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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: USD
- Languages: English, Spanish (commonly spoken by tourists)
- Climate: Humid subtropical
- Timezone: America/New_York
- Population: Approximately 40,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is spring or fall to avoid summer heat and crowds.
- Visa Requirements Visitors to Hilton Head Island generally follow U.S. visa policies. Citizens of visa waiver countries such as most EU nations, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan can enter the U.S. for tourism without a visa for up to 90 days under the ESTA program. Other visitors may require a visa obtained prior to travel. U.S. citizens do not need a visa. Visitors should have a valid passport, and some may need to apply for an e-visa or visa in advance depending on their nationality.
About Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is a charming coastal destination known for its pristine beaches, lush maritime forests, and world-class golf courses. Located in South Carolina, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and upscale resort amenities. The island’s unique appeal lies in its commitment to preserving the environment while providing luxury accommodations, making it a favored spot for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Visitors can enjoy miles of sandy beaches, extensive bike trails, and a vibrant local culture that includes art galleries, live music, and southern cuisine. The island’s relaxed atmosphere combined with activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and golfing make it a versatile getaway. Its well-maintained parks and nature preserves also attract bird watchers and nature lovers. Hilton Head Island’s welcoming community and scenic landscapes provide a rejuvenating experience away from the bustle of big cities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Top Attractions
1. Coligny Beach Park – A popular beach with wide sandy shores, picnic areas, and easy access to shops and restaurants. 2. Harbour Town Lighthouse – Iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse offering panoramic views and a marina with dining and shopping. 3. Coastal Discovery Museum – Showcases the island’s natural history, cultural heritage, and offers interactive exhibits and trails. 4. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge – A protected area for wildlife viewing, hiking, and birdwatching in a serene natural setting. 5. Shelter Cove Towne Centre – A lively waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, perfect for evening strolls.
Popular Activities
Hilton Head Island offers a wide range of activities including golfing on championship courses, biking along over 60 miles of trails, and water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Nature lovers can explore wildlife refuges and take guided eco-tours. Cultural experiences include visiting art galleries, attending local festivals, and enjoying live music performances. Recreational options also include tennis, horseback riding, and dolphin watching tours. The island’s calm waters and family-friendly beaches provide excellent opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
Hilton Head Island Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of South Carolina
- Duration Range: Hilton Head Island offers a wide range of activities including golfing on championship courses, biking along over 60 miles of trails, and water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Nature lovers can explore wildlife refuges and take guided eco-tours. Cultural experiences include visiting art galleries, attending local festivals, and enjoying live music performances. Recreational options also include tennis, horseback riding, and dolphin watching tours. The island’s calm waters and family-friendly beaches provide excellent opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is spring or fall to avoid summer heat and crowds. Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Respect local wildlife and natural preserves by following posted guidelines. Southern hospitality is valued, so polite greetings and tipping are customary. Stay hydrated and be cautious of sun exposure. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is useful for small purchases. Safety is generally good, but standard precautions apply, especially at night or in less populated areas.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $55
Highest Price Tour: $220
116 Available Tour Excursions in Hilton Head Island
Enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour adventure on your own private boat. Your Master Captain will guide you safely through the Calibogue on a falling tide to the isle. This mile long sandbar is exposed for only a couple of hours per day, allowing beachcombers the chance to collect sand dollars, seashells and the occasional shark's tooth. We’ll stop along the way to look for wild dolphins playing in the sound. We’ll share information about the island, the salt marsh and the surrounding ecosystem. Your Captain is also a Lowcountry Master Naturalist, and will assist you in identifying the various shells, mollusks and other invertebrates to be found on this tour! This is an ideal outing for families and small groups. With up to 6 passengers, there’s plenty of room onboard and a comfortable seat for everyone.
Price: $399.00
Duration: 2 hours
Come experience tubing on the waters surrounding Hilton Head Island! This is fun for everyone. Our captain will be there to show your group a great time tubing behind our brand new custom boat. This boat holds up to 12 passenger and is private to your group. Book your tubing trip today!
Price: $271.62
Duration: 1 hours
Start your morning with an unforgettable adventure on the waters of Hilton Head Island! Our Dolphins & Donuts Tour combines two of the best things in life, delicious, fresh donuts and the chance to see playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers, Dolphins & Donuts is the ideal way to start your day on Hilton Head Island. Book your spot today and treat yourself to a morning of sweetness and adventure!
Price: $55.00
Duration: 1 hours
While on your Large Group Dolphin Tour - you will get to experience first hand: Skull Creek, Mackey Creek, Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge, Dolphin Head, the Port Royal Sound, "Cocktail Cove", and the Intracoastal Waterway. On your tour you will also experience our local wildlife - especially our local resident Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. Every tour is flexible - so we can customize our trip to meet whatever your needs may be within that two-hour span. In town with friends or family and celebrating something special? We can absolutely make sure that you have an amazing time. Just let us know what the occasion is and we will be sure to take care of you.
Price: $315.21
Duration: 2 hours
This is a great way to explore the water ways of Hilton Head. Our custom 25ft boat comes with an experienced captain to operate and show you around the waterways. Sit back and enjoy your custom trip on the water with Island Head!
Price: $477.00
Duration: 2 hours
Our nature activities are a great way to experience Hilton Head Island by water. We get up close and personal with the salt marsh, oysters, and, by far, the vast number of our tours will see bottlenose dolphins. The dolphins are, of course, wild animals, so they come and go as they please. But in the summer months, the experiences run at nearly 90% seeing dolphins, and even in the off-season, the percentages are very high as the bottlenose dolphin population lives in the area year-round. We occasionally see manatees in the warmer months and, on occasion, get lucky and see a loggerhead turtle, mink, otter, or bald eagle. It's a great experience for all ages, and as Trip Advisor shows, we have nearly all five stars and do our very best to show each and every guest a great time! All ages are welcome, as generally, we will do our best to split into multiple groups based on groups with or without kids, as well as different experience levels. Come join the fun!
Price: $450.00
Duration: 2 hours
Set sail into the sunset aboard Rosé, our 36-foot luxury sailing catamaran. This 2-hour sunset cruise offers panoramic views of the Hilton Head coastline with complimentary drinks on board. Whether you're going with a big or small group, relax in comfort with plenty of seating, and smooth sailing through the Lowcountry.
Price: $92.65
Duration: 2 hours
Get ready for an unforgettable photographic journey through Hilton Head Island iconic destinations! We’ll guide you on a relaxed exploration of the city most photogenic landmarks, showcasing the best Hilton Head Island has to offer. Alongside our professional photography services, we’re thrilled to share insider tips to enrich your holiday experience. You can choose between a 30-minute or 1-hour photoshoot, allowing you to customise your experience to best suit your needs. Join us as we uncover Hilton Head Island hidden gems and well-kept secrets, all while capturing the unforgettable moments of your vacation. We can’t wait to meet you and embark on this adventure together!
Price: $188.81
Duration: 1 hours
Come aboard our custom ski boat rated for 6 passengers. This charter comes with a USCG captain to drive the boat so you and your group can sit back and enjoy the day hassle free. This is your charter to customize from water ski, tubing, wake boarding, and kneeboarding! This is fun for all ages, no experience required. Book your custom experience with Island Head today!
Price: $542.16
Duration: 3 hours
Discover the enchanting Vanishing Island on this 3-hour cruise from Hilton Head. This unique sandbar, which appears only at low tide, invites beachcombers and dolphin watchers alike to explore its pristine shores. Enjoy the thrill of spotting dolphins in their natural habitat while collecting shells and observing diverse marine life. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts, this adventure promises a memorable experience in a stunning coastal environment. - 3-hour cruise to the Vanishing Island sandbar - Ideal for families and nature lovers seeking adventure - Opportunity to spot dolphins and collect shells - Explore a unique marine environment at low tide
Price: $77.00
Duration: 1 hours
This private excursion combines the thrill of adventure with the natural beauty of the Lowcountry. Great for the whole family, our tubing adventure is safe and fun - the perfect combination! We recommend wearing clothing appropriate for water activities and bringing water, snacks, and sunscreen.
Price: $508.00
Duration: 2 hours
Do it on your own! For those with kayaking experience and wanting to go explore with friends and family without a guide, a kayak rental may be what you are looking for. Paddle through the tranquil waters of the Broad Creek Estuary in hopes of encounters with Hilton Head's playful bottlenose dolphins. Our staff with spend time with you before your departure going over the area with you, pointing you to the best spots for finding dolphins and other wildlife, and answering any questions you have before your departure. Along with the dolphins there's also the possibility of seeing manatee, otter, and a variety of beautiful bird species. If you do not have experience doing it on your own it might be best to join on of Kayak Hilton Head Inc's guided tours as kayak rentals are for those that do have kayaking experience. Guided tours or kayak rentals are both a great way to enjoy a relaxing experience with a high likelihood of seeing dolphins and other fun wildlife!
Price: $40.00
Duration: 2 hours
We offer a unique experience where we actually encourage questions. We want you to feel like you are a part of our story. We use local grains and make everything 100% in the Beaufort Distillery. Voted Best Regional Distillery in SC 2024
Price: $20.00
Duration: 1 hours
What sets the Sunday Brunch Cruise apart is the unique opportunity to enjoy a relaxing meal while cruising through the scenic waterways of Hilton Head Island. With stunning views, the chance to spot dolphins, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Lowcountry. Reserved seating, both indoor and shaded outdoor, ensures comfort for everyone, and $10 bottomless mimosas make it an extra special way to start your Sunday.
Price: $82.54
Duration: 1 hours
Beaufort’s “Tipsy Tour” is a brand-new tour specifically designed for adults! Enter this exciting experience and explore two of Beaufort’s favorite drinking establishments. Whether you’re sampling the local spirits at RLB distillery or tasting unique brewed favorites at Shellring Ale Works, this tour is sure to be a blast! You’ll learn all about the history of Port Royal Island as you are escorted to the best local establishments. Come enjoy yourself with fellow fun-lovers and maybe even discover your new favorite cocktail or beer. So come on out and join the party.
Price: $58.85
Duration: 2 hours
Come enjoy our brand new pontoon boats. Take in all the gorgeous sights as we offer one of the largest riding areas on the island. Enjoy a short idle time through the beautiful waters of Skull Creek, while keeping an eye out for our famous Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. From there on, it is smooth sailing, as we allow you to travel to the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean, behind Daufuskie Island, through the Cooper River, or up the May River to check out the sand bar and Palmetto Bluff. You will receive a professional orientation on navigating Hilton Head Island’s waterways, and don’t be afraid to ask for some superb lunch recommendations on the water. Pontoon boats have a capacity of 10 people, and the captain must be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license and prior boating experience. Bring your friends and family along for an awesome day on the water!
Price: $751.71
Duration: 6 hours
Come enjoy a day on the water with Island Head! This private experience includes a USCG captain to drive the boat and assist in the water sport of your choice. A tube, water skis, wakeboard, and knee board will be on board for your group to enjoy. This tour is private and custom to your group! The activities can be split up however you choose. Feel free to pack a lunch and drinks or we can pull off at a low country favorite (Old Daufuskie Crab Co. to grab lunch on the water. Our Parker ski boat maxes at 6 passengers. All skill levels welcome!
Price: $408.10
Duration: 2 hours
Our tour will take you through the city's National Historic Landmark District, showcasing beautiful historic homes, churches, and sites that have witnessed centuries of American history. You’ll see sites from the Filming of Forest Gump, hear stories of the civil war, Harriet Tubman, the Succession, the Jewish settlers, local history and so much more. Go at your own pace. Stop anytime and continue whenever you want. The tour is all outside, location aware, plays as you walk, and can be taken 24/7/365. It never expires.
Price: $9.75
Duration: 1-2 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
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2. Check Details
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3. Book Online
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Hilton Head Island.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Hilton Head Island’s cuisine is rooted in Southern and Lowcountry traditions, featuring fresh seafood like shrimp, oysters, and grouper. Signature dishes include shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and Lowcountry boil. Dining customs emphasize casual yet refined experiences with many waterfront restaurants offering scenic views. Noteworthy restaurants include The Jazz Corner for live music and fine dining, and Skull Creek Boathouse known for its seafood specialties. Visitors should try local specialties such as fried green tomatoes and sweet tea.
Getting Around
Hilton Head Island is accessible by car via the Hilton Head Bridge from the mainland and by nearby Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Local transportation includes shuttle services, taxis, and bike rentals. The island’s flat terrain and extensive bike paths make cycling a popular way to get around. Renting a car is convenient for exploring beyond the island or visiting nearby towns. Parking is generally available but can be limited near popular beaches during peak seasons. Costs for local transportation vary, with bike rentals being affordable and taxis moderately priced.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is spring or fall to avoid summer heat and crowds. Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Respect local wildlife and natural preserves by following posted guidelines. Southern hospitality is valued, so polite greetings and tipping are customary. Stay hydrated and be cautious of sun exposure. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is useful for small purchases. Safety is generally good, but standard precautions apply, especially at night or in less populated areas.
Culture & Customs
Hilton Head Island’s culture blends Southern charm with coastal hospitality. Social customs include friendly greetings, respect for personal space, and a relaxed pace of life. Local festivals such as the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival and the Gullah Celebration highlight the island’s heritage and community spirit. Etiquette tips include tipping service staff generously and dressing casually but neatly in public places. The island has a strong conservation ethic, so visitors are encouraged to support eco-friendly practices and respect natural habitats.
