HILTON HEAD DOLPHINS
Hilton Head Island South Carolina is usually known for its lush fairways and luxury resorts but rarely mentions its abundant wildlife and thriving ecosystem. The truth is that Hilton Head Island is the first ecological planned destination in America, constantly striving to preserve the natural surroundings, Hilton Head Island is nestled into the heart of the salt marshes or Low Country as commonly referred. This area spans 350 square miles on the east coast and is home to plenty of active Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. These dolphin stay within the coastal marshes year round because there are so many different marine species that live here year round. Ask for custom trips to find the secrets of the Lowcountry. Also there is one thing that these bottlenose dolphin will do that only happens right here in the Lowcountry, Dolphin Strand Feeding. These dolphin have developed a local technique were they beach themselves in a wave of fish amongst wading shorebirds.
Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
Bottlenose Dolphin or Tursiops truncates
Bottlenose Dolphins are
Local Dolphins
The dolphins around Hilton Head Island have a special bond with the waters here, just like our native guides. Specifically, the Dolphins of Hilton Head are always around because of our rich natural habitat loaded with plenty of fish, crab, shrimp, and oysters. Shrimp Boats are there favorite! Many dolphins around Hilton Head have their own names and unique personalities. Chopper, Nic, Blackbeard, Jag, Shorty, Netty, and Curious George to name a few. Some of these older males like Nic and Chopper will put on quite a show and Come right up to check us out. Remember that we are not allowed to feed the dolphin and it is completely up to them to come up to the boat and hang out with us for a while. Come take a ride on one of our boats to see the dolphins up close and away from the crowds.
Strand Feeding
While feeding in the shallow creeks around Hilton Head, our local bottlenose dolphin have developed a strange and ingenious way to hunt there pray. Its called Dolphin Strand Feeding. While this may be done by one single dolphin it is most often seen when three or four large bottlenose dolphin breech themselves up on the mudflat washing hundreds of fish on the shoreline. This technique is viewed at the low tide and requires an experienced guide to navigate through the uncharted backwaters. This is truly the most amazing natural spectacle of the low country! Even on trips at the optimum tide it is a rare occurance but is always worth the trip.
Other Wildlife
Shorebirds, Egrets, Herons, Sea Turtles, Osprey, Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks Otters, Mink, Pelicans, Oyster Catchers, Cormorants, Anhinga, Blue Herons, Green Herons, Red Winged Blackbirds, Boat Tailed Grackles, Plovers, Gulls, Terns, Kingfishers, Oysters, Sharks, and Stingrays.
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