Top Hilton Head Island Sightseeing Tours in 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Set out on a 2-hour private cruise from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in search of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Board your vessel and cruise past the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island. While you sail, watch for playful dolphins and other local wildlife like bald eagles.

Explore the rich tapestry of Beaufort's history on this engaging walking tour that spans over 500 years. Discover fascinating folktales and Hollywood lore that make this coastal town truly unique. Perfect for history buffs and curious travelers alike, this tour offers a deep dive into the stories that shaped Beaufort. With tours lasting between one to two hours, you’ll get an immersive experience without feeling rushed. Enjoy the charming scenery as you stroll through this iconic destination with knowledgeable guides sharing insider insights along the way. - Discover Beaufort's history and Hollywood connections - Tours last between one to two hours for a thorough experience - Engage with local folktales that add depth to the journey - Ideal for history enthusiasts and casual travelers alike

Looking for an intimate sunset sailing experience without booking an entire private charter? Your 2-Hour Sunset Public Sail offers the perfect balance. With a maximum of just six guests onboard, you’ll enjoy a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere that feels private and special—without the cost of a private sail. Set sail through the stunning waters of Port Royal Sound as the day winds down. Watch the sky transform with vibrant sunset colors while keeping an eye out for dolphins, coastal birds, and other local wildlife. Once the sails are raised, feel the evening breeze fill the sails as the boat gently heels—true sailing at its most serene and memorable. Your experienced captain welcomes guests to be as hands-on or as relaxed as they choose. Help trim the sails, learn the basics of sailing, or simply sit back with a drink and take in the breathtaking Lowcountry sunset. This sunset sail is perfect for couples, friends, family and anyone looking to experience Hilton Head Island from the water.