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” (843-785-4298).  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 23 years.  Their zodiac rafts depart from South Beach Village Marina (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 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 Discoveries Nature Tours (843-684-1911) offers dolphin tours on their 22-foot, six-passenger canopied boat. With just your family on the boat you’ll always get the best seats for close-up views of the dolphins and they guarantee dolphins. This is one of the best experiences you can give to your family. They also offer fireworks tours and beachcombing trips to Daufuskie Island. They depart from 11 Simmons Landing, off Marshland Road next to Broad Creek Marina.

    In operation since 1985, Dolphin and Nature Cruises’ (843-681-2522) two tour boats, the “SS Pelican” and the “Island Queen”, offer daily narrated 90-minute nature and dolphin tours out of their Mid-Island location at Broad Creek Marina, located at 18 Simmons Road off Marshland Road.  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 20 passengers and the “Queen” holds 40.

    Dolphin Seafari (843-785-7131), operated by Palmetto Bay Watersports, offers eco-tours from Palmetto Bay Marina (86 Helmsman Way).  Their 22-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 22nd 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. 

    Eric Horan’s Lowcountry Wildlife Photo Safaris (843-524-3037) offers two and four hour photographic nature tours for all skill levels, even non-photographers. These trips are limited to five participants to maximize the overall outdoor experience and learning opportunity.  Transport is by small boat, or other means can be arranged, including kayaking, biking, hiking or driving. 

    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 focusing specifically on nature and our local marine environment, spotlighting our many dolphins. Local USCG Master Captain and naturalist Capt. Jim Harkins heads a crew knowledgeable in the ebb and flow of the salt marsh. 

    They take passengers to out-of-the-way spots for one, two- and three-hour dolphin nature tours, sunrise and sunset excursions (including the Tuesday night fireworks display during the summer), and beachcombing on near-by islands. They also offer private island cruises and will tailor any trip to your specific interests.  Their boats are comfortable, covered, fast, and have shallow drafts perfect for exploring the tidal creeks and numerous uninhabited islands and beaches.  They are conveniently 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.  Their slogan is, “It’s your day, enjoy it your way.”  Climb aboard their 25-foot canopied open bow boat and let their USCG-licensed captain show you the sites you want to see.  You can go wherever you want, whether it’s dolphin watching around Hilton Head, a cookout on a sandbar, taking in the fireworks show on Tuesday nights, cruising to the historic cities of Savannah and Beaufort, or experiencing the thrill of water sports such as tubing, wakeboarding or waterskiing. Trips are designed for your comfort and the personal attention you deserve.  Tours depart daily from the Cross Island Boat Landing, located on Helmsman Way underneath the south end of the Cross Island Parkway.

    First class adventures are the specialty of Live Oac (888-254-8362).  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 Harbour, right across the water from Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge.  The Harbour 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.

    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. On their longer excursions you have the option of touring Daufuskie Island on their own golf carts, stopping at the company’s private 30-acre Page Island, fishing, kayaking, tubing, and much more.  Tours departs from their Shelter Cove Marina location (1 Shelter Cove Lane).

    Salt Marsh Photographic Cruises (843-681-3728), offers fantastic opportunities for a guided photography tour through the creeks and tidal streams. You’ll get up close to hidden areas that you just can’t get to by land. All tours launch from the dock behind the Skull Creek Boathouse (formerly the Boathouse II) at 397 Squire Pope 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”, 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.  Kayak nature tours are offered by Kayak Hilton Head (843-684-1910), Outside Hilton Head (800-686-6996), Triple Treat (843-689-3337), and Palmetto Bay Water Sports (843-785-2345).

    For more information, see our Ad Directory under Boat Tours.

    Also see “Things To Do” #1, #5, #6, and #19.

Photo courtesy of the
Coastal Discovery Museum