On the water · HILTON HEAD ISLAND BOAT TOURS
Every one of these 5 hilton head island boat tours has a queue of people who have already been. Below: what each costs, how long it runs and where they differ.
From Palmetto Bay Marina, you’ll cruise Broad Creek for about 90 minutes with a United States Coast Guard licensed captain and local guide. Expect narration about Hilton Head’s dolphins, marsh ecosystem, birds, and island scenery. Captains and guides may include Kate, Pete, Wendy, Kim, or Jamie.
“Captain Kate & Kim were wonderful. We saw lots of dolphins. I would definitely do it again. Thank you!”
Cruise from Palmetto Bay Marina with a Coast Guard licensed captain and local guide, watching Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in Calibogue Sound. Guides such as Wendy, Kate, Pete, and Kim are known for lively nature talks, family-friendly attention, and helping children sit at the helm. Expect historic sights, wildlife, and covered seating for $39.
“This cruise was the high point of our vacation. First mate Wendy and Captain Kate are the best. Try and get them. They were both top notch. Educational, funny, caring, and even took photos of everyone. Also, safety was their #1 concern. We were told it was unusual, but we saw about 11 dolphins jumping, playing and swimming. At first it looked like we’d only see 2 , but our crew somehow smoked them out!😄. Forget all other tours. You won’t top this one! Keith and Mary. Kentucky”
Meet the crew at Harbour Town and board the Black Dagger for a 90-minute pirate adventure. Kids receive pirate names, costumes, face paint, tattoos, and lessons before following a map, battling Stinky Pete with water cannons, and sharing the treasure. Shade is limited, there is no restroom aboard, and a $10 cash Sea Pines gate fee applies.
“We just returned from the pirate adventure! We all said it was our most fun experience on our trip. Our grandchildren were 8, 11 and 13 and even though most of the kids were younger everyone was face painted and had tattoos. They learned to be a pirate and shot water at stinky Pete. They involved the parents too which was great fun. I can’t see how you could not have fun with the kids on this experience.”
Spend 90 minutes aboard the 39-foot Stars & Stripes, an America's Cup 12-Meter yacht sailing from Harbour Town. Captain Peter and his crew may invite you to raise the mainsail, grind lines, or take the wheel while you enjoy views of the lighthouse, marina, Intracoastal Waterway, and Hilton Head coast. Cushioned deck seating, paid drinks, and weather-dependent departures are part of the deal.
“It was such a fabulous experience and Captain Peter is quite an interesting person. He was so friendly and eager to take your picture and make sure you had a nice sail.”
Board Vagabond at Harbour Town Pier for a 90-minute evening cruise through Hilton Head waters. Search for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins with live narration from the captain, then head toward Daufuskie Island and Bull Creek for sunset. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks are sold onboard. Bring a warm layer and arrive early for parking and a good seat.
“We had a great time and watched a beautiful sunset. Couldn’t understand 90% of what the guide was saying. It wasn’t him, it was the intercom system.”
Pick a hull, a coast or an hour of the day.
