Hilton Head Island celebrates summer with a bang! Every Tuesday night from mid-June through mid-August, the sky over Hilton Head lights up with the Shelter Cove HarbourFest fireworks show. Head out on the water for the best seats in the house on one of several cruises and boat rentals—each one offers something a little different. It’s a great way to end a great day on the Island.
Island Queen Dolphin & Nature Tours
Offered mid-June through mid-August, this 2.5-hour cruise aboard the Island Queen has it all. In the last hour of daylight, tour the waters around Hilton Head and see some dolphins while enjoying a spectacular sunset. But the fun doesn’t end there; the boat heads back toward Shelter Cove Marina just in time for the fireworks! The cruise departs on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Buy tickets online at www.hiltonheadtours.com or call 843-681-2522. Reservations are recommended.
Captain Mark’s Dolphin Watch Cruises
Climb aboard the Holiday, Captain Mark’s cruise boat, and enjoy a fantastic evening of nature-watching and fireworks. This 2-hour cruise takes you down to Calibogue Sound and into Broad Creek to see dolphins and the fireworks. The cruise departs Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Call 843-785-4558 to reserve your seat, or visit www.cruisehiltonhead.com for more information. Reservations are required.
Captain Hook
How about a fireworks tour that packs a bite? Take your family onto the water for some inshore shark fishing, then finish the evening with the dazzling display of fireworks. Captain Hook has rods and reels for rent, and provides all the bait and tackle you need for four hours. Visit www.captainhookhiltonhead.com or call 843-785-1700 to reserve. Reservations are preferred.
Island Explorer
What could be more peaceful and romantic than a beautiful sunset cruise on the calm evening waters around Hilton Head Island? This intimate cruise concludes with the fireworks as a grand finale. Share this 2-hour dolphin-watching experience offered by Island Explorer with your loved ones and create memories to last a lifetime. Visit www.dolphintourshiltonhead.com or call 843-785-2100 to book your tour.
Vagabond Cruises
The Tuesday night fireworks display over Shelter Cove Harbour is a must-see, and a highlight of your Hilton Head vacation. There is no better place to see the fireworks than from one of our three vessels departing from Harbour Town: The Spirit of Harbour Town Fireworks Sunset Dinner Cruise, The Vagabond Fireworks Sunset Dolphin Cruise, and the Tammy Jane Fireworks Sunset Dolphin Cruise.
If you’re in town for the holiday, don’t miss out on special July Fourth cruise offerings! Vagabond Cruises offers four different Fourth of July tours, all of them taking you right in the middle of all the action! Harbour Town has a spectacular fireworks show on the Fourth, so choose between the Fireworks Dinner Cruise aboard The Spirit of Harbour Town, the Fireworks Dolphin Cruise aboard The Vagabond, the Fireworks Sail aboard The Stars & Stripes, and the Fireworks Dolphin Cruise aboard the all-new Tammy Jane! Head to www.vagabondcruise.com or call 843-363-9026 to reserve your cruise.
The Gypsy
You’re guaranteed to see dolphins once you board the Gypsy departing from South Beach Marina. Explore the marine environment and cruise up Calibogue Sound, past Harbor Town to Broad Creek. After watching a breathtaking sunset on the water, you’re in the perfect place to watch the fireworks. Contact them and set your own departure time at 843-363-2900 or https://www.hiltonhead.com/activities/naturetours-watersports/.
Outside Hilton Head
This extremely popular cruise starts with a 2-hour Dolphin Eco Tour and catching the spectacular Shelter Cove fireworks is almost a bonus! A special, longer cruise is available on July 4. Reserve your cruise at www.outsidehiltonhead.com or call 843-686-6996.
Bluewater Adventure
Looking to be at the helm of your own adventure on the water? Bluewater Adventure lets you operate your own mini catamaran while a guide in a separate boat guides you around local islands and lighthouses. Following a short break after the 2.5-hour tour, sit back with some snacks and watch the fireworks! Reserve your ride at www.bluewateradventurehiltonhead.com or call 843-422-9119.
OneHHI
One HHI will lead the way while you operate your own Creek Cat! Depart right from Palmetto Bay Marina in a part of Broad Creek called Dolphin Alley—for obvious reasons—and head through the marshes, past mansions and wildlife galore. Trained guides will fill you in on all the wildlife and the local lore while you get a chance to open the throttle and experience the excitement these awesome little boats have to offer. Finish off an evening of adventure with a beautiful sunset topped off by the fireworks display from the comfort of your own Creek Cat! Visit www.onehhi.com or call 843-684-2004 to book your tour.
No Drone Flying Zone
Visitors and spectators should keep in mind that Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina is in the Federal Aviation Administration’s “no fly zone” given the proximity to the Hilton Head Island airport. Be sure to leave your drones at home because flying one through or around a fireworks show is illegal and a potential felony offense.
