19. Discover Dolphins

Hilton Head dolphins are as friendly as the people here. They show up in all the populated places – the Atlantic beaches, the sounds, and the creeks. Their graceful, silvery bodies never fail to catch attention as they arc through the waters or pop up to grin at you with their smiling faces... (see more)

20. Cruise on a Catamaran

For a tranquil experience on the water, take a sail on one – or both – of the island’s only two sailing catamarans. The “Flying Circus” and “Pau Hana” (686-2582) are located at Palmetto Bay Marina. You’ll feel totally relaxed aboard these beautiful vessels, as you take in the serene Hilton Head Island waters. The only sound you will head is the wind in the sails. Have fun quietly sailing amongst the dolphins, taking in the Lowcountry’s green marshes and incredible wildlife... (see more)

21. Fly in a Trimaran

Vaka. Ama. Aka. Proa. These are not typos. They are Polynesian terms that refer to the structural components of a trimaran, a three-hulled sailing vessel made most popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The “vaka” is the main hull. The two smaller outrigger hulls (the “amas”) are connected to the vaka with lateral struts called “akas”. The derivation of these words is from the original “proas” (boats) constructed over 4,000 years ago by Pacific Islanders... (see more)

22. Travel by Ferry Boat

Ferry boats are a wonderful way to travel. Skip the hassles of traffic, directions and parking. When you travel by water, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the scenery as you make your way to the destination of your choice - Daufuskie Island, Savannah, Beaufort, or even near-by Bluffton... (see more)

23. Sail on an America's Cup Boat

Hilton Head Island offers every family the sailing experience of a lifetime aboard the “Stars & Stripes” (363-9446) the original America’s Cup boat once skippered by Dennis Connor. There’s nothing more exhilarating than cutting through the water aboard a real America’s Cup Twelve Meter, with only the quiet force of the wind moving you along...
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24. Rent a Boat & Be Your Own Captain

With miles of picturesque waterways Hilton Head Island offers many ways to explore. If you are adventurous and feel the call of the wild, try renting a powerboat and be your own captain. Circumnavigate Hilton Head; sunbathe and take a refreshing deep-water dip; go fishing; cross-over to Daufuskie Island or journey down to Savannah; watch a sunset or the Tuesday night fireworks... (see more)

25. Get Wet and Wild

Looking for an intense and exhilarating way to explore Hilton Head? Try getting wet and wild on a jet ski – a very safe and fun water activity for all ages. Also known as “waverunning,” this water sport has been around for 20 years. Here on Hilton Head, our waters are safe and uncrowded so you can feel free to go “fast and bouncy” or “slow and cruise"... (see more)

26. Go Waterskiing, Wakeboarding & Tubing

How about a day out with family and friends, skimming across the clean, open waters that surround Hilton Head Island? As you ski from the back of a power boat, you can enjoy, in style, the scenery and climate that has made this island such a popular vacation destination... (see more)

27. Take a Raft Ride

For an exhilarating day on the water, be sure to check out the Lowcountry’s unique rafting tours and adventures. You’ll experience both the thrill of rafting and the shear pleasure of being so close to nature... (see more)

28. Hit the Surf

Be sure to bring along your surfboard when you hit the beaches of Hilton Head. Due to the wide continental shelf and occasional sandbars, the island produces normal beach break, suitable for both beginner and experienced surfers. You’ll find designated areas for swimmers along the beach, leaving the rest of the shore available for surfers to enjoy the waves... (see more)

29. Go Kayaking

To enjoy the most beautiful and natural gifts Hilton Head Island has to offer, you should leave the roadways and golf courses and journey out through the tidal creeks and marshes that surround this barrier island. Whether it’s breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, dolphins covorting, or the simplicity of our scenic waterways, kayaking will present you with some of the best photo opportunities of your vacation... (see more)

30. Kayak the Easy Way

Kayaking is without a doubt one of the most popular activities for Island visitors. The stealth of the craft makes for the perfect eco-tour and family outing. The low-tech gear is easily manageable for the novice. For some people, however, the work of paddling and the exposure to the sun may make this activity out of reach. How nice would it be if you could just sit and relax in a kayak, in the shade, as it quietly moves along?... (see more)

31. Get Thrilled on The Flyfish

If you are around Broad Creek this summer, you may see an “unidentified flying object” – it’s yellow, it’s towed by a boat, and it jumps and flies over the water. What you’re seeing is the Flyfish, the newest thrill craze to hit this country’s waters. It is truly a unique and unbelievable experience, but not for the faint at heart... (see more)

32. Take a Sailing Cruise

Set sail and venture out on the pristine waters that surround beautiful Hilton Head Island. Slicing through the sparkling water aboard a sail boat, with the warm sun shining above and the fresh wind blowing through your hair, invigorates the senses and relaxes the mind, providing the perfect excursion for lovers, families or friends. There’s no finer way to enjoy the temperate climate, verdant coastline and bountiful marine world of Hilton Head than by sailing the beautiful waterways around it... (see more)

33. Learn to Sail

Have you ever seen sailboats silhouetted at sunset and thought, “I wish that was me out there?” Ever thought, “I want to do that,” when you saw a boat quietly cruise by under full sail, people laughing in the wind and sun? So, why not just do it - learn to sail? When better than during your vacation on an island? The Hilton Head area offers you some fantastic opportunities to learn the ropes of this exciting sport...
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34. Get Over It With Parasailing

If you envy the water birds soaring over our lush Island and sparkling waters, parasailing is your ticket to a peaceful yet thrilling experience. Go solo or fly tandem. Choose how high you soar, from 400 to 800 feet in the air. Whatever you choose, you’ll see the Lowcountry for miles in every direction...(see more)

35. Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise

In the midst of over 200 wonderful restaurants on the island, there is one unique dining experience offering the ultimate in beauty and romance – a sunset dinner cruise... (see more)

36. Go Charter Fishin'

On Hilton Head Island there are many places you can have a fishing adventure, whether it is fresh and brackish water lagoons, tidal lagoons, or estuaries (tidal creeks). You can go inshore on the Calibogue Sound or offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. The area is rich in fish from snapper, grouper, bluefish, king mackerel, flounder and the spotted sea trout... (see more)

37. Hunt for Jaws

Arrive home with the ultimate fish story – “I caught JAWS!” Perhaps this is why shark fishing is one of the most popular excursions for both family fun and serious sports fishermen alike. The Lowcountry does not lack in its share of these large mouthed, sharp toothed fish. Mako, Tiger, Bull, and Hammerheads – they are here... (see more)

38. Stand Up & Paddle

Old school surfers in Waikiki used outrigger canoe paddles while standing on their boards to surf the waves. This eventually led to the “hands-free” surfing style we know today. But now there is renewed interest in this South Seas sport, and stand-up paddle boarding is one of the fastest growing water activities in the world today... (see more)

39. Go Fly Fishing

Hilton Head Island has become the fly fishing mecca for the Palmetto state. Whether backcountry, inshore or offshore, most all South Atlantic game fish can be successfully targeted depending on the time of year... (see more)

40. Trawl for Shrimp

Shrimping has always played a large role in the life of the people on Hilton Head Island and throughout the Lowcountry. During the shrimping season, which runs from June 1 to late December or early January, you can see the boats off shore trawling for shrimp... (see more)

41. Go Fresh Water Fishing

What’s a vacation without some leisurely time to kick back and drop a fishing pole into the water? If you aren’t a heavy-duty angler, you have kids in tow, or you just don’t want to spend the time or money for a charter boat, then try some lazy, gentle freshwater fishing in one of the Island’s many lagoons and ponds... (see more)

42. Go Crabbing

Feeling a little crabby? An easy and relaxing family activity, perhaps easier than fishing, is an outing to go crabbing. You’re surrounded by the crab’s favorite hangout – any salty or brackish water. There are no hooks to bait or wiggly worms to deal with, and many people think crabs are a lot easier to cook, clean, and eat... (see more)

43. Leave Footprints in the Sand

Hilton Head means beautiful beaches, and every year over two million visitors flock here to enjoy the warm sunshine and beautiful, sloping shores of the Island. More than 12 miles of beaches encircle Hilton Head. All beaches are public from the ocean to the high tide mark, but not all have “public access,” meaning the beaches lie within private plantations and are for residents and guests only... (see more)