglet]

Howdy folks!

DH, DS (11 months at the time) and I are heading to HHI for our first time Sept. 17-23. We would love to do a dolphin tour but aren't sure which is the best. I'm leaning towards the one arranged through Disney - Low Country Nature I think because I like that there would be a smaller group and more personalized service but I know there are at least 2 others on the island and just wanted to see what the experienced folks thought.

All opinions welcome!

Laurie

 

[Bojo]

IMHO, go with the smaller, more personalized tour. DW & I went several years ago and were glad that we were not on the larger boats. We saw the same dolphins, but felt like we got a better deal because we didn't have to fight through the hoardes of people to enjoy the creatures. They were also able to customize the trip according to our wishes.

I don't recall the name of the company, but we went across the sound, close to the Old Oyster Factory. There was another family of 4 on a 25' deck boat; definately worth it!

 

[brianm27]

We did the Disney tour a few years ago. There were only the three of us on the boat with the guide that day. It was in July and the resort was pretty full so we were surprised. It was a great tour.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

The only dolphin tour at Hilton Head Island I have done was in May 2005. I booked my family of 5 on the Disney tour...we loved it.

We saw a lot of dolphins including a number of babies.

On the Disney trip it was just our family. We passed some large tour boats that were jammed with people. Much too crowded for me. Plus, I think the big tour boat had trouble manuvering. The smaller Disney boat allowed us to move quickly from spot to spot.

By the way, bring your camera.

 

[Lexxiefern]

We did the one through Disney in March. There was my DH, myself, our 2 DD's, and another mother and her daughter. It was really fun. We saw alot of dolphins and the bigger boats had people packed in like sardines. Tyler was our captain and he was great!

 

[Doctor P]

We did not book our tour through the resort, but used the same tour company and it was great! Very small boat (minimum of three passengers, maximum of six for the tour) and you get quite close to the dolphins. Very fun and very interesting.