Get out onto the open water on one of the excellent and varied boat rides departing from Hilton Head Island near Savannah, Georgia.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Dolphins, pirates, pontoons and kayaks are a handful of ways to get away from shore or explore the wetlands of Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. So much so that it has started to draw in the crowds from nearby Savannah, Georgia as well. Hilton Head Island is the place to go for fun watersports activities in the area. Here are five of the best boat tours, taking into account value for money, itinerary, health and safety measures, and the feedback from previous guests.
Hilton Head Island Dolphin Nature Cruise
With the North Atlantic Ocean so close, there’s an excellent opportunity to take a boat trip from Hilton Head Island to look for marine life. Bottlenose dolphins are a common presence in the region and you can learn all about their habits and what it is about this area that attracts them from your crew. There are two daily departures at 2pm and 4pm, although please note that this tour might not run on every day during the winter months. From $35 per person.
Pirate Cruise on the Black Dagger
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Ahoy there mateys, this fun and very unique boat tour takes place aboard the Black Dagger, a mighty vessel fit for a swashbuckling adventure. Aimed primarily at children, you’ll learn how to talk pirate (mostly just saying “arrrrr” a lot), get a tattoo and some facial hair (both of which can be erased) and most importantly, track down the key to the treasure map from the smelliest pirate this side of Savannah: Stinky Pete. This excellent interactive tour runs at least three times a day from Mon-Sat. From $35 per person.
Sunset Dolphin Cruise
If want an extra edge to your Hilton Head wildlife cruise, this sunset boat trip is a special way to see out the day. Head south, over the Atlantic, to Daufuskie Island, looking out for dolphins along the way. Although many tours “guarantee” dolphin sightings, nature is nature and quite fairly, does things on its own time. But it is highly probable that you will see plenty of wildlife along the way. What is certain is that the sun sets and this tour is perfectly primed to catch it doing so over the US, painting the land in warm tones as you head back to land. From $43 per person.
Hilton Head Island Guided Kayak Tour
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Sometimes you need to ditch the motors and the noise in order to properly interact with nature and the best way to do that on the waterways is to take a kayak instead. This 90-minute guided tour heads into the ominously named Skull Creek, where you’ll gently paddle along the waterways of South Carolina’s low country, spotting the birdlife that loves this marshland so much, including herons, pelicans, egrets and osprey. You may even be joined on parts of this paddle by an inquisitive dolphin or two. From $43 per person.
Hilton Head Self-Drive Pontoon Boat Rental
Perhaps you’ve got an itinerary in mind and would prefer to get there on your own? Problem is, you’ll likely need a boat. Well, this pontoon rental has you covered. With a set price for up to ten people (the larger your group, the better value per person it will be), you can explore the waterways, look for dolphins, or anchor up and go for a swim. The listed fee is for the minimum rental time of two hours, although you can take these pontoon boats for up to eight hours ($700). Please note that the rental place opens at 8am and pontoons must be returned by 8pm. From $245 per group.