Seven Water Activities you have to try on Hilton Head Island

In a hurry to get out on the water? Here are a few water activities on Hilton Head Island to match your travel style.

• For couples: sunset sailing, a private charter
• For families: pirate cruises, dolphin tours
• For larger groups: private yacht charters
• For adrenaline seekers: parasailing, offshore fishing
• For calm: kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding on Broad Creek

Hilton Head Island was built for boating. Everything on America’s Favorite Island® is a little sweeter when you experience it from the sea, including sunsets, fireworks, date nights, family fun, and more.

There are several ways you can set sail on Hilton Head Island, depending on whether you want a crewed sail or you’d rather captain your own boat.

Here’s what to book:

• Catamaran cruise
• Sunset sail
• Sailing lesson (if you want to do more than sit back)

Where to book:

• Vagabond Cruise for a sail aboard a real America’s Cup ship sailing out of Harbour Town, or a Sunset Dinner Cruise when you want your golden hour with a side of dinner plans.
• Shelter Cove Marina Boat Rentals if you’d rather captain your own day. They rent luxury pontoon boats built for cruising the Intracoastal Waterway with your group.
   

Fishing on Hilton Head Island works for beginners and serious anglers, you just need to pick the right water for your group.

Choose your adventure:

• Inshore: calmer waters, shorter rides, best for beginners
• Offshore: bigger runs, including longer trips toward the Gulf Stream, best for experienced anglers

Where to book:

• Drifter Excursions for family-friendly fishing excursions with private and public charter options.
• Captain Hook Party Fishing Boat for offshore and shark fishing, with larger group options if you’re traveling with a crowd.

Wondering where and when is best to cast your line? Get our guide to fishing on Hilton Head Island.
 

Parasailing is one of those activities that sounds intimidating until you’re up there, quiet, floating, taking in the coastline.

Good to know:

• Options often include single, tandem, or triple rides
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Sunscreen is non-negotiable

Where to book:

• Island Head for bird’s-eye views of Harbour Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, Bull Island, and more.
• H2O Sports for breathtaking panoramic views and the chance to see dolphin pods swimming below. 
   

It’s time to visit Hilton Head Island’s pirate ships. Get ready for non-stop family-friendly action as you join Pirates of Hilton Head for an adventure in search of treasure, and join the fight against the villainous swashbucklers who have the key!

Here’s what to expect:

• Face paint
• Temporary tattoos
• Your own pirate name and costumes
• Singing
• Dancing
• Water cannon battles that get everyone laughing 

5. Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding in the Salt Marsh

Out on the water, making your way through the winding creeks underneath that wide-open Lowcountry sky, the magic of Hilton Head Island comes into focus.

  
Kayak tours (guided or DIY)

A guided paddle with Kayak Hilton Head is a great way to learn the area and keep an eye out for wildlife as you move through creeks and inlets.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)

Rent from Sea Monkeys Watersports and discover why SUP is a Hilton Head Island favorite. It’s peaceful, it’s a workout, and it’s easy to get the hang of.
 

If you want a classic Hilton Head Island memory, this is it.

A dolphin and nature cruise gives you a shot at seeing Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, plus birds like ospreys, egrets, pelicans, and sometimes bald eagles, depending on the day.

You’ll also cruise past scenic stretches of Broad Creek, out toward the Atlantic Ocean, and near areas like Spanish Wells Plantation.

Some evenings, cruises wrap near Shelter Cove Marina when fireworks are on the calendar.

Where to book:

• Dolphin & Nature Cruise for a 90-minute journey on Broad Creek, with views of homes in Long Cove, Wexford (Lock System), and Spanish Wells Plantations. Plus, they guarantee you will see dolphins, or your next cruise is on them.
• Spirit of Harbour Town for guaranteed dolphin sightings on an Ocean Dolphin Cruise through Calibogue Sound, narrated by a naturalist captain.
   

If your group wants a day you’ll still be talking about next year, book a private charter.

Pick the cruise that’s right for you:

• Sunset charter with drinks and appetizers
• A dockside gathering
• An overnight trip if your group wants to go all-in

Where to book:

• Island Time Charters for private excursions for up to six passengers, with options that run roughly 2 to 7 hours
• Outside Hilton Head for custom day-on-the-water options (great if your group likes flexibility)

Make a Splash on Hilton Head Island

From fishing to flying high above the waves, there’s a water activity for everyone here on Hilton Head Island. So what are you waiting for? Request your free vacation guide and browse our travel offers to kick-start your Lowcountry adventure today.

We can’t wait to see you on the water here on Hilton Head Island.