Skip to main content

2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour

Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Hilton Head Island, USA
Popular pick
Booked 10+ times last week!
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· Kevin_C ·
Jan 2026
Wonderful kayaking experience for a family. The guide was informative and it was easy to get in and out of the kayaks. Kayaking in Hilton Head was beautiful (the weather was perfect) and there were good birds. Highly recommend.
· Kathy_C ·
Mar 2026
Great tour! Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting! We learned a lot about the water, oysters , tides and sea life on Hilton Head! A very enjoyable afternoon!!!!

Overview

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

What's Included

  • Professional guide
  • Kayaking Equipment (Kayak, Paddles, Personal Floatation Device)
  • See wildlife including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
  • Gratuities
  • Snacks

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

    Check in at our outdoor kiosk desk in Shelter Cove Marina. We are located at the southwest corner of the marina next to the Ship Store and ELA's on the Water Restaurant

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Dress code is smart casual
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infant seats available
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Children 12 & under MUST be accompanied by an adult in a double kayak.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Vincent_W
We had a great experience on our Friday morning (10am) kayak tour! Our guide, Madison, was very knowledgeable and ensured everyone on the trip could hear and see her. The roundtrip was leisurely and our two novice teenagers really enjoyed the single kayaks. We spotted a manatee swimming alongside our group! The boat staff were friendly and efficient getting us in and out of the water quickly for more time to float. Highly recommend booking this 2 hour tour!

Reviews

4.9
based on 1,627 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing tour with Shannon

Roma_S, Mar 2026
I had such an incredible experience on this kayaking tour, and it was all thanks to our amazing guide, Shannon! She was knowledgeable, patient, and made my husband and I feel comfortable from the very beginning. Her passion for what she does really showed, and she went above and beyond to make sure we were safe while still having an unforgettable time. She pointed out so many cool sights along the way and shared interesting facts that made the tour even more enjoyable. On top of that, her positive energy and encouragement made the whole experience feel fun and relaxed I would highly recommend this tour to anyone, especially with her as your guide. She truly made the day special!

Dud guide

Kim_F, Mar 2026
Guide ("Paddy") didn't consider all kayakers when speaking. He didn't wait for those in the back to catch up. Didn't always talk loud enough. There were 10 kayakers so he should have been more thoughtful! Made a couple of snide (unnecessary) remarks about how to hold my car. I knew how to hold the oar! He even pulled another (male) kayaking into his rude comments.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Good afternoon, Thank you for your feedback. I’m sorry to hear the tour didn’t meet expectations. We expect our guides to be attentive, inclusive, and respectful to all guests. I’ve shared your comments with our team so we can review and address accordingly. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention.

Great tour on the water!

Kathy_C, Mar 2026
Great tour! Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting! We learned a lot about the water, oysters , tides and sea life on Hilton Head! A very enjoyable afternoon!!!!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Our Kayak Nature Tour is the best way to explore the salt marsh! You really get to see up close the true beauty of the environment, and we are thrilled we could share that with you!

We had a great time! Our...

Ronald_I, Feb 2026
We had a great time! Our guide was very professional and friendly. It was our first time kayaking and she was very patient.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

We are happy to hear you enjoyed your Kayak Nature Tour! Kayaking is a beautiful way to explore the salt marsh and we are thrilled we could share that with you!

Great time out on the water

Lori_C, Feb 2026
Great time with guide Michael! Fyi There is a restautant near 1 shelter cove to use for gps, otherwise its not as easy, gps kept bringing me to 9 shelter cove.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

We are thrilled to hear you had a fabulous time with Michael on our Kayak Nature Tour! Exploring the salt marsh by kayak is the best way to see the true beauty of the ecosystem!

A Windy Day on the Creek!

ToniLynn_V, Feb 2026
Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water! We luckily were not hot but could have used a sip! It was an excellent, educational, and beautiful trip.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Exploring the salt marsh by kayak is the best way to get up-close and personal with the ecosystem! We are glad we could share the beauty with you.

Great experience must do

Jayant_U, Jan 2026
Experience was pleasant and smooth. The operator was very knowledgeable and took through great places, explained how the sea eco-system works.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Kayaking through the salt marsh is the best way to explore the lowcountry! Very serine and beautiful, and a great way to learn about the ecosystem!

Wonderful kayaking...

Kevin_C, Jan 2026
Wonderful kayaking experience for a family. The guide was informative and it was easy to get in and out of the kayaks. Kayaking in Hilton Head was beautiful (the weather was perfect) and there were good birds. Highly recommend.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Kayaking is such a great way to explore the salt marsh ecosystem! we are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your trip, and hope to see you again on your next trip to the lowcountry!

Great Kayaking Experience

Laura_B, Nov 2025
guide Capt.Gerard, very knowledgeable and friendly. Explained everything we saw and then some. We felt very safe.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Sounds like a great time exploring the salt marsh! Thank you for your 5-star review!

We had a great time. It...

Terence_N, Oct 2025
We had a great time. It was my first time kayaking and we got to see plenty of dolphins. CT taught us a lot and we felt safe the whole time. Would highly recommend for anyone that enjoys nature and aquatic life.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Kayaking is such a special way to see the salt marsh ecosystem, and we are glad we could introduce this to you!

Perfect time out on the Marsh!

Shanda_N, Oct 2025
My boyfriend and I did the 2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour and it was an absolute vibe. From the quick, clear safety rundown to the smooth launch, the guides kept it easy, fun, and super chill. The marsh was gorgeous and there were plenty of wildlife moments. Pace was relaxed with just enough paddling to feel accomplished but not exhausted. Our guide Wayne was entertaining and he sprinkled in cool facts about the ecosystem, we took plenty of photos to remember the moments. Gear was clean, check-in was painless, and we finished right on time with zero stress.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Sounds like a relaxing 2-hours in the salt marsh! Kayaking is the best way to explore our beautiful salt marshes up close. Thank you for your 5-star review!

Very relaxing paddle and...

Ellen_F, Oct 2025
Very relaxing paddle and full of information about the marshes. Perfect for nature lovers and kids with an interest in nature. Our guide, Shannon, was great! Thanks for a good time!

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thank you for your 5-star review! Sounds like a relaxing couple of hours on the water!

It was wonderful. Shannon...

Nikki_R, Oct 2025
It was wonderful. Shannon was very knowledgeable and helpful! Our family really enjoyed getting out in the water and learning more about Hilton Head.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

What a beautiful way to learn about the salt marsh! We are glad you enjoyed kayaking with Shannon!

Lovely experience!

Sijin_L, Oct 2025
Our guide Wayne was extremely helpful and informative during our morning tour. We got to see a lot of the marshlands in Hilton Head and also learn about the plants and animals in the area.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time kayaking with Wayne!

Peace!

Christine_S, Sep 2025
This was a very peaceful experience in nature! We had a lot of fun and our tour guide taught us a lot about the environment and wildlife in the area.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Kayking the salt marsh is such a magical experience! Thank you for your 5-star review!

It was a great...

Angela_W, Sep 2025
It was a great experience. I wish the guide had talked to us prior to getting out on the water about what we may see and experience, because once on the water it was hard to hear what he was saying. Otherwise, he was very knowledgeable, and answered questions without any problems

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you for sharing your feedback and for joining us on the tour! We’re so glad you had a great experience and found your guide knowledgeable and helpful. We also appreciate your suggestion about giving more information before heading out on the water—that’s very helpful, and we’ll keep it in mind to improve our guests’ experience. We hope to see you again soon for another adventure!

Hilton Head Kayaking

Robert_T, Sep 2025
Great history about the island and the life cycle of the marsh Tons of birds. Great family time Would recommend to all

Response from Host, Sep 2025

We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time with us in the salt marsh! The lowcountry ecosystem is such a key factor to the beauty of Hilton Head!

Great time on the water

Jim_G, Sep 2025
Great tour Paddy was very knowledgeable tour guide He helped some people who were not so adept at kayaking He pointed out a lot of natural history

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you for your kind words and review!

Kayaking in Hilton Head!

Doug_L, Sep 2025
Our kayaking experience was tremendous. Our guide, Wayne, was knowledgeable, patient, and very easy to follow. I would recommend this activity to anyone.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

We are thrilled to hear about your amazing trip with Wayne! Kayaking is such a beautiful way to see the island and learn about the ecosystem.

Enjoyed the experience

Leann_R, Sep 2025
We were inexperienced kayakers. Casey was very patient and helpful. He pointed out dolphins, manatees, string rays, and lots of birds. He explained all about the ecosystem. It was interesting and entertaining.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

We are happy to hear about your lovely time with Casey! He is a lowcountry native, and value his information and passion.

2hour kayak tour

SchnitzcHotmailcom, Sep 2025
We had a great kayak tour today in Hilton Head. The wind was blowing and the current stronger, so our guide adjusted the tour. We had a great experience and slot of fun.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

We are glad to hear our guide was able to adjust and continue the tour, the salt marsh ecosystem is magical!

Great Kayak Tour

Elisa_G, Aug 2025
Great tour, Paddy was very knowledgeable and made the trip very enjoyable, taking our picture a couple times and pointing out many interesting facts along the way!

Response from Host, Sep 2025

We are glad to hear Paddy gave an educational and enjoyable tour! Thank you for your review!

peaceful paddle

Daniel_M, Aug 2025
peaceful waters with tons of birds. the guide was able to identify the birds we saw. The end was beautiful watching the sunset from the kayak on the water was spectacular.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

We are happy to hear you had a magical evening on the water with us! The wildlife here is unmatched!

My wife and I (65 yos) just did the kayak tour with Juliette. She was very knowledgeable, asked us what we wanted to ge

Kevin_D, Aug 2025
Very easy and knowledgeable. Go at low tide and you’ll see more the checkin and getting to the water was easy. We booked thought Viator. Juliette was out standing

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you for your kind review!

A Great Family Experience

Rick_L, Aug 2025
A wonderful adventure enjoying the lowcountry outdoors! We had a great guide in TC….knowledgeable, engaging and showed a love and passion for what he does. An enjoyable family outing…..kids loved it!

Response from Host, Sep 2025

We’re so glad you had a wonderful adventure with CT! It’s great to hear he made the tour fun, engaging, and full of knowledge. We’re happy the whole family enjoyed it, and we hope to see you back on the water soon.

Dolphins at Sunset

Madison_C, Aug 2025
So wonderful, my favorite tour yet! We saw a pod of dolphins, alligators, pelicans and more! The sunset was amazing too! I felt safe the entire time. Tad was such a fun tour guide and so kind. 5 stars for him!! He made this experience one to remember!

Response from Host, Sep 2025

We’re so glad this was your favorite tour! It sounds like you got to see some amazing wildlife and enjoy a beautiful sunset. We’re happy Tad made the experience fun and memorable while keeping you safe. Thank you for sharing and we’d love to see you back on the water soon.

Awesome time with an awesome guide

Teresa_B, Aug 2025
This kayaking experience was the BOMB! Learned a great deal about the ecosystem and wildlife. Saw dolphins, cormorants, roseate spoonbills, and anhinga (snake bird). Even a rain storm didn’t dampen our enthusiasm! Miles was knowledgeable and a thoroughly enjoyable guide. Highly recommend this trip.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

We’re thrilled you had such an awesome time! Sounds like you got to see some amazing wildlife, and we’re glad Miles made the tour so enjoyable—even with a little rain. Thanks for joining us, and we’d love to have you back on the water soon!

Fun way to learn about this area.

Roberta_N, Aug 2025
The easiest launch and return on their floating dock was great. Our guide Wendy was so knowledgeable and made the discussion of the unique environment really interesting. We were lucky to see spoonbills, great white egrets, herons and dolphins too!

Response from Host, Aug 2025

We’re so glad you enjoyed your trip! Wendy sounds like an amazing guide, and it’s great you got to see spoonbills, egrets, herons, and even dolphins along the way.

Good family fun

Melissa_A, Jul 2025
Sloane was kind, professionally, and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed the experience. My kids wanted to kayak, and this was perfect being that we have never been kayaking. It is kid and beginner friendly. We saw several different birds and 2 dolphins!

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for your review! We’re so glad you and your kids enjoyed the kayaking experience. It’s great to hear you spotted dolphins and saw so many birds.

Jake was a great tour guide!

Yasmin_A, Jul 2025
Jake was very knowledgeable and gave us a great tour! We enjoyed learning about the environment and seeing the beautiful wildlife. The frequent breaks made the tour easier for tired arms! Jake took our picture but forgot to send it to me! If you can see this, Jake, please send the picture! Thanks! Good luck in school.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you enjoyed your tour with Jake and appreciated both his knowledge and the wildlife sightings. The frequent breaks are a great way to keep things fun and comfortable. We’ll be sure to pass along your message to Jake so he can get that photo to you — and your good luck wishes for school!

From $47.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 14 days in advance.

Compare Similar Experiences

1 / 3
Current
2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour


2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$47.00
Hilton Head Guided Kayak Tour


1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$43.46
Daufuskie Island Guided History Tour from Hilton Head


4 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$135.00
Hilton Head Guided Kayak Eco Tour


1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$45.00