Things to do in

Hilton Head Island

Take in the beauty of Hilton Head from the perspective of the water on a 1.5-hour, fully narrated boat tour. Delight in up-close encounters with dolphins, and find out about their habits, eating patterns, and more with a local guide. As you explore the island's waterways, learn about the history of the area and the surrounding islands from your guide's narration. Hear about oysters, spartina grass, tides, mud, and more. As well as dolphins, keep on the lookout for other wildlife including pelicans, osprey, stingrays, herons, turtles, and many more besides.

Search for sunken treasure with this incredible pirate cruise. Head to the docks, where you'll be given a new name and learn to speak like a real pirate. Then board the Black Dagger and set sail on the Calibogue Sound. Stinky Pete, the island’s smelliest pirate, knows about the treasure map and he stole the key. The race is on, to find Stinky Pete before he gets to the treasure. The crew will man the water cannons and blast Stinky Pete until he gives back the key.

Sail towards the open ocean in search of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins on an amazing sightseeing cruise. After seeing these animals in open water, travel to Daufuskie Island and up Bull Creek to Dolphin Hole to watch the setting sun. Admire the incredible landscape of salt estuaries at sunset. Listen to live commentary from your expert captain, and ask the crew any questions you might have. Beer, wine, snacks, and drinks are available for purchase throughout the trip.

Take a sightseeing cruise to explore the incredible nature around Hilton Head Island and the surrounding waterways. Hear about the island’s history from your expert crew as you search for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Admire the coastal landscape as you learn about the lifecycle of these mammals. Discover why this region is the perfect place for dolphins to settle. With sightings guaranteed, this tour is sure to be a highlight of your vacation.

Once you've met your group at the meeting point, travel first around the Hilton Head coast and take in stunning views of the shoreline. Look out for resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins as they play, feed, and swim around the boat, and make the most of this incredible opportunity to see these friendly creatures in their natural habitat. Along the way, pass by the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse, an impressive, 90-foot (27.4-meter) tall beacon renowned for its candy-striped exterior. Learn about the rich history and diverse ecosystem of the island from your expert tour guides as you soak in the scenic views and sail past breathtaking landmarks. Then, sit back and relax as the sun begins to set, painting the water’s surface in a vibrant array of hues. Find out why Hilton Head has been named one of the best destinations for sunset viewing along the East Coast of the USA. Finally, after the sun has fully sunk below the horizon, get ready for Hilton Head’s weekly fireworks.

Discover Hilton Head on a thrilling 75-minute jet ski adventure. Depart from Palmetto Bay Marina`with your guide and cruise past beautiful mansions, spartina grass, oyster beds, and luxury boats on the way to your free riding area. Once in the designated area, let loose and zoom around on your very own jet ski or simply take in the beautiful surroundings. Try to spot some of Hilton Head's wildlife including dolphins, birds, and the occasional sea turtle.

Step aboard a former America’s Cup sailing yacht for an afternoon cruise. Discover what it takes to sail a racing yacht as you help the crew, or simply sit back and enjoy the ride. See the sights of the Calibogue Sound and learn about the history of these waters. Have your camera ready as you keep an eye out for dolphins. Drinks and merchandise are available for purchase on board.

Marvel at breathtaking views only seen by helicopter. Spot a range of wildlife from dolphins and sharks to sea turtles and manta rays. See Hilton Head, Daufuskie, Tybee Island, and downtown Savannah by air. Choose between 3 options: Ocean View – 3 minutes Get views of Folly Field Beach and the Port Royal Sound on an 8-mile loop around the northeast corner of the island. This flight is designed as a discovery flight to experience what it is like to fly in a helicopter. Beach Cruiser – 6 minutes Fly right over the sandy shores of Hilton Head. Depart out of the Hilton Head Airport and head east, right down the busiest beaches on the island. This tour offers great views of Folly Field Beach, Broad Creek, Port Royal Sound, and Shelter Cove. Beach Bum – 10 minutes A combination of the Ocean View and Beach Cruiser tours, this tour takes you along the most active stretch of beaches to Coligny Beach, Hilton Head's most popular beach park. Keep an eye out for marine life as you fly low along the beach. As you turn around you will begin to climb high in the sky giving you the best view of the island along with Parris Island and Downtown Savannah.

Board the luxury Spirit of Harbor Town ship for an evening of mouthwatering cuisine and the island’s best sunsets. Admire unbeatable views as you enjoy a delicious dinner and watch as the sun slips behind the horizon. Choose to dine on the shaded topside deck, or select a table in the collimate-controlled cabin with panoramic windows. Relax with a drink from the full-service bar (at your own expense) as you look out for dolphins. Option 1: Early Dinner with the Dolphins This early-bird dinner cruise allows daylight throughout the entire trip with beautiful views of the Lowcountry and the wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins that call these waters home. Along the dinner cruise route, you will see some historic Hilton Head and Daufuskie Island landmarks and learn about them through narration by the boat's captain. Menu: Fresh Garden Salad Low Country Shrimp and Grits Blackened Mahi Mahi, Roasted Chicken Breast, or Fresh Pasta Primavera (vegan/vegetarian) Option 2: Sunset Dinner Cruise Sail early enough to catch the sunset and return after dark to the lights of Harbour Town. Whether a warm summer evening or a cozy November night, the Sunset Dinner Cruise is a perfect way to end any day of the year on Hilton Head Island. Keep your eye out for dolphins as they typically make an appearance during the sunset dinner cruise. Menu: Fresh Garden Salad Low Country Shrimp and Grits Blackened Mahi Mahi, Roasted Chicken Breast, Berbere Spiced Pork Loin, or Fresh Pasta Primavera (vegan/vegetarian) Key Lime Pie or Layered Chocolate Mousse

Learn about the rich history and diverse ecosystem of Hilton Head Island from an expert guide as you paddle on this 1.5-hour kayak tour. As you cruise through these pristine saltwater marshlands, your guide will tell you about spartina grass/cordgrass, oysters, and other local wildlife, while answering any questions you may have. Enjoy the opportunity to observe many indigenous bird species, including egrets, herons, ospreys, brown pelicans, and bald eagles. Also, make sure to keep an eye out for the beloved Atlantic bottlenose dolphins swimming playfully. Benefit from a small-group experience for up to 10 people.