Hilton Head Island Tours &
Things to Do
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.
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Explore Hilton Head Island by interest
Whatever brings you to Hilton Head Island — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Hilton Head Island
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
The Beaches
Wide & gentle.
Dolphin Cruise
Lowcountry wildlife.
Salt Marshes
Kayak tunnels.
Bike Trails
Leafy paths.
Sunset Cruise
Golden hour.
Harbour Town Light
Iconic lighthouse.
Savannah
Historic city.
Fishing
Creek charters.
45 min awaySavannah
Historic city.
Sounds awayDolphin Cruise
Lowcountry wildlife.
Creeks awaySalt Marshes
Kayak tours.
Island awayBike Trails
Leafy paths.
Coast awaySunset Cruise
Golden hour.
Creeks awayFishing
Charters.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Hilton Head Island visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Mar–May)
Mild and blooming — an ideal time to visit.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Warm and busy — peak beach season.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Warm sea and fewer crowds — a fine time.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild and quiet, good for golf and walks.
For cruises
Spring to autumn for calm, warm waters.
Best overall
April, May, September and October.
One day
A dolphin cruise, cycling and the beach.
Two days
Add kayaking or a sunset cruise.
Three days
Add a Savannah day trip and fishing.
For wildlife
The dolphin cruise and marsh kayaks.
For activity
The bike trails and kayaking.
For history
A Savannah day trip.
By bike
The island’s trails make cycling a joy.
By car
A car is handy for reaching the beaches.
By boat
Cruises reach the sounds and islands.
Tours & transfers
Tours reach Savannah and the marshes.
Where to stay
Stay in a beach resort or Harbour Town.
US dollar
The USA uses the dollar; cards widely accepted.
Dolphin cruises
Morning trips are calmest for spotting dolphins.
Kayaking
Go at high tide to glide the marsh creeks.
Cycling
Ride the hard-packed beach at low tide.
Savannah
Allow a full day for the historic squares.
Sunset cruise
Check the sunset time and book around it.
Combo tours
Some tours combine dolphins and nature.
Dolphin cruises
Cruises fill up — book ahead.
Kayak tours
Marsh tours fill up — reserve early.
Bike tours
Trail tours fill up — book ahead.
Savannah trips
Day trips fill up — reserve early.
Sunset cruises
Evening trips fill up — book ahead.
Summer peak
June to August is busiest — book well ahead.
Dolphin cruise
Around $35–60 for a dolphin cruise.
Kayak tour
About $44–80 for a marsh kayak tour.
Bike tour
Roughly $35–70 for a guided bike tour.
Savannah trip
Around $37–90 for a Savannah day trip.
Fishing charter
About $120–200 for a fishing charter.
How to save
Join group cruises to save over private charters.
Hilton Head Island through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Mild & blooming.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
- Best for
- Beach days.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Warm & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely.
- Best for
- Golf & calm.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Mild.