The 7 Best Hilton Head Island Kayaking Tours

1.2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour

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

Launch from Shelter Cove Marina for a two-hour guided paddle through Broad Creek’s salt marshes, tidal rivers, and creeks. Guides such as Wayne, Shannon, Paddy, and CT explain local wildlife, island history, and marsh life. Beginners are welcome, and children 12 and under must ride in a double kayak with an adult.

“Experience was pleasant and smooth. The operator was very knowledgeable and took through great places, explained how the sea eco-system works.”

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2.Hilton Head Guided Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 117 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $43

Paddle Skull Creek with Island Head for about 90 minutes, including roughly 75 minutes on the water. Guides such as Joseph, Riley, Carter, and William lead beginners and experienced kayakers through salt marshes while pointing out birds, dolphins, sea turtles, and local ecology. Choose a single or double kayak. No experience is required.

“We had a great time on the water and saw a few dolphins. The weather was perfect and the tour guide was great.”

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3.1.5-Hour Guided Small-Group Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 79 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45

Launch from Palmetto Bay Marina for a relaxed 90-minute paddle through Broad Creek. Your English-speaking guide provides a safety briefing, helps beginners find their rhythm, and points out herons, egrets, osprey, and possible dolphins. Groups are limited to 10, with kayaks, paddles, and life jackets included.

“It was nice and relaxing and at the end we saw a dolphin”

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4.Hilton Head Guided Kayak Eco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 60 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Set out from 86 Helmsman Way for a 90-minute guided paddle around Hilton Head’s marsh and coastal waters. Your guide provides the kayak, paddle, and life jacket, then leads a short paddle clinic before sharing local ecology, history, and wildlife. Dolphins, birds, fish, and oyster banks are possible sights.

“My boyfriend and I did the guided kayak eco tour and we would absolutely do it again! Our tour guide was very informative and also just a friendly face to talk to; he gave us a lot of good restaurant recommendations to try during our time on Hilton Head Island. The weather was beautiful and the kayaking was so much fun! We got to see some dolphins and learn a lot of fun facts about the marine life in Hilton Head. Overall, a 10/10 experience!”

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5.2-Hour Kayak Dolphin Nature Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 19 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

Paddle Hilton Head’s marsh creeks and estuaries at a relaxed pace with guides such as Darren, Mike, and Robert. You may see dolphins, birds, manatees, sea turtles, otters, or the island’s bald eagle. Calm water suits beginners and families, though sightings are never guaranteed and sun, heat, and current can make the paddle tiring.

“Loved the pace. Mike was patient and very knowledgeable. He shared lots of interesting info about the area, birds and dolphins.”

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6.Guided Kayak Sunrise or Sunset Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 18 reviews · 1h 30m · from $40Best value

Meet your English-speaking guide at Hilton Head Harbor for a 90-minute kayak trip through Skull Creek. You’ll receive a kayak, life vest, and safety briefing before paddling through salt marshes at sunrise or sunset. Watch for dolphins, brown pelicans, herons, egrets, osprey, and bald eagles while your guide explains Hilton Head’s wildlife and past.

“It was a beautiful evening and our guide was very informative”

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7.Guided Kayak Nature Tour with Wildlife Spotting

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 7 reviews · 2 hours · from $45

Meet your English-speaking naturalist guide at Shelter Cove Marina for a two-hour kayak trip on Broad Creek. CT and Shannon are among the guides praised for clear explanations. You’ll get a kayak, paddle, and flotation device, then paddle through tidal creeks and salt marshes while watching for dolphins and birds.

“Our guide, CT, was informative about the wildlife and the ecosystem of the marshes and rivers. Additionally, he answered all our questions. It was great for a beginner to kayaking or someone who has been before. Would definitely do this trip again.”

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