Top Hilton Head Island How to Get Around in 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cruising the salt-marsh ecosystem in search of dolphins is a popular activity in Hilton Head, but unlike other similar tours, this dolphin and nature tour uses small boats so wildlife isn’t scared away easily. Sail along the water from Shelter Cove Marina, down Broad Creek, and into Calibogue Sound, while keeping a lookout for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, birds, and other animals that call the area home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the charming southern city of Beaufort on a walking tour through the historic district. Join a small group and explore the antebellum streets while listening to your guide regale you with the city’s 500-year history. Learn about Native Americans, pirates, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and more as you visit monuments, churches, and statues.

Discover the story behind the kazoo, a popular music instrument, during this factory and museum tour. Visit Kazoobie Kazoos, a family-run manufacturer of kazoos in Beaufort, South Carolina to learn about these instruments. Explore the on-site factory and hear stories about this American-made and American-invented instrument. Bring the kids for an educational experience.

Embark on an unforgettable private boat tour for up to six people, departing from Hilton Head Island and taking you on a journey through the pristine waters of the Lowcountry. Learn about the marsh grasses and wildlife. Your journey will be escorted by dolphins. Cut across the Calibogue Sound and head to Daufuskie Island; an exclusive spot only accessible by boat. Visit Freeport Marina and Old Daufuskie Crab Company at your leisure and own expense. Once you've had your fill, board the boat and continue on your journey back to the mainland enjoying dolphin spotting along the way.

Set out on a private cruise from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in search of wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Board your vessel and cruise along the beautiful Lowcountry waterways with your captain. Unlike crowded public dolphin cruises, enjoy your own comfortable boat, personalized attention, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

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.

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.