4 Best Dinner Experiences In Hilton Head Island

Nothing beats dining on the water in Hilton Head Island. Several dinner cruises combine excellent local food with wildlife viewing and coastal scenery. Our favorite is the Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Spirit of Harbor Town – the 3-course meals are expertly prepared, and the sunset views are spectacular. The Dolphin Watching Dinner Cruise is another solid choice, offering close-up wildlife encounters while you dine. For small groups wanting a more intimate experience, the Private Dolphin Watching Tour includes stops at waterfront restaurants. Let’s explore the best dinner cruise options in detail.

Key Points

• The Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise offers a 2-hour excursion with stunning sunset views, dolphin sightings, and a 3-course meal.

• The Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise provides a 1.5-hour cruise with the opportunity to spot wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and enjoy a freshly prepared 3-course menu.

• The Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Tour is a 5-hour private tour led by a USCG licensed captain, featuring stops at waterfront restaurants to sample local cuisine.

• The Sunset Dinner Cruise on Hilton Head Island aboard the Spirit of Harbor Town offers a 2-hour cruise with a 3-course meal prepared by award-winning chefs.

• All dinner cruises in Hilton Head Island offer breathtaking views of the coastline and wildlife, making them popular choices for celebrating special occasions.

Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise

The Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise offers an idyllic way to experience the beauty of the island’s coastline. This 2-hour excursion, with a maximum capacity of 80 travelers, departs from the Harbour Town Lighthouse and showcases stunning sunset views, along with the possibility of spotting dolphins.

Diners can indulge in a 3-course meal, with adult entrée choices like blackened mahi mahi and roasted chicken breast, and child-friendly options like chicken tenders. For dessert, guests can savor key lime pie or flourless chocolate torte.

While drinks are an additional cost, the gratuity and fuel surcharge are included in the price. The cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, and infant seats are available.

With an average rating of 4.5/5 from 104 reviews, the Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise is a popular choice for celebrating special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays, providing a memorable dining experience amidst Hilton Head’s natural splendor.

Read our full review: Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise Review
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Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise

One of the top dinner cruise experiences on Hilton Head Island is the Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise. Priced at £54.94 per person, this 1.5-hour cruise offers a delightful dining experience complemented by the opportunity to spot wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.

The freshly prepared 3-course menu features a Southwest Caesar salad, a choice of Mahi Mahi tacos, jerk chicken, or grilled veggie tacos, and a raspberry coulis with fresh whipped cream for dessert. The cruise also provides a full-service bar with wine, champagne, and cocktails.

Guests can enjoy the scenic views of the verdant shore and Daufuskie Island from the comfortable seating options, including climate-controlled indoor areas and shaded outdoor spaces.

Throughout the cruise, the captain shares local stories and historical information, enhancing the overall experience. With a customer rating of 4.4/5 based on 28 reviews, this dinner cruise is a must-try for visitors seeking a memorable dining and wildlife-viewing adventure on Hilton Head Island.

Read our full review: Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise Review
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Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Tour With Waterfront Dining Stops

Visitors seeking a more personalized dolphin-watching experience on Hilton Head Island can embark on a 5-hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Tour with Waterfront Dining Stops. Priced from $413.02 per group, this private tour accommodates up to 6 participants and is led by a USCG licensed captain.

Guests will learn about the local ecosystem, observe wildlife like birds, pelicans, and turtles, and sample local cuisine at a waterfront restaurant.

The tour departs from 86 Helmsman Way, with pickup and drop-off at the same location. Accessibility includes stroller access, though the tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly. Infants must sit on laps.

Reviews praise the tour’s captains, Sarah and Ben, for their friendliness, knowledge, and flexibility in creating customized family experiences with an educational focus. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the tour.

Read our full review: Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Tour With Waterfront Dining Stops Review
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Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dinner Cruise

A Sunset Dinner Cruise on Hilton Head Island offers visitors a unique dining experience that combines stunning views, delectable cuisine, and exceptional service. Priced from $106 per person, the 2-hour cruise aboard the luxury Spirit of Harbor Town provides guests with a 3-course meal prepared by award-winning chefs at the Sea Pines Resort.

Diners can choose from a variety of entrees, including blackened mahi-mahi, roasted chicken, cider-roasted pork, and a vegetarian pasta primavera, followed by a choice of key lime pie or flourless chocolate torte for dessert.

The cruise features both indoor and outdoor seating options, with a full-service bar available for those wishing to enjoy drinks at their own expense. Personal table service is included, creating a comfortable and attentive dining experience.

Guests are advised to arrive 45 minutes before departure, as there’s limited parking during afternoon hours. A $9 fee (cash only) applies for non-Sea Pines Resort guests, valid for the entire day.

With an overall rating of 4.4/5 based on 169 reviews, the Sunset Dinner Cruise is a highly recommended option for those seeking a memorable dining experience in Hilton Head Island.

Read our full review: Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dinner Cruise Review
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The Sum Up

Hilton Head Island offers a variety of dinner experiences that allow visitors to enjoy stunning views, delectable cuisine, and the chance to spot marine life. From sunset cruises to private dolphin-watching tours, these dinner experiences provide an unforgettable way to savor the island’s natural beauty and local flavors. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a fun family outing, Hilton Head has something to suit every taste.