Top Hilton Head Island Outdoor Activities

Enjoy an immersive way to discover Hilton Head Island's aquatic scenery—and give yourself the best chance of spotting local marine life, including dolphins—on this guided boat tour. Choose a departure time that works best for you, greet your United States Coast Guard-licensed captain, and hop aboard. Learn more about the island's ecosystem along the way, and look out for wildlife as you head into nature.

Experience Hilton Head’s wildlife-rich Broad Creek Estuary on this kayaking tour designed for all ages and experience levels—no need for prior experience or your own equipment. Glide through calm salt-marsh waters and keep an eye out for wild bottlenose dolphins, as well as manatees, sea turtles, otters, and shorebirds. Paddle past waterfront homes and learn about the local history and ecology from your guide.

Increase your odds of seeing dolphins in the wild on this dolphin watching cruise from Hilton Head. Sail out from easy-to-find Palmetto Bay Marina at your selected departure time: admire views of the shore, look for wildlife, and learn about the local ecosystem. Plus, take a quick stop to look for shells, starfish, and sand dollars at “Disappearing Island,” a strip of land only accessible at low tide.

Enjoy sunset views and scan the water for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins on this dolphin-watching cruise off the coast of South Carolina. The frequency of dolphin sightings makes this cruise ideal for those hoping to catch photos of the majestic sea creatures. Plus, throughout the cruise, you can learn about dolphins and your surroundings from an on-board naturalist.

Get out on the water in Hilton Head with this small-group mini boat tour. Follow your guide and drive your own mini boat, which can fit up to four people, to go in search of the best places for spotting dolphins. See popular local landmarks like the Harbour Town Lighthouse during this wildlife-focused itinerary.

Hop on a Jet Ski and explore Hilton Head Island on this scenic tour. Leave from Palmetto Bay Marina, past gorgeous mansions, until you reach the designated area where you can zoom around as you like. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and get the chance to observe birds, dolphins, and maybe even a sea turtle in their natural habitat.

Start your morning with an unforgettable adventure on the waters of Hilton Head Island! Our Dolphins & Donuts Tour combines two of the best things in life, delicious, fresh donuts and the chance to see playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers, Dolphins & Donuts is the ideal way to start your day on Hilton Head Island. Book your spot today and treat yourself to a morning of sweetness and adventure!

Try to catch bluefish, black sea bass, whiting, and more on this half-day offshore fishing trip off Hilton Head Island. This group tour provides all of your fishing gear, plus your license, so you don’t have to worry about sourcing this elsewhere. There aren’t any hidden fees, but you might want to bring some money to purchase drinks and snacks.

Come aboard the Spirit of Harbour Town for a 3 course dinner cruise prepared by the chefs of Sea Pines Resort *SHARE YOUR MEAL PREFERENCES AT CHECKOUT IN THE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS SECTION* APPS Heirloom Tomato Panzanella Salad - Greens, Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Cucumbers, Focaccia, Basil, Apple Cider Vinaigrette ENTREE (Select 1) 1. Roasted Pork Loin - Buttermilk Whipped Potatoes, Peppercorn Sauce, Shaved Fennel Slaw 2. Blackened Mahi Mahi -Buttermilk Whipped Potatoes, Pineapple Salsa, Shaved Fennel Slaw 3. Roasted Chicken Breast - Buttermilk Whipped Potatoes, Chimichurri, Shaved Fennel Slaw 4. Pasta Primavera - Fresh Vegetables, Olive oil, Garlic, White Wine, Herbs DESSERT (Select 1) 1. Sunset Key Lime Pie - Raspberry Coulis, whipped cream 2. Chocolate Torte - Raspberry Coulis, whipped cream KIDS (3-12) 1. Chicken Tenders - Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Vegetables 2. Chicken Alfredo pasta - Parmesan Cream, Roasted chicken *Children's Menu comes with salad & dessert choice*

Explore the rich history of Beaufort, South Carolina, on a captivating golf cart tour. This one-hour journey offers a unique blend of local lore and architectural beauty and many film spots that were filmed here, showcasing the stunning Antebellum homes and live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Knowledgeable guides share insights into the town's 300-year-old past, making history come alive. Perfect for families, history buffs, and travelers seeking an authentic Lowcountry experience. - Enjoy a one-hour guided golf cart tour in Beaufort's historic district - Learn about Beaufort's culture, architecture, and fascinating stories - Tours available daily, departing from Emma's Earth Shop in downtown Beaufort - Eco-friendly 8-man golf carts provide a comfortable, engaging ride

Paddle through Hilton Head Island’s breathtaking salt marshes on an exciting 2-hour guided sunset kayak tour! Led by expert naturalist guides, you’ll explore the rich wildlife, learn about the island’s history, and discover hidden gems along the way. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!

Enjoy an intimate sunset sailing experience aboard a cozy vessel with only six guests. Glide through the picturesque waters of Port Royal Sound as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with brilliant colors. Keep an eye out for dolphins and coastal birds while feeling the gentle evening breeze fill the sails. Whether you prefer to take the helm and learn the basics of sailing or simply unwind with a drink, this serene sail is perfect for friends and couples alike, offering a unique way to experience Hilton Head Island's beauty. - 2-hour sunset sail with a maximum of six guests - Watch the sunset over Port Royal Sound - Spot dolphins and coastal wildlife - Hands-on sailing or relax on deck - Ideal for all skill levels and special occasions

What sets the Sunday Brunch Cruise apart is the unique opportunity to enjoy a relaxing meal while cruising through the scenic waterways of Hilton Head Island. With stunning views, the chance to spot dolphins, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Lowcountry. Reserved seating, both indoor and shaded outdoor, ensures comfort for everyone, and $10 bottomless mimosas make it an extra special way to start your Sunday.

Take a naturalist guided stand up paddle tour of the coastal salt marsh, an unbelievable perspective of Hilton Head's beautiful waterways! This is a perfect tour for guests with experience paddle boarding. Join us in Shelter Cove Marina for an experience unlike any other.

Embark on a nautical adventure aboard the Black Dagger pirate ship, which transforms kids into little pirates for a treasure hunt on the waters of Hilton Head. The crew provides kids with pirate costumes and pirate lessons before setting sail in search of treasure, making this the ultimate way to sightsee and keep kids entertained. This family-friendly cruise has a choice of several departures in the morning and afternoon, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

Take part in an authentic Lowcountry travel experience with this shrimping tour from Hilton Head Island. Join a crew on board a fishing boat and head out on the salt marshes for a chance to catch shrimp and fish, and learn about the environment and wildlife as you go. After the trip, hang out and enjoy a day pass to the Sea Pines Resort.

On this dolphin watching cruise from Hilton Head, you have the chance to see wildlife, check out local landmarks, and admire the coastline as you cruise out on the Calibogue Sound and Atlantic Ocean. Your guide narrates the entire trip as you sail past Bull Island, the Haig Point Lighthouse, and more, all while looking out for dolphins, egrets, herons, and other animals in the wild.

Explore the waters around Hilton Head Island on this small-group kayaking tour. Explore the waterways and inlets with a small group fellow passengers and a guide to keep you from getting lost. Learn about the local ecosystem and see all sorts of creatures. If you're lucky, you might even spot bottlenose dolphins.

Looking for an intimate sunset sailing experience without booking an entire private charter? Your 2-Hour Sunset Public Sail offers the perfect balance. With a maximum of just six guests onboard, you’ll enjoy a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere that feels private and special—without the cost of a private sail. Set sail through the stunning waters of Port Royal Sound as the day winds down. Watch the sky transform with vibrant sunset colors while keeping an eye out for dolphins, coastal birds, and other local wildlife. Once the sails are raised, feel the evening breeze fill the sails as the boat gently heels—true sailing at its most serene and memorable. Your experienced captain welcomes guests to be as hands-on or as relaxed as they choose. Help trim the sails, learn the basics of sailing, or simply sit back with a drink and take in the breathtaking Lowcountry sunset. This sunset sail is perfect for couples, friends, family and anyone looking to experience Hilton Head Island from the water.

Soar over Hilton Head Island with a parasailing adventure. Get a bird’s eye view of Calibogue Sound, Harbour Town Lighthouse, and Daufuskie Island during the flight. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins. Take-off and land on the back of a custom parasail boat, or choose to cool off and get wet. Tandem and triple flights are also available for couples or small groups.

Discover Beaufort’s historic district without the hassle of navigating a tour that highlights the town’s Hollywood past. In addition to telling little–known stories about the town’s 300–year history, your guide brings you to landmarks often missed by visitors, from unmarked Forrest Gump film locations to the cemetery used in The Great Santini.

Discover the enchanting Vanishing Island on this 3-hour cruise from Hilton Head. This unique sandbar, which appears only at low tide, invites beachcombers and dolphin watchers alike to explore its pristine shores. Enjoy the thrill of spotting dolphins in their natural habitat while collecting shells and observing diverse marine life. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts, this adventure promises a memorable experience in a stunning coastal environment. - 3-hour cruise to the Vanishing Island sandbar - Ideal for families and nature lovers seeking adventure - Opportunity to spot dolphins and collect shells - Explore a unique marine environment at low tide

Discover the beauty and history of Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry on this e-bike tour with a local guide. Enjoy personal attention and expert knowledge with your small group as you explore the island’s numerous bike trails on an easy-to-use Pedego electric bike. Helmets and a riding workshop are included before setting off along the nature-filled trails.