Photo courtesy of the Coastal Discovery Museum
Emerald-green fairways and sparkling waves may be the most famous enticements of Hilton Head, but the Island’s true jewels are in the air, in the marsh grass, and under the water.
Visitors gape in awe at huge blue herons sailing across William Hilton Parkway, osprey nests built on bridge pylons or cell towers, and pelicans making dive-bomb splashes into the ocean. It’s common to see fish leaping friskily and dolphins popping up in almost every waterway. But these are only the obvious stars. Hilton Head’s rich marsh environment is teeming with other hidden wonders. In fact, Broad Creek alone is home to 73 different species of wildlife, including six endangered species.
All of this bounty makes a guided nature tour a must-do activity. It is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to gain a full appreciation of this area. Adults and children alike will marvel at the unexpected discoveries hidden in almost every bend of the marsh.
Adventure Cruises’ (843-785-4558) 80-foot, double-deck ship “The Holiday” will take you on a one hour and 45 minute narrated dolphin watch nature cruise. They feature 45 different points of interest so you’ll see it all. This is all calm water cruising. They have a snack bar and restrooms on board. They sail daily except Sunday from Dock C at the Shelter Cove Harbour Marina (1 Shelter Cove Lane).
In addition, the company also operates the “Crabber J II” (843-422-5110). If you’re interested in sport crabbing and learning how to catch some blue crabs, this trip is a “must-do”. They even offer a free t-shirt to the person who catches the most crabs! You won’t be able to keep the crabs (this is “catch and release” for fun), but you can keep the shirt!
Commander Zodiac (843-671-3344) has been conducting nature tours for over 25 years. Their zodiac rafts depart from South Beach Marina Village (232 South Sea Pines Drive) in Sea Pines; they will take you out for an up-close view of the Island’s abundant marine wildlife. Selected by National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, and the BBC as local nature guides, Commander Zodiac offers three exciting guided tours, including a one-hour dolphin tour, a 90-minute dolphin and salt marsh excursion, and a two-hour dolphin and beachcombing tour.
Dolphin and Nature Cruises (843-681-2522) has been in operation since 1985. They offer daily narrated 90-minute nature and dolphin tours aboard their two tour boats, the “SS Pelican” and the “Island Queen.” The boats are fully canopied with ample and comfortable seating room for your entire family. They also offer nature tours at sunset and to the summer fireworks display at Shelter Cove Harbour. The “Pelican” holds up to 18 passengers and the “Queen” holds 40. They operate mid-Island out of Broad Creek Marina, located at 18 Simmons Road off Marshland Road.
Dolphin Seafari (843-785-2345), operated by Palmetto Bay Watersports, offers eco-tours from Palmetto Bay Marina (86 Helmsman Way). Their 15-passenger canopied boat is great for cruising the calm waters of Broad Creek to Harbour Town. This is an up-close and personal hands-on experience for all ages. Not only will you learn about the area’s dolphins and wildlife, but you will also learn how to catch live shrimp and crabs – how to throw a cast net and pull a crab pot. The daily 90-minute tours operate from morning to sunset. The seats are comfortable and drinks are offered on board. In season, they even have an on-board aquarium.
“Flying Circus” and “Pau Hana” (843-686-2582) set sail daily, morning to sunset, from Palmetto Bay Marina (86 Helmsman Way). In their 23rd year of operation, these two beautiful sailing catamarans offer one of the most “environmentally-friendly” ways to learn about the Lowcountry’s eco-system – no noise, just the wind in the sails so the wildlife isn’t frightened away. The 53-foot “Pau Hana” is approved for up to 49 passengers. The 30-foot “Flying Circus” offers a private “close to nature” experience, intimately limited up to six passengers.
The “Gypsy” (843-363-2900) is a stable 65-foot long vessel with plenty of walking about room and lots of shade. Departing out of charming South Beach Village Marina (232 South Sea Pines Drive) in the Sea Pines Resort), they will take you and your family on a number of different narrated tours on Calibogue Sound. They offer a fully narrated one-hour dolphin watching excursion as well as a 90-minute Dolphins and More cruise that includes dolphin watching along with lessons in cast netting and throwing crab pots. Their ever-popular Kid’s Cruise, especially designed to provide hands-on experience for children, includes dolphin watching, cast netting, and pulling crab pots as well as the exciting experience of shark fishing.
Island Explorer (843-785-2100), specializes in small personalized dolphin and nature eco-tours. This company has been providing water-related activities for the Hilton Head area since 1979. They offer a unique and memorable off-the-beaten-path boating experience. Local USCG Master Captain and naturalist Capt. Jim Harkins heads a knowledgeable crew. They offer one, two- and three-hour dolphin nature tours, sunrise and sunset excursions (including the summer Tuesday night fireworks display), beachcombing on near-by islands, and private island cruises. Their boats are comfortable, covered, fast, perfect for exploring the tidal creeks and numerous uninhabited islands and beaches. They are located mid-Island on the dock behind the Old Oyster Factory Restaurant at 101 Marshland Road (no gate fees and plenty of parking).
Island Time Charters (816-261-2410) specializes in fully-customized adventures for the whole family. With a slogan of, “It’s your day, enjoy it your way,” they will take you wherever you want, whether it’s dolphin watching around Hilton Head, bird watching from the water at Pinckney Island, or just experiencing the beauty and serenity of the Lowcountry marshlands. Climb aboard a 25-foot canopied open bow boat and let Captain Megan show you the sites. Trips are designed for your comfort and the red carpet treatment you deserve. Trips are limited to six passengers and depart daily from the Cross Island Boat Landing, located on Helmsman Way underneath the south end of the Cross Island Parkway.
Live Oac (888-254-8362) offers first class eco-adventures. Visit areas that most island visitors miss seeing on perhaps the most comfortable deck boats in the Lowcountry. Educated guides will share interpretive views of the estuaries and their inhabitant creatures, including an outstanding local dolphin population. Live Oac departs from Hilton Head Harbor, right across the water from Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Harbor is located at the end of Jenkins Road (43-A Jenkins Road) off William Hilton Parkway (Hwy 278, Mile Marker 1).
Lowcountry Nature Tours (843-683-0187) has a lovely canopied deck boat that accommodates up to six passengers for a personalized two-hour nature tour out of Shelter Cove Marina (1 Shelter Cove Lane). With seating under the canopy, you can get an up-close view of our friendly dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. Various tours operate daily, including a sunset cruises and a unique journey to waters around Daufuskie Island.
Lowcountry Wildlife Photo Safaris (843-524-3037), led by award-winning photographer and master naturalist Eric Horan, offers two- and four-hour photographic nature tours around the area’s waterways for all skill levels, even non-photographers. These trips are limited to five participants to maximize the overall experience. Transport is by small boat, or other means can be arranged, including kayaking, biking, hiking or driving.
Outside Hilton Head (800-686-6996) has been leading guided eco-tours in the Lowcountry since 1979. Their staff of certified naturalists know the area’s backwaters intimately. Choose from a great menu of programs including the two-hour dolphin tour, three-hour beachcombing cruise, private charters, or custom designed full- and half-day outings called the Ultimate Low Country Day. Their boats comfortably accommodate up to six or 12 passengers. Choose to sit in the shade or sun and get ready for fun! They will bring you up close and personal with our wildlife. Tours departs from their Shelter Cove Marina location (1 Shelter Cove Lane).
Salt Marsh Photographic Cruises (843-681-3728), offers fantastic opportunities for photographers of any skill level to capture images nature at her finest from the water. This is an excellent trip even for non-photographers, relaxing and scenic just as a Lowcountry nature tour should be. Capt. Larry Watts has organized three different cruises through this area’s tidal creeks. In addition to the photogenic scenery, you’ll see plenty of wildlife, including American Bald Eagles and American alligators. Before you set off on your journey, Capt. Watts even takes time to explain where you are going and what you will be seeing as well as reviewing basic camera settings and photographic techniques. All tours launch from the dock behind the Skull Creek Boathouse at 397 Squire Pope Road.
Sky Pirate Watersports (843-842-2566) offers dolphin ecology tours aboard their canopied watercraft. Their cruises will take you from Broad Creek Marina along Broad Creek for a unique experience that can be customized to include whatever you would like, from dolphin watching, to casting a shrimp net, pulling a crab pot, or dropping a fishing line. Sky Pirate also offers evening cocktail cruises, boat rentals, waterskiing and tubing, and parasailing. Broad Creek Marina is located mid-Island at 18 Simmons Road, off Marshland Road.
Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9023) conducts a number of narrated nature cruises departing from Harbour Town (149 Lighthouse Road) aboard their flagship the “Vagabond”. Sightseeing cruises include the Ocean Dolphin Cruise, a Sunset Dolphin Cruise, and a Daufuskie Island Adventure Cruise. All cruises feature a live narration from their naturalist captains. Vagabond also conducts dinner cruises aboard the “Spirit of Harbour Town”, afternoon and sunset sailing aboard the “Stars & Stripes”, ghost and murder mystery cruises, numerous children’s cruises, and sightseeing cruises to Savannah.
Nature touring by kayak is another popular way of having a “close encounter” with the wild inhabitants of our area. The stealth of a kayak is an excellent way to approach wary creatures. Naturalists will quietly guide you through creeks, marshes and tributaries while explaining the wonders of the Lowcountry ecosystem. No experience is necessary and it is fun for all ages. Guided kayak nature tours are offered by Kayak Hilton Head (843-684-1910), Outside Hilton Head (800-686-6996), and Palmetto Bay Water Sports (843-785-2345).
If you want to see Savannah by wanter, Eric Horan’s Historic Savannah Waterfront Photo Safari (843-524-3037) will take you on a dramatic tour along the Savannah River. See everything from tugs and container ships to wading birds and dolphin. The schedule even allows time for a stopover at Savannah’s famed River Street. Transport is in his 19-foot Carolina Skiff, great for taking you from one dramatic setting to another.
Also see “Things To Do”:
1. Learn About Our Wildlife
5. Photograph Nature with a Pro
6. Go Bird Watching
19. Discover the Dolphins
Companies that offer guided eco-tours include:
Adventure Cruises (the “Crabber J II” and the “Holiday”) (Website)
Dolphin and Nature Cruises(the “SS Pelican” and the “Island Queen”) (Website)
Island Time Charters (Website)
Lowcountry Nature Tours (Website)
Lowcountry Wildlife Photo Safaris (Website)
Palmetto Bay Water Sports (Website)
Salt Marsh Photographic Cruises (Website)
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