Hilton Head is known for many things, but one of the absolute best aspects of this special beach community is all the water surrounding it! Bodies of water in the area include rivers, creeks, streams, swamps, marshes, and of course, where the sun rises every morning: the Atlantic Ocean. Each has attributes that excite tourists and provide an excellent vacation experience. From vivid wildlife, memory-making views, and a chance to experience nature close at hand, there are so many adventures waiting around all of these impressive bodies of water.
Who Doesn’t Like Dolphins?
Dolphins are a large part of the Hilton Head coastal region. They appear just off the beaches, where they swim in the Atlantic, travel into the rivers, or even make their way into the bays and estuaries of the area. If you want to see them in the beautiful sunset, then Vagabond Cruise can give you that perfect opportunity! With cruises for dolphin viewing starting at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., you are in for a 90-minute narrated cruise led by the naturalist captain of the Vagabond! As the sun shimmers off the beautiful coastal South Carolina waters, dolphins will appear cresting over the waves and offering not only an unforgettable experience for children but a memorable time for adults as well. If you are not as interested in the sunset tours or more flexibility is needed for the vacation schedule, then the Vagabond also offers more 90-minute narrated cruises throughout the day!
Day Trips are the Best Trips!
Maybe you have an open day and have not decided on something to do, or perhaps it is not your first time to the Hilton Head area, and you want something new to add to your vacation. One of the best things to do in that case is to prepare a day trip to Charleston’s sister city, Savannah, Georgia! A cruise, again from our friends at Vagabond Cruises, leaves every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. The cruise travels an hour and 45 minutes from Hilton Head to Savannah aboard the Spirit of Harbour Town, a boat with an air-conditioned lower deck, a covered upper deck, and a bar for drinks. You may also purchase discounted trolley tickets aboard the boat for the four-hour stay. The Spirit of Harbour Town docks right downtown, allowing for the perfect point to start the day. Savannah offers amazing dining options, lush botanical gardens, trolley tours, and great local shops, all of which make for a packed day of exploration. At the end of the visit, you can hop back onto the Spirit of Harbour Town for more drinks and a scenic cruise back to Hilton Head. This is the only vessel that offers a day trip to Savannah so make sure to plan early!
For Those Looking for Variety…
Perhaps you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for a ton of fun out on the local waters. Look no further than Live Oac, Hilton Head Island’s Adventure Professionals. For years, they have been taking families, groups, and individuals all around the beautiful Lowcountry, helping them to make wonderful vacation memories. Enjoy some time experiencing watersports; with tubing, water skiing, ZUP Boarding, Wakeboarding, and Kneeboarding, you’ll find something for everyone to do. Tours are also on offer from Live Oac, for those looking for a less extreme experience. From Dolphin tours to touring different parts of the Lowcountry ecosystem, you’ll experience everything the they have to offer. Live Oac also offers multiple ways to book a fishing charter for those looking for sport! You can book either Inshore Fishing, Near Coastal Fishing, Offshore Fishing, or “Deep Sea” Fishing charters for a great time!
Scourge of the Seas…
If kids are a major part of your vacation, then consider The Black Dagger at Harbour Town during your stay at Island Club. Right before boarding the pirate ship, the crew provides the kids with costume gear, face paint, and temporary tattoos for a pirate look they will love. The kids also receive a distinct Pirate name, as well as a few pointers on how to walk and talk just like Davy Jones. When you’re ready, climb aboard the ship and set sail for adventure and your search for treasure! To find the treasure, kids are tasked with reading the map to help to defeat Stinky Pete, the rival pirate in the quest for treasure. All of the pirates receive a share of the loot to take home after overcoming Stinky Pete at the end of the adventure!
Let Nature Wash Over You
One of our final recommendations is for those looking to get deeper into the wonderful nature surrounding the Hilton Head areas with a kayak tour. Two-hour tours depart from the Shelter Cove Marina and are guided by an experienced naturalist. Though the guide may be experienced, you need not be, as the kayaks are beginner-friendly and very stable, making this a perfect activity to do with the entire family! Along your guided tour, you’ll be led through the stunning and everchanging Hilton Head marshes and estuaries. Along the trip, see herons and osprey flying low overhead, skittering critters like fiddler crabs making a home among the pluff mud, and even dolphins feeding in the marshes. The kayak tours are a perfect family or solo adventure to highlight your vacation!