Commander Zodiac is the original dolphin watching tour on the Island. We have been guiding groups for well over 25 years and have been personally selected by National Geographic to guide their photographers and film makers on some amazing excursions. We also were chosen by the BBC and the Discovery channel for their nature and wildlife specials. Our boats are safe and exciting and the same type of boats the US Coast Guard uses in their ocean going operations. Jana Moore and Tom Doyle are the owner operators and began adventure tours on the Island so visitors could experience and enjoy the beauty and amazement of the dolphins and wildlife unique to the low country. We offer environmentally safe excursions with amazing photo opportunities. We protect our dolphin community and wildlife by following the Dolphin Smart guidelines for responsible wildlife viewing and we are a member of the South Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Commander Zodiac prides itself on providing quality, educational and most importantly fun excursions for all ages. This is a do not miss adventure for the whole family!!! All our captains are US Coast Guard licensed and are experienced naturalists as well as enthusiasts. They have spent countless hours exploring, guiding and educating families from all over the world.
Captain Tom Doyle has been an island resident since the mid 80s. He grew up in Oregon and then moved to Hawaii where his love of nature and water sports grew. After moving to Hilton Head, he began by creating a kids' sailing camp and he was the first captain on the island to conduct dolphin tours. On numerous occasions he has been asked to participate with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, including marine wildlife research and protection, and he is an active member of the South Carolina Marine Stranding Network. Tom has worked with film crews from the National Geographic, BBC and the Discovery Channel assisting as a boat guide to film South Carolina's unique dolphin behavior. Tom has spent well over 25 years exploring and sharing his passion of the local waterways. In fact, more times than not, you can spot him with his lovely wife and two crazy kids enjoying time on the water! |
Captain Scott is a long time resident of Hilton Head and has well over 10 years of experience on the waters in and around the island. He attended Vanderbilt University and has furthered his education by being on the water daily for years guiding and educating families on our unique and amazing eco-system. His experience as well as his knowledge of the dolphins and the low country is a gift he enjoys sharing with others. |
Captain Andrea has been on the island since 2003 but her education and experience began long before that. She received her degree in Marine Science and Education from Hampshire College and worked in sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation at the New England Aquarium and rehabilitation center. She worked on the Mystic Whaler and has gone on ocean going deliveries and research vessels. She also participated with Tom Doyle on dolphin rescue and research trips and helps with the marine mammal stranding network. She is an amazing guide as well as a dedicated wife and mother of two wonderful little boys. |
Captain Heath has been enjoying and exploring the waters of Hilton Head for years. His unique and entertaining approach is highly enjoyable. He has a very broad experience from fishing vessels to tour boats. He is also a local entrepreneur and would love to share stories. |
Captain Abby grew up on Hilton Head Island and has been guiding and educating people all his life. He has traveled the world in pursuit of water sports and adventure. Abby received a degree from University of Tennessee in finance and works at Marriott International. He has continued to educate and entertain people just for the enjoyment of being on the water and around the amazing dolphins. |
OPERATIONS MANAGER Jana moved to Hilton Head Island right after college where she obtained a bachelors degree in biology. Being from a military family, she grew up all over the world and has continued to travel the globe. Jana, co-founder of Commander Zodiac, has managed the office and helped guests arrange their excursions from the beginning. She is a loving wife and devoted mother of an awesome boy. |
Captain Tom Doyle has been an island resident since the mid 80s. He grew up in Oregon and then moved to Hawaii where his love of nature and water sports grew. After moving to Hilton Head, he began by creating a kids' sailing camp and he was the first captain on the island to conduct dolphin tours. On numerous occasions he has been asked to participate with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, including marine wildlife research and protection, and he is an active member of the South Carolina Marine Stranding Network. Tom has worked with film crews from the National Geographic, BBC and the Discovery Channel assisting as a boat guide to film South Carolina's unique dolphin behavior. Tom has spent well over 25 years exploring and sharing his passion of the local waterways. In fact, more times than not, you can spot him with his lovely wife and two crazy kids enjoying time on the water!
Captain Scott is a long time resident of Hilton Head and has well over 10 years of experience on the waters in and around the island. He attended Vanderbilt University and has furthered his education by being on the water daily for years guiding and educating families on our unique and amazing eco-system. His experience as well as his knowledge of the dolphins and the low country is a gift he enjoys sharing with others.
Captain Andrea has been on the island since 2003 but her education and experience began long before that. She received her degree in Marine Science and Education from Hampshire College and worked in sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation at the New England Aquarium and rehabilitation center. She worked on the Mystic Whaler and has gone on ocean going deliveries and research vessels. She also participated with Tom Doyle on dolphin rescue and research trips and helps with the marine mammal stranding network. She is an amazing guide as well as a dedicated wife and mother of two wonderful little boys.
Captain Heath has been enjoying and exploring the waters of Hilton Head for years. His unique and entertaining approach is highly enjoyable. He has a very broad experience from fishing vessels to tour boats. He is also a local entrepreneur and would love to share stories.
Captain Abby grew up on Hilton Head Island and has been guiding and educating people all his life. He has traveled the world in pursuit of water sports and adventure. Abby received a degree from University of Tennessee in finance and works at Marriott International. He has continued to educate and entertain people just for the enjoyment of being on the water and around the amazing dolphins.
OPERATIONS MANAGER Jana moved to Hilton Head Island right after college where she obtained a bachelors degree in biology. Being from a military family, she grew up all over the world and has continued to travel the globe. Jana, co-founder of Commander Zodiac, has managed the office and helped guests arrange their excursions from the beginning. She is a loving wife and devoted mother of an awesome boy.