Discover the best Hilton Head Island tours and things to do on South Carolina’s Lowcountry coast: cruise for dolphins in the sounds, kayak the salt marshes, cycle the island’s leafy trails, sail into the sunset, cast a fishing line and day-trip to historic Savannah. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.


Departures that are under way when the sun sets in the coming weeks — start times checked against the local sunset.
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Whatever brings you to Hilton Head Island — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Wide & gentle.

Lowcountry wildlife.

Kayak tunnels.

Leafy paths.

Golden hour.
Iconic lighthouse.

Historic city.
Creek charters.
45 min awayHistoric city.
Sounds awayLowcountry wildlife.
Creeks awayKayak tours.
Island awayLeafy paths.
Coast awayGolden hour.
Creeks awayCharters.
Short, straight answers to the questions every Hilton Head Island visitor asks before booking.
Mild and blooming — an ideal time to visit.
Warm and busy — peak beach season.
Warm sea and fewer crowds — a fine time.
Mild and quiet, good for golf and walks.
Spring to autumn for calm, warm waters.
April, May, September and October.
A dolphin cruise, cycling and the beach.
Add kayaking or a sunset cruise.
Add a Savannah day trip and fishing.
The dolphin cruise and marsh kayaks.
The bike trails and kayaking.
A Savannah day trip.
The island’s trails make cycling a joy.
A car is handy for reaching the beaches.
Cruises reach the sounds and islands.
Tours reach Savannah and the marshes.
Stay in a beach resort or Harbour Town.
The USA uses the dollar; cards widely accepted.
Morning trips are calmest for spotting dolphins.
Go at high tide to glide the marsh creeks.
Ride the hard-packed beach at low tide.
Allow a full day for the historic squares.
Check the sunset time and book around it.
Some tours combine dolphins and nature.
Cruises fill up — book ahead.
Marsh tours fill up — reserve early.
Trail tours fill up — book ahead.
Day trips fill up — reserve early.
Evening trips fill up — book ahead.
June to August is busiest — book well ahead.
Around $35–60 for a dolphin cruise.
About $44–80 for a marsh kayak tour.
Roughly $35–70 for a guided bike tour.
Around $37–90 for a Savannah day trip.
About $120–200 for a fishing charter.
Join group cruises to save over private charters.
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.