Top Hilton Head Island On the Water

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island with a guided kayaking tour starting from Shelter Cove Marina. Meet your guide for a quick safety tutorial and paddle through salt marshes, tidal rivers, and creeks in the Broad Creek Wildlife Area. Keep an eye out for birds and dolphins as you explore. Learn about the local ecosystem and history from your naturalist guide. No prior kayaking experience is necessary.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Cruise along the coastal waterways of Hilton Head Island aboard a private boat during this sunset cruise. Board your vessel and see as the sky changes from blue to shades of orange and pink as the sun begins to set. While you sail, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like dolphins, turtles, and even otters.

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.

This unique tour starts with an exciting boat ride to beautiful Page Island, Outside's private paradise. Along the way, your captain will find tell entertaining stories and help spot interesting wildlife. Watch for dolphins and birds that call the tidal marsh home. Once on Page Island, you'll be launched in our comfortable kayaks and led on a scenic paddle through the Daufuskie Island nature web. Learn all about the local ecosystem and the critters that live there.

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.

Explore the waters around Hilton Head, South Carolina aboard your own vessel during this morning excursion. Meet your dedicated captain and sail to Port Royal Sound to begin your tour. Take in the views of Hilton Head, Pickney Island, Paris Island, and many other landmarks while you keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins that play in the wake of the boat.

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.

Set sail on your own private pontoon boat for up to six hours with training from a local guide. After getting your safety and boating instructions, you’ll head off for your own unique adventure, be it spotting dolphins, taking a dip, or just kicking back and relaxing on the water. The boats are clean and comfortable, and all the safety equipment will be waiting for you on board.

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.

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.

Go sailing at sunset in Hilton Head Island—and avoid the typical crowded boat tours—with this private dolphin-watching tour. Climb aboard a sailboat and cruise out into Port Royal Sound during this tour. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, stingrays, and more. Learn about sailing if you choose or just sit back and enjoy the ride, complete with sunset views.

Go sailing in Hilton Head Island, without the crowds, aboard this private dolphin-watching tour. Motor out to Port Royal Sound and then put up the sails for a true sailing adventure. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife, including birds, dolphins, manatees, and stingrays during this boat tour.