Offered Only On
Monday, August 21, 2017

3 Hours

DURATION

12 per boat

Maximum Guests

$75/Adults
$65/Kids

Price
Kid - 12 and under

A Once In A LifeTime Experience -
Observe the solar eclipse on "Vanishing Island"

Because of a magical quirk of timing, our August 21, 2017, Three Hour "Vanishing Island" Expedition will occur during the exact hours of the solar eclipse. We will leave the dock at 1:15 pm and return at 4:15 pm. The peak of the solar eclipse will occur at 2:46 pm - the exact time we will be on "Vanishing Island."
The eclipse will not be a TOTAL eclipse in the Hilton Head Island area, however the sun will be about 98% covered, very close to the same experience as a total eclipse.
Your tour will include all of our regular opportunities - dolphins, beautiful natural scenery, and a chance to explore "Vanishing Island" at low tide to search for sand dollars. You may need to bring a flashlight, as the solar eclipse will darken the sky for a few minutes to nearly what it feels like on a night with a full moon. For your safety, we will provide every guest with certified safe "eclipse glasses" for viewing the eclipse.
Only 36 lucky guests will have the opportunity to join this experience, so click on the "Book Now!" button above and confirm your reservation.

Three Hour Expedition

Our Three-Hour Beach Combing Expedition to "Vanishing Island" starts at The Old Oyster Factory docks near the top of Broad Creek. As we glide through the Lowcountry Salt Marsh, you'll watch for dolphins, birds, and beautiful scenery.

Vanishing Island Appears...

Leaving Broad Creek, our fast, comfortable expedition boat brings us quickly across the Calibogue (pronounced "Kali-Bogee") Sound, past Daufuskie Island, and all the way to "Vanishing Island".

Years ago this area was simply a small sand bar called Grenadier Shoals, but over the years, sand eroding from Hilton Head beaches has collected here and created a large expanse of sand that is exposed only at low tide each day.

...And Then It's Gone...

Once uncovered by the low tide the "island" offers a secluded beach-like setting where you'll find sand dollars, starfish and shells.
Because of the topography and currents, shells and sand dollars of this size do not usually wash up on the beaches of Hilton Head.
In addition, only the lucky few are able to visit this spot, so it remains largely untouched most of the day until Island Explorer arrives. And in just a couple of hours the whole island "vanishes".

On occasions when the tide is not low enough to expose "Vanishing Island" we offer an excellent alternative 3-Hour Tour in search of Dolphin Strand Feeding.

Something For Everyone

Choose a cool, early morning trip. Bask in the midday sun. Or enjoy the serentity of a Hilton Head sunset. We offer cruises throughout the day.

Please Note -
This expedition involves disembarking the boat at "Vanishing Island." This may require stepping off the front or side of the boat into 12 to 18 inches of water and wading ashore.

Re-boarding involves climbing a stern ladder or lifting yourself over the side of the boat. Guests with physical limitations may want to take this into consideration. You may choose to remain on board rather than disembarking. Please view the video about "Getting On and Off The Boat At Vanishing Island."

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