Top Hilton Head Island Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Sit back and relax while a United States Coast Guard-licensed captain steers this boat tour toward stunning sunset views and a chance to spot wild dolphins. This 1.5-hour wildlife experience is fun and educational for children and grown-ups alike, with a friendly crew who’ll navigate the water for you and help you learn more about the local ecosystem.

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*

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.

Your comfortable passenger ferry offers the shortest route from Hilton Head to Daufuskie, with a smooth 30-minute ride dock to dock. No long crossings. No complicated transfers. Just a quick, scenic trip across the water that gets you to the island faster — and gives you more time to explore. Designed with families in mind, our boat features spacious seating, shade, and a stable ride that’s comfortable for all ages. Whether you're traveling with young kids, grandparents, or a group of friends, our crew makes boarding simple and stress-free. Choose the most convenient departure point, the fastest crossing, and a family-friendly experience that makes your day seamless from start to finish.

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.

Hilton Head Island is known as one of North America’s best spots for watching dolphins in the wild. Get out on the water and take in amazing views of these intelligent, playful creatures during this private boat tour. With a Lowcountry Master Naturalist as your captain and guide, you’ll learn all about the ecology of Hilton Head while watching the dolphins along with other wildlife including rays, sharks, and sea turtles. Just your group (up to six passengers) cruising the waters, watching dolphins eating, playing, and socializing.

End your day in Hilton Head aboard a relaxing sunset cruise around the island and waterways. Board your private vessel and enjoy a calm ride on Calibogue Sound with views of Harbour Town and the area is awash in golden light. While you sail, keep your eyes peeled for several species of wildlife including the playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.

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.

Cruise from Hilton Head to Savannah on this Lowcountry day trip that’s packed with views. Relax on the open-air upper deck or air-conditioned lower cabin as you cruise through the Intracoastal Waterway, drink in hand from the onboard bar (own price). Then, dock in Savannah and spend a few hours of free time shopping, dining, and sightseeing before sailing back to Hilton Head.

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.

Remote Daufuskie Island is accessible only by boat and remains largely undeveloped, despite its fame as the setting of Pat Conroy’s novel “The Water is Wide.” A guided tour makes the trip a cinch—this package includes round-trip boat tickets, plus transportation between island attractions such as the First African Baptist Church and Mary Fields School, all visited with the benefit of commentary from your guide.

Explore the salt marsh and take in views of the incredible Lowcountry sunset! On this 90-minute tour, learn about the salt marsh and try to spot local dolphins! Guests are welcome to bring snacks and beverages on board. Don't forget to bring your camera for photos of the most incredible view of the lowcountry sunset. This tour is one-of-a-kind and memorable for all ages!

Learn about the history of Beaufort through the lens of its dark past with this ghost-themed walking tour through the town’s antebellum heart. Listen to tales of eerie hauntings and supernatural mysteries, plus try your hand at picking up on messages from beyond the veil with spirit-hunting tools. Admire landmark homes and learn about their former residents, then end at St. Helena’s Anglican Church, the oldest in town.

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.

Discover Beaufort’s old southern charm on a horse-drawn carriage tour around the historic center. Join a small group for a narrated tour of Old Beaufort and pass by the area’s key landmarks. Listen to your guide retell the history of the city from its early Colonial period to the American Revolution and Civil War eras up to the present day.

Cruise down Broad Creek off Hilton Head Island—and leave the navigation and logistics to someone else—on this boat tour. Spot dolphins, shore birds, and other wildlife on this family-friendly tour by experienced local operators and a knowledgeable captain and crew, who share facts and insights along the way.

Join us for a tour on Broad Creek watching for dolphins and other wildlife in the salt marsh ecosystem. Explore Broad Creek, venture through the tidal marsh system, and learn about the island’s history. Along the way, your interpretive naturalist captain will entertain your group with fun facts and stories of the Lowcountry. Our boats are stable, comfortable, and ideal for viewing wildlife.

A sailboat cruise from Hilton Head is a peaceful way to see stunning Lowcountry landscapes without the noise of a moor. Join a captain and crew aboard a 39-foot long (12 meter) sailboat that competed in America’s Cup—head through quiet waters and past gorgeous scenery without the roar of a motor. You can even try your hand on deck and help out with the sails.

Explore the diverse marine ecosystem surrounding Hilton Head Island on this small-group morning boat ride that doesn’t scare the animals away. Spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, egrets, pelicans and picturesque lighthouses as you cruise around Hilton Head and Daufuskie Islands with narration by your guide. Snack on fresh doughnuts and orange juice as you enjoy morning on the water.

Start your day off on the right foot with a relaxing kayak tour through the waterways of Hilton Head. Join a small group and grab a cup of coffee to energize you before setting off. Then, explore the marshes and broad creeks of the region, learning about the local area from your guide.

Experience Hilton Head Island in a way that few travelers get to: On a small, motorized "creek cat" boat during this guided tour. Operate your own vessel under your guide’s supervision while taking in views of all the quintessential sights, as well as access to some smaller marshes and wildlife-rich areas.

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.

Over 24 Hollywood films have been shot in the historic town of Beaufort, South Carolina. Explore Beaufort without the hassle of navigating on a tour of the area’s highlights, from scenic film locations to historic homes. Your small group size ensures the full attention of your guide, who navigates for you and provides little–known stories about Beaufort’s past. Morning and afternoon departure times are available for your convenience.