Hi,
First timers to Hilton Head 3/21/10...
Which co. is best for a 1-2 hr. dolphin cruise?
Is this time of year good for seeing dolphins?
Best restaurants, casual and upscale, for sunset views?
THank you.
MJ from Chgo

Don't know about the restaurants-I'm in Charleston. But you can see dolphins year round. They come in close in winter when no people are in the water to bug them.

We go to Hilton Head several times a year and have seen dolphins on each trip at different times of the year. We have never been on a dolphin cruise, but have it on our list to do on our next trip.

Restaurants with a view that we like are The Old Oyster Factory(great place to watch the sunset) and The Black Marlin.
The Sea Shack is also great for casual, no frills seafood(no view).

Sally's list is comprehensive and current. I tend to agree with her reviews:

http://www.sallybernstein.com/food/d...ilton_head.htm

We like Marley's. The quasi-Caribbean atmosphere, best mojitos in town and good food make for a fun vacation night dinner.

Sunset Grill is well positioned for sunset views, but you better ask for a window table. The food is really good, and it's a tough place to find. Take care if you go to have good directions.

We have been lucky at Aligator Grill. We tend to go to this one for the early dinner deals and have excellent meals at modest prices.

Truffles at Sea Pines Center is a family favorite.

Just Pasta in Coligny Plaza is very casual with very good food. They have a few menu items other than just pastas. May not take reservations and it's a small place.

Captain Woody's is another waterfront place that's very casual but a fun island dinner.

They do dolphin watch trips (in fast inflatables) out of South Beach. Don't know that they are in operation right now. Get one of the Activity Guides that are at every grocery and drug store so you can call around and find out who is running and how much.

You should be able to see dolphins from the beach at South Beach (between it and Daufuskie Is.), and from Harbortown, around the lighthouse and back towards Broad Creek. They retire to the marshes for the evening.

Haven't been to Captain Woody's in over 20 years, but we enjoyed the spicey shrimp they used to serve-they may still serve it. It was a waterfront bar, really, at Palmetto Bay landing. We always enjoy Crazy Crab, both Harbor Town and HH Parkway (I believe), for the atmospheres as much as the food. Old Fort Pub on Skull Creek also has good fare and views.

Enjoy the low country.