Which dolphin cruise would you recommend with a 9mo. old?

I%26#39;ve read many recommendations for Captain Zodiac out of South Forest Beach and The Stars and Strips out of Sea Pines. Would either of these be appropriate to bringing a 9mo. infant along? Both sailing and the zodiac sound like tons of fun for me, but I%26#39;m not sure about the baby. Leaning over the edge of a boat with him probably is not the smartest idea! Please recommend any company/vessel you think is safe and comfortable, but at the same time still worth while. Thanks!

Which dolphin cruise would you recommend with a 9mo. old?

I would suggest two choices depending on your budget, where you are staying on the island, and what kind of experience you%26#39;d like to have.

With a 9-month old, you may prefer one of the larger vessels like the Holiday, the Vagabond, or The Gypsy, all of which carry 75 to 150 passengers. It%26#39;s a bit of a bus tour, but very secure. I don%26#39;t suggest the Stars %26amp; Stripes for dolphins - you may see dolphins, but that trip is about sailing.

If you%26#39;d like a more adventurous ride and to see the dolphins up close, I suggest Island Explorer or Commander Zodiac. These are smaller craft, but can safely handle a baby in a portable baby seat.

There are several other dolphin cruises on a variety of different size boats at different locations on the island.

I%26#39;ll be glad to give you more detailed information if you have more specific questions.

I am a captain with Island Explorer.

Capt. Rick

Which dolphin cruise would you recommend with a 9mo. old?

I don%26#39;t have any suggestions, but just wanted to hear any suggestions people have. I am taking a 16 month old to HH in May and would like to do some type of sail. I was wondering the same thing about which ones would be safest and best for a small child. Of course my son is walking around on his own, so it is a bit different. Also, do they life jackets for kids that little or would I need to buy one and bring it with me? Does anyone know?

Thanks for the info SailRick. I%26#39;m glad to hear that the zodiacs can safely accomodate an infant. I am much more interested in the intimate experience a small vessel can provide. I looked at the Island Explorer website. It appears there is a canopy available for the boat. In your experience are captains/operators willing to attach/use the canopy on the zodiacs to provide a little shade?

During the summer months we have biminis (partial covers) on our deck boat and a small bimini on the zodiac. They provide do provide some shade.

Most people that bring infants usually have some sort of light cover for the portable car seat to shade the baby.

I would suggest planning an early morning trip or a sunset trip and avoid the hot part of the day. Sunset trips are my favorites.

As for life jackets: the Coast Guard requires that we carry the big, bulky Type 1 life jackets for all passengers. For comfort and security we have small ';ski vest'; type life jackets for the kids to wear. We have these jackets for kids of about 40 lbs. and up. It would probably be a good idea to purchase an appropriate infant-sized life jacket that your baby will be familiar and comfortable with.

Capt. Rick

clcflyn: I am one of those posters who have recommended Captain Zodiac AND Stars %26amp; Stripes to other posters. I definitely would not suggest the Stars %26amp; Stripes for an infant. When the sailboat changes tack, everyone must move to the other side of the boat with the sail wooshing over your head by inches. As well, if you sit up front, you are sitting with legs flat, not dropped down, and you are resting your back on nearly nothing. Not baby friendly, although a great tour. For a 9month old, I%26#39;m afraid you should stick with the more traditional tours. Having said that, we have also done the Commander Zodiac out of South Forest Beach. That boat only holds 6 passengers, so you would have to put the babyseat on the hardbottom floor of the boat between your feet. It%26#39;s a great trip. Loads of dolphins. My sister and her husband took the zodiac out of Harbourtown and it held 12 people. Maybe it%26#39;s ';Captain Rick%26#39;s'; boat. They had a wonderful time on that cruise and the boat was bigger than ours.

D in Muskoka.

SailRick ~ Would love to know how to book a dolphin tour with your company. Can you reply with a number or a web site?

It%26#39;s easy to google island explorer, Hilton Head. But I think the number is 843-785-2100 and the website is hiltonheadisland.com/islandexplorer/

D in Muskoka.

Thanks D in Muskoka! Can%26#39;t wait to check it all out in mid April.

Wen