Our most recommended things to do in Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching Guided Tour by Boat

1. Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching Guided Tour by Boat

Take in the beauty of Hilton Head from the perspective of the water on a fully narrated boat tour. Delight in up-close encounters with dolphins, and find out about their habits, eating patterns, and more with a local guide. As you explore the island's waterways, learn about the history of the area and the surrounding islands from your guide's narration. Hear about oysters, spartina grass, tides, pluff mud, and more. As well as dolphins, keep on the lookout for other wildlife including pelicans, osprey, stingrays, herons, turtles, and more which may be seen along the way.

Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

2. Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

Discover the incredible wildlife of Hilton Head Island with a dolphin spotting cruise at sunset. Search for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in open water before watching the sunset on Daufuskie Island. Sail towards the open ocean in search of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins on an amazing sightseeing cruise. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed on this cruise. After seeing these animals in open water, travel to Daufuskie Island and up Bull Creek to Dolphin Hole to watch the setting sun. Admire the incredible landscape of salt estuaries at sunset. Listen to live commentary from your expert captain, and ask the crew any questions you might have. Beer, wine, snacks, and drinks are available for purchase throughout the trip.

Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dinner Cruise

3. Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dinner Cruise

Board the luxury Spirit of Harbor Town ship for an evening of mouthwatering cuisine and the island’s best sunsets. Admire unbeatable views as you enjoy a delicious dinner and watch as the sun slips behind the horizon. Choose to dine on the shaded topside deck, or select a table in the collimate-controlled cabin with panoramic windows. Relax with a drink from the full-service bar (at your own expense) as you look out for dolphins. Sunset Dinner Cruise Sail early enough to catch the sunset and return after dark to the lights of Harbour Town. Whether a warm summer evening or a cozy November night, the Sunset Dinner Cruise is a perfect way to end any day of the year on Hilton Head Island. Keep your eye out for dolphins as they typically make an appearance during the sunset dinner cruise. Menu Starter: • Heirloom tomato panzanella salad Your choice of 1 entree:• Fish: blackened mahi-mahi • Chicken: roasted chicken breast • Pork: berbere spiced pork loin • Vegetarian/vegan: fresh pasta primavera Dessert: • Key lime pie or layered chocolate mousse

Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour

4. Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour

Set sail on a 14 passenger boat cruise in the surrounding waters of Hilton Head Island and encounter bottlenose dolphins and other coastal species such as osprey, egrets, pelicans, bald eagles, a variety of shorebirds, and more. Get scenic views of Broad Creek and admire the private residential homes in Long Cove, Wexford Lock System, and Spanish Wells Plantations. See famous attractions including the Harbor Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, the Atlantic Ocean, Tybee Island, and the Savannah River Bridge.

Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Savannah

5. Hilton Head Island: Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Savannah

Cruise through stunning intracoastal waterways from Hilton Head Island to Savannah with this round-trip express ferry ticket. Board from inside the Sea Pines Resort, then travel to the city in a comfortable air-conditioned boat. Sit back and admire the view as you sail through old shipping channels. Enjoy 4 hours in Savannah to explore the city, before heading back to the ferry. On the return trip, benefit from happy hour pricing on select drinks.

Hilton Head Island: Scenic Helicopter Tour

6. Hilton Head Island: Scenic Helicopter Tour

Marvel at breathtaking views only seen by helicopter. Spot a range of wildlife from dolphins and sharks to sea turtles and manta rays. See Hilton Head, Daufuskie, Tybee Island, and downtown Savannah by air. Choose between 3 options: Ocean View – 3 minutes Get views of Folly Field Beach and the Port Royal Sound on an 8-mile loop around the northeast corner of the island. This flight is designed as a discovery flight to experience what it is like to fly in a helicopter. Beach Cruiser – 6 minutes Fly right over the sandy shores of Hilton Head. Depart out of the Hilton Head Airport and head east, right down the busiest beaches on the island. This tour offers great views of Folly Field Beach, Broad Creek, Port Royal Sound, and Shelter Cove. Beach Bum – 10 minutes A combination of the Ocean View and Beach Cruiser tours, this tour takes you along the most active stretch of beaches to Coligny Beach, Hilton Head's most popular beach park. Keep an eye out for marine life as you fly low along the beach. As you turn around you will begin to climb high in the sky giving you the best view of the island along with Parris Island and Downtown Savannah.

Hilton Head Island: Pirate Cruise on the Black Dagger

7. Hilton Head Island: Pirate Cruise on the Black Dagger

Treat your little ones to the adventure of a lifetime aboard an activity-packed pirate cruise on Hilton Head Island. Allow your child to live out their craziest fantasies by turning into a pirate with the help of face paint and temporary tattoos. Help find a sunken treasure and defeat Stinky Pete. Head to the docks to get a new pirate name and learn how to speak like a real pirate. Board the legendary Black Dagger and set sail in search of a treasure. Join in on a race to find Stinky Pete, the island’s smelliest pirate who knows about the treasure map and has stolen the key Locate Stinky Pete before he gets to the treasure first. Watch the crew man the water cannons and blast Stinky Pete until he gives back the key. Enjoy singing and dancing throughout your journey, as you navigate across the ocean before heading back to the starting point.

Hilton Head Island: America’s Cup Sailing Yacht Cruise

8. Hilton Head Island: America’s Cup Sailing Yacht Cruise

Step aboard a former America’s Cup sailing yacht for an afternoon cruise. Discover what it takes to sail a racing yacht as you help the crew, or simply sit back and enjoy the ride. See the sights of the Calibogue Sound and learn about the history of these waters. Have your camera ready as you keep an eye out for dolphins. Drinks and merchandise are available for purchase on board.

Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Nature Cruise

9. Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Nature Cruise

Take a sightseeing cruise to explore the incredible nature around Hilton Head Island and the surrounding waterways. Hear about the island’s history from your expert crew as you search for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Admire the coastal landscape as you learn about the lifecycle of these mammals. Discover why this region is the perfect place for dolphins to settle. With sightings guaranteed, this tour is sure to be a highlight of your vacation.

Hilton Head Island: 1.5-Hour Guided Small-Group Kayak Tour

10. Hilton Head Island: 1.5-Hour Guided Small-Group Kayak Tour

Learn about the rich history and diverse ecosystem of Hilton Head Island from an expert guide as you paddle on this 1.5-hour kayak tour. As you cruise through these pristine saltwater marshlands, your guide will tell you about spartina grass, oysters, and other local wildlife, while answering any questions you may have. Enjoy the opportunity to observe many indigenous bird species, including egrets, herons, ospreys, brown pelicans, and bald eagles. Also, make sure to keep an eye out for the beloved Atlantic bottlenose dolphins swimming playfully. Benefit from a small-group experience for up to 10 single or tandem kayaks.

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What people are saying about Hilton Head Island

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,192 reviews

This was our first helicopter ride. Family owned business. Everyone was friendly, courteous and answered any questions we had. The pilot was also all of the above and has a good sense of humor which was nice. We chose the 6 minute tour this time, we will be back for a longer flight in the not too distant future. If you visit the Hilton Head Island, I recommend you take a helicopter ride with Hilton Head Helicopter Tours at the airport.

A fun adventure! We were able to see dolphins about half way through our tour. The tour guide made sure we were able to get a good view. Would recommend, especially for kids.

This is an amazing tour. The captain was very knowledgeable and he gave us an additional half an hour. We saw quite a few dolphins. Definitely recommend this tour.

It was very enjoyable for the surprise of my wife and she's wanting to do the upgrade with champagne in the hand

We saw dolphins up close and personal!! Great fun!