All Hilton Head Island Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

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.

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*

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you’re keen to spend some time exploring Daufuskie Island independently, then this is an easy and stress-free option. A great alternative to sightseeing tours, this transport package gives you the freedom to plan your own itinerary. Simply travel on a ferry from Hilton Head to Daufuskie Island, then choose how you spend your day. Possibilities include golf cart rental, or visiting the favorite foodie hotspot of Daufuskie Crab Company.

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.

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.

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.

Located south of Hilton Head Island, Vanishing Mile Isle can only be visited when it’s briefly exposed during low tide. With this private charter, you can easily access this unique location and spend time beachcombing for sand dollars, seashells, and more, with a master naturalist onhand to provide more information. Along the way, look for dolphins and other wildlife in Calibogue Sound.

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.

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.

Search for crabs alongside marine science students on this Lowcountry crabbing tour from Hilton Head. As you sail out on the Lowcountry’s famous salt marshes, your knowledgeable guides share tons of information about the rich local ecosystem and the wildlife that calls it home—see some of it for yourself, including whatever you pull up in your crabbing pots. Take home some of your catch if you get any.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.