The 15 Hilton Head Tours in the USA That Earn Their Price

1.2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour

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

From Shelter Cove Marina, you’ll receive a short paddle lesson before entering Broad Creek and the Broad Creek Wildlife Area. Guides such as Wayne, Shannon, Paddy, and Miles explain marsh life, island history, birds, and dolphins. The pace suits beginners, but children 12 and under must share a double kayak with an adult.

“It was wonderful. Shannon was very knowledgeable and helpful! Our family really enjoyed getting out in the water and learning more about Hilton Head.”

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2.Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

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

Cruise Broad Creek from Palmetto Bay Marina with a US Coast Guard licensed captain and local guide. You’ll hear stories about Hilton Head’s dolphins and marsh ecosystem, watch for birds, and usually see several pods during this family-friendly 90-minute trip.

“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

Take a 4.5-hour guided trip from Hilton Head to Daufuskie Island with round-trip boat transport, a golf cart, and an English-speaking historian-guide. Captains such as Dean, Andy, Pete, Boo, and Bayard lead the ride and island tour, covering historic churches, the Mary Fields School, artisan shops, wildlife, and the island’s quieter side.

“It was very fun and very informative the boat trip there and Back was also informative. The information and stops were well laid out and the boat captain was awesome.”

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

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

Ride through Beaufort’s historic district with Sea Island Carriage Company for 50 to 55 minutes. Your guide covers Civil War sites, churches, movie locations, and local stories while a well-trained horse pulls the carriage. Groups are capped at 16, and the route begins and ends at 1010 Bay Street.

“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

Join Lowcountry Watersports at Palmetto Bay Marina for a covered, narrated 90-minute cruise through Hilton Head’s waterways and Calibogue Sound. A Coast Guard licensed captain and guide point out dolphins, wildlife, landmarks, Harbour Town Lighthouse, and Daufuskie Island. English tour, $39 per person.

“We had a great time with Captain Spike and First Mate Jackie. Will definitely come again!”

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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, where kids get pirate names, face paint, tattoos, costumes, and lessons before hunting treasure and battling Stinky Pete with water cannons. Scurvy and the crew keep the action moving during this family cruise for up to 45 people.

“The interactive pirate tour got the kids very excited and made our vacation even more memorable. Thanks again.”

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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 a small Yamaha golf cart with an English-speaking guide. Hear stories from Spanish settlement through the Civil War, spot Forrest Gump and The Great Santini locations, and pass homes, churches, museums, and movie sites. The tour returns to 1006 Bay Street.

“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

Join Kelly Tours Beaufort at 930 Bay Street for a 75-minute English-language minibus tour of historic Beaufort. Guides such as Heather and Octavia share stories about local homes, Robert Smalls, the Civil War era, and films made nearby. Groups are limited to 14.

“We had an incredible tour with Heather. She was very engaging and provided a great blend of history, culture, and local lore. The highlight of the tour was the stop at Beaufort National Cemetery. Heather did a wonderful job of informing us of the history of the cemetery and encouraged us to explore and spend some time in reflection at this amazing location. We highly recommend this tour.”

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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 for a private 90-minute boat tour from Hilton Head Island. Your group of up to six searches for wild dolphins near the Cooper River and Daufuskie Island, with time for lighthouse photos and Lowcountry ecology lessons.

“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

Ride Vagabond Cruise’s Spirit from Harbour Town to Savannah in about 1 hour 45 minutes each way. Captain Keith and other captains provide commentary on the waterways, while the air-conditioned cabin, covered upper deck, onboard bar, and optional trolley tickets make this an easy day trip.

“It's a beautiful two hour boat ride to the Riverfront at the port of Savannah. They also sell trolley tickets on board and the trolley picks up right at the dock. If walking it's an easy stroll to the squares and Broughton St. Our captain was delightful and personable and greeted everyone who boarded. The boat is a two story cataraman with available drinks and snacks for purchase. We will definitely do this again as no need to worry about parking!”

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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 sailing Hilton Head’s waters aboard the 39-foot America’s Cup 12-Meter yacht Stars & Stripes. Captain Peter and the crew may invite you to raise a sail, grind the lines, or take the wheel, with dolphins, lighthouse views, and drinks for sale along the way.

“Very enjoyable and the crew was great! I can’t wait to bring my children and do it again. So much fun!”

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12.#1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour

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

You’ll spend 55 minutes touring Beaufort’s Old Point and historic district in a blue horse-drawn carriage. An English-speaking guide such as Charlotte, Annie, or Tyler may share stories of churches, soldiers, movie sites, grand homes, and local legends while a gentle horse like Link or Wyatt sets the pace.

“Great experience the tour gide Anastasia was very good and informative. Overall great experience. Would recommend.”

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

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

Take the wheel of a Creek Cat for a two-hour guided ride around Hilton Head. A guide such as Greg, Mason, Alex, or Dawson leads the group past marshes, Harbour Town, Daufuskie Island, dolphins, and birdlife. Expect an active, wet ride, not a slow sightseeing cruise.

“Had alot of fun. The view was gorgeous and the guides were amazing. They take safety very seriously but manage to make sure you have a great time”

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14.Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

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

Join Vagabond Cruise at Harbour Town Pier for a 90-minute English-language trip in search of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Captain Justin and other local captains have shared wildlife facts and island stories, followed by sunset views near Daufuskie Island. Drinks and snacks are sold onboard.

“Within minutes we were taken to a shrimp boat that was cleaning fish and there were probably a thousand birds and countless dolphins enjoying the waste. Then we were taken to another area close by and lots of dolphins were swimming around and there was of course a gorgeous sunset. Staff was very nice. All women which I think is great. Not the most comfortable seating but we stood almost the whole time so it didnt matter. Loved it. My 80 year old mother LOVED it!”

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15.Hilton Head Island Ocean Dolphin Cruise

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

Board Vagabond beneath Harbour Town Lighthouse for a 90-minute narrated cruise through Calibogue Sound. Captain Windows and crew members Sam and Kelly have been praised for friendly wildlife commentary, while the route offers wild dolphins, birds, Daufuskie Island, and Haig Point Lighthouse. Snacks, drinks, beer, and wine are sold onboard.

“Afternoon voyage cancelled due to lack of interest. Rescheduled for 6:00pm , cancelled due to weather.”

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