Top Hilton Head Island Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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 is known for its stunning sunsets over the Lowcountry salt marsh, and this dinner cruise from Harbour Town sails up Bull Creek as the sun goes down. Along the way, enjoy a three-course, chef-prepared dinner. Cruise back after dark, when Harbour Town's red-and-white striped lighthouse is lit up above the marina.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are found in abundance around Hilton Head, and this sunset cruise heads out into the salt marsh where they are most often spotted. Hear about the wildlife, history, and culture of the Lowcountry from your captain along the way, and snap photos of the landscape as the sun sets.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

Our tour will take you through the city's National Historic Landmark District, showcasing beautiful historic homes, churches, and sites that have witnessed centuries of American history. You’ll see sites from the Filming of Forest Gump, hear stories of the civil war, Harriet Tubman, the Succession, the Jewish settlers, local history and so much more. Go at your own pace. Stop anytime and continue whenever you want. The tour is all outside, location aware, plays as you walk, and can be taken 24/7/365. It never expires.

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.

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.

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins live year-round in the waters around Hilton Head, and this small-group morning cruise heads out to spot them in their natural habitat. Pass Harbour Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, and the golf course that hosts the RBC Heritage along the way as your guide points out wildlife in the marshes and tidal creeks.

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.

Explore Hilton Head's waterways on a private, guided tour using a motorized Creek Cat boat. Navigate around Harbourtown, Daufuskie Island, and South Beach while focusing on nature and wildlife, especially the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Enjoy a personalized experience with your guide as you spot local ecosystems and playful dolphins in a private setting.

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.

Climb aboard at Palmetto Bay Marina and kick off your evening Lowcountry-style. This two-hour Sunset Lowcountry Boil Cruise mixes everything Hilton Head does best—good food, good views, and that salty “I’m on vacation” feeling. As we drift through the calm waters, your crew will serve up a classic Lowcountry boil piled high with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes —fresh and flavorful served with specialty butters and seasoning. While you feast, you’ll cruise past local wildlife, beautiful waterways, and the hidden corners of Hilton Head that look their best from the water. Then comes the main event: sunset. Watch the sky flip through golds, pinks, and fire-orange as we cruise back toward the marina. Food, views, and a true Lowcountry evening—served hot and on the water.