How to Protect Beaches on Hilton Head Island

Coastal erosion is a challenge for our beautiful beaches, with some areas receding up to three feet yearly due to natural forces and rising sea levels. In summer 2025, Hilton Head Island is responding with a beach renourishment project that will add 2 million cubic yards of sand along five areas of the Island’s shoreline. Working alongside this approach, a handful of dune restoration projects use native sea oats to help create living barriers with root systems that naturally anchor the sand.

When the sun sets, the Island faces another challenge: artificial lighting that can lead sea turtles astray. To help protect the wildlife, the Island initiated a Lights Out ordinance during nesting season in May through October, encouraging beachfront properties to shield or redirect lights and adopt turtle-friendly amber LEDs.

Humans also pose a unique challenge to the ecosystem. Hilton Head Island employs an equally friendly and effective beach management approach to strike a balance with regular cleaning, conveniently placed waste bins, clear informative signs, and knowledgeable beach ambassadors who guide visitors on how to enjoy the shore responsibly. The Island’s conservation success stories shine brightest through education initiatives that involve visitors in preserving the landscape. Places and programs like the Coastal Discovery Museum and Sea Turtle Patrol transform curious visitors into passionate environmental advocates, while the Sea Turtle Project’s team of nearly 400 volunteers creates a community effort that protects nests while engaging thousands of interested onlookers. Through thoughtful collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies, Hilton Head Island demonstrates how coastal communities can harmonize development, recreation, and nature preservation.

Your actions make a meaningful difference in protecting our beaches. Here's how you can help preserve these special shores with a few thoughtful choices during your visit.

• When enjoying the beach, stick to designated access paths rather than crossing fragile dunes, since these natural barriers protect the Island and its vegetation.
• Take a moment before departing to clear away all personal items, fill any holes, and smooth out sandcastles that might trap nesting turtles or hatchlings. Always use the conveniently placed trash and recycling bins at beach access points.
• During turtle nesting season—May through October—you become part of a coastwide conservation effort. That means, close curtains in oceanfront rooms after sunset to prevent light from spilling onto the beach.
• If nighttime beach walks call to you, bring only red-filtered flashlights, which won't confuse sea turtles' natural navigation. When you spot marked turtle nests, give them at least 10 feet of space to help protect these fragile creatures.

Your eco-mindfulness can extend beyond the sand. Choose accommodations with environmental commitments and bring reusable water bottles and bags to minimize plastic waste. Instead of driving, explore 70+ miles of cycling paths and consider joining a community beach cleanup to connect with like-minded visitors before heading home. Supporting local businesses with sustainable practices helps build a culture of conservation across the Island. Each small action you take joins thousands of others to ensure our seaside environment remains vibrant and healthy for generations of visitors and wildlife.

Protecting our shores doesn’t end when you pack up your beach towel. By making the Hilton Head Island promise, you can minimize your impact. Once you return home, it never hurts to share your newfound beach conservation knowledge with friends and family planning their getaways. Your simple tips might inspire them to help preserve our beaches during their stay. These small actions multiply your impact through others’ mindful choices. If you’d like to get involved with volunteering, local environmental organizations always welcome helping hands. The Sea Turtle Patrol and Coastal Discovery Museum offer rewarding volunteer opportunities where your time directly contributes to protecting the Island’s natural treasures.

The privilege of enjoying Hilton Head Island’s beaches comes with a gentle responsibility to care for them. When we all work together and make mindful choices, we help ensure that future visitors can enjoy the abundant natural wonders of the Island. Sustainable travel practices transform your vacation into something more meaningful—a personal contribution to preserving the Lowcountry.