15 Hilton Head Island Tours That Repay the Ticket

1.2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,620 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $47Our pick

Meet your guide at Shelter Cove Marina for a brief paddle lesson, then kayak through Broad Creek’s salt marshes, tidal rivers, and creeks. Guides such as Wayne, Shannon, Paddy, and Madison mix local ecology with island history. The pace suits beginners, though wind, current, and wildlife sightings can vary.

“guide Capt.Gerard, very knowledgeable and friendly. Explained everything we saw and then some. We felt very safe.”

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2.Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,424 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Set out from Palmetto Bay Marina with a US Coast Guard-licensed captain and local guide. This 90-minute cruise follows Broad Creek through Hilton Head’s marshy waterways, with dolphin sightings promised, bird watching, and narration about the island’s ecosystem. Captains and guides may include Kate, Pete, Wendy, Kim, or Jamie.

“We had an AMAZING time on the dolphin tour. Being from Florida, I was expected to see a couple dolphins, but this blew me away! We saw SOOOO many dolphins, and even saw a few jump out of the water. Captain Pete and first mate Michelle were wonderful and made sure everyone had a great view and learned a bit about the local area. It was well worth the money!”

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3.Daufuskie Island Guided History Tour from Hilton Head

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,046 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $115

Travel by boat from Shelter Cove Marina to Daufuskie Island, then explore its undeveloped historic side by golf cart. A guide such as Captain Dean, Andy, Pete, Bayard, or Boo leads the visit, covering the First African Baptist Church, Mary Fields School, artisan shops, island history, and coastal wildlife.

“We had a great tour. Captain Andy was fantastic and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed both the boat ride and the golf cart tour of the island. We walked away feeling we know more about the area and its history.”

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4.Beaufort’s #1 Horse & Carriage History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 913 reviews · from $35

Spend about 50 to 55 minutes touring Beaufort by horse and carriage with a small group of up to 16 people. Your guide points out historic churches, Civil War sites, movie locations, and notable homes while sharing stories of the city. Guides have included Laura and Nicole, and horses such as D, Angus, and Amos.

“The hotties are beautiful and the guides are full of amazing knowledge and history!! We’ve gone three times and learned something new every time!!”

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5.Hilton Head Island: Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 700 reviews · 1h 30m · from $39

Cruise from Palmetto Bay Marina with a Coast Guard licensed captain and English-speaking guide. You may see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, turtles, osprey, and herons while passing Harbour Town Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island. Captains such as Kate, Pete, Spike, and Mary keep the ride friendly and family-focused.

“The tour was amazing first mate and captain were both great! We loved the experience and will definitely be coming back!”

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6.Hilton Head Pirate Ship Adventure Sail aboard the Black Dagger

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 668 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $47

Set sail from Harbour Town aboard the Black Dagger for a 90-minute pirate adventure made for children. The crew provides pirate names, face paint, temporary tattoos, costumes, lessons, treasure, and a water-cannon battle with Stinky Pete. Scurvy and the other costumed crew keep children busy while adults enjoy views from the water.

“This was a well-run, fun trip! It was well worth the money considering the kids (and adults) got tattoos and face paints. At the end of the trip the kids got “treasure”. The 2 female pirates were especially good with the children. “Stinky Pete” was a fun addition to our pirate journey and the kids loved dousing him with water cannons. My only comment is that my 9 and 11 year old grand children were the oldest kids on our trip - by far. They still enjoyed it but I would say it’s mostly geared for up to 5th graders.”

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7.History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 562 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $38

Ride through Beaufort’s historic district in an English-language Yamaha golf cart, learning about Spanish, French, and English settlement, the Civil War, antebellum homes, and film sites from Forrest Gump, The Great Santini, and Something to Talk About. Guides such as Kathy, Gina, and Mike are known for lively local stories. Groups are limited to five people.

“Super interesting and informative!! Gina was excellent. We could not ask for a better guide. Her knowledge of the area was impressive!”

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8.Beaufort City Minibus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 521 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $37

Spend about 75 minutes touring Beaufort in an air-conditioned minibus with a local guide such as Heather or Octavia. Expect stories about historic homes, Robert Smalls, Civil War-era life, Hollywood filming locations, and local culture. The tour starts and ends at 930 Bay Street, with groups limited to 14 people.

“Let's you know the history of the town shows you different homes Tells you the story of Robert Smalls”

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9.90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 516 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Join Captain Mark of Cross Island Cruises for a private 90-minute boat tour from Hilton Head Island. Your group of up to six searches for wild dolphins around the Cooper River, Daufuskie Island, and nearby marshes. Expect local ecology stories, possible lighthouse photos, and a relaxed ride with a Lowcountry Master Naturalist.

“It was great to have a private experience and we saw many dolphins. Captain Mark was a great guide! Appreciated the clear communication prior with confirmation and directions to the dock.”

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10.Hilton Head to Savannah Round-Trip Ferry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 507 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $88

Travel from Hilton Head’s Harbour Town area to Savannah by high-speed ferry, with 1 hour 45 minutes on the water each way and about four hours ashore. Choose an air-conditioned cabin or covered upper deck, buy drinks and snacks onboard, and add a trolley tour in Savannah if you want an easy introduction to the city.

“Great crew, departed and returned on time, the bar on board was well stocked and prices are very reasonable”

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11.America’s Cup 12-Meter Yacht Afternoon Sail from Hilton Head

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 504 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Spend 90 minutes aboard the 39-foot Stars & Stripes, an America’s Cup 12-Meter yacht departing from Harbour Town Marina. Captain Peter and crew may invite you to raise the mainsail, grind lines, or take the wheel while sharing Hilton Head stories. Expect deck cushions, open-air seating, coastal views, and drinks for sale.

“Peter was an excellent captain who encouraged those passengers familiar with sailing to assist in many ways. Seating and movement around boat challenging for anyone with any physical issues but captain tries to accommodate as much as possible. Very beautiful sail and afternoon!”

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12.#1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 454 reviews · 55 minutes (approx.)

Settle into a blue carriage for a 55-minute tour through Beaufort’s Old Point and historic district. Your guide, such as Charlotte, Annie, or Charlie, shares stories from colonial days through today while a gentle horse like Link or Wyatt pulls you past moss-draped oaks, churches, graveyards, gardens, and historic homes.

“The tour guide was exceptionally knowledgeable of Beaufort history. She was humorous and had a very upbeat personality.”

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13.Hilton Head Island Guided Water Tour by Creek Cat Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 444 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $145

You pilot your own Creek Cat while a professional guide leads the group through Hilton Head’s creeks and surrounding waters. Expect Harbour Town, Daufuskie Island, wildlife, local history, and a good chance of getting wet. Guides such as Greg, Mason, Jack, and Buck have been praised for clear instruction and safe leadership.

“We had an amazing afternoon on this tour . It was a windy day so we switched from the Creek Cat vessel to a Zodiac style and I was so grateful we did ! There was some chop and a lot of wind which would have made the more open vessel cold and very wet …. The guides were knowledgeable and kept us all safe while still letting each little vessel to have fun ! The ride through the marshes was my favorite part. I would highly recommend this tour and will do it again when I return to Hilton Head”

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14.Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 412 reviews · 1h 30m · from $50

Board Vagabond at Harbour Town Pier for a 90-minute sunset cruise with guaranteed dolphin sightings. A captain narrates the wildlife, local lore, and views toward Hilton Head and Daufuskie Island. Bring a warm layer, arrive early for parking, and buy beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks on board.

“The cruise, guide and crew were great. Parking was scarce. It took 45 minutes to find a place to park.”

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15.Hilton Head Island Ocean Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 395 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Cruise the Calibogue Sound aboard the Vagabond from Harbour Town Lighthouse. A captain-led narration covers dolphins, birds, lighthouses, and Lowcountry landmarks. You’ll likely see wild dolphins, with snacks, drinks, beer, and wine available for purchase. The cruise runs about 90 minutes and returns to the same dock.

“Watching the dolphins as they napped and ate was one of my favorite parts of the trip. I also enjoyed listening to the detailed information about the dolphins. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and demonstrated enthusiasm for his job.”

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