Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Strand Feeding

Strand Feeding Dolphins: A Rare Sight on Our Guided Dolphin Tours

If you’re booking a guided dolphin tour in Hilton Head, there’s one phrase you might hear again and again—strand feeding. It’s a behavior that amazes visitors and locals alike, and it’s one of the most fascinating things you may witness during a creek cat or skiff tour with Island Skiff Adventure Tours.

So, what is strand feeding?

Strand feeding is a rare and sophisticated hunting method used by Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, where they intentionally beach themselves on muddy creek banks to catch fish. What may look like chaotic splashing from a distance is actually a highly coordinated effort. Using tight group communication, pods of dolphins work together to herd bait fish toward the shore. Then, in unison, they surge forward and create a wave that launches the fish out of the water—and follow right behind to feast before wriggling back into the creek.

This amazing behavior is only known to happen in a few places on Earth, and Hilton Head’s tidal creeks and salt marshes are one of the best places to see it.

But strand feeding isn’t just impressive—it’s risky. Oyster beds hidden along the bank edges are razor-sharp, and dolphins must time their movements perfectly to avoid injury. If they strand too far up the bank, they can risk sun exposure, exhaustion, or even becoming stuck. That’s why this behavior is learned, not instinctual. Mothers teach their calves the technique gradually—choosing safer, steeper banks—until the young dolphins are strong and skilled enough to hunt with the adult pod.

All strand feeding dolphins observed have a curious trait—they only feed on their right side. Scientists believe this might be tied to physical structure, as no “lefty” strand feeders have ever been recorded.

How to See Strand Feeding in the Wild

If you’re hoping to see this rare and incredible behavior up close, the best way is on a low tide guided dolphin tour with Island Skiff Adventure Tours. Our local guides know the best routes, including remote creek systems and feeding hotspots, where dolphins are most likely to strand feed.

On your 25–30-mile drive-it-yourself skiff or cat tour, you’ll navigate through Hilton Head’s most scenic waterways while learning about dolphin behavior, Lowcountry wildlife, and the natural rhythms of the tide. While strand feeding isn’t guaranteed, low tide gives you the best chance—and our expert team knows where to look.

Ready to Experience Dolphin Strand Feeding?

Check the tide chart before booking and reserve a creek cat or skiff dolphin tour during low tide for the best chance at witnessing this extraordinary event. It’s one of nature’s most remarkable shows—and one you’ll never forget.