Life on Hilton Head Island revolves around the water and few places offer so many opportunities to enjoy this liquid asset. From Broad Creek to the Calibogue Sound, the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean, freshwater lagoons to brackish backwaters, there are so many ways to get out on the water.
Launch & Land:
A perfect day on the water begins and ends at any of the Island’s many marinas, which feature an array of watersports, boat rentals, tackle shops, fishing charters and eco-tours, as well as signature restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Explore the famous candy-striped lighthouse in Harbour Town, the Mediterranean charm of Shelter Cove Harbour, the New England-style fishing village of South Beach Marina, the Key West atmosphere of Palmetto Bay Marina and the hidden charms of Broad Creek Marina, Skull Creek Marina and Hilton Head Harbor.
Make a Splash:
Jump on a jet ski or wave-runner and whiz across the water on an adventure around the Island or try tubing, wake-boarding, water-skiing, knee-boarding and skurfing with a USCG-certified captain. It’s fast, fun and a sure way to keep your cool on sizzling summer days.
Get on Board:
The sport of choice for ancient Hawaiians and modern Hollywood hipsters, standup paddleboarding (SUP) is making waves in the Lowcountry. Easy to learn and a great workout, take a few lessons before heading out for a yoga class, nature tour, moonlight paddle, fireworks trip or race. Of course, thrill seekers can still catch waves on traditional surfboards, skim boards and boogie boards.
Set Sail:
Let the wind fill your sails as you salute the sunset on a Happy Hour Cruise. You can hail a water taxi to neighboring Daufuskie Island and spend a few hours or all day sight-seeing. Battle pirates at sea on a swash-buckling adventure. You can also catch the seasonal fireworks displays from the water. Sign up for sailing lessons or rent a boat and play your way.
Paddle Away:
Experience the Island’s wildlife up close on a guided kayak or canoe trip through calm tidal creeks and Lowcountry marshlands. Choose from customized family adventures, corporate retreats, team-building exercises or camps for kids, tweens and teens. Just don’t forget your camera to capture picture-perfect moments or your fishing pole to catch a delicious dinner.
Go Wild:
A natural setting for adventure, discover the wild side of the Island and its amazing array of animals. Depart on a dolphin watching trip, shark fishing excursion, alligator adventure, turtle talk and walk or bird watching tour to view the Island’s wild inhabitants.
Fly High:
Soar hundreds of feet above the water on a parasailing trip. Get a bird’s-eye view of the Lowcountry on a helicopter ride. Or, you can spend a few thrilling hours ziplining through majestic oaks and pine trees at water’s edge.
Reel Fun:
Bait your hook and head out for a day of deep sea or shark fishing with experienced captains who know the secret spots. Feel free to drop a line from a kayak or into the nearest lagoon. Cast a shrimp net. Or during certain months of the year, try surf fishing to see what you can catch.
Hit the Beach:
The Island’s 12 miles of hard-packed, white-sand beaches provide the perfect playground for any age, in any season. Rent a bike, splash in the surf, fly a kite, build castles in the sand. Or simply relax on a rented beach chair under an umbrella with a good book in hand.