2-Hour Private Pontoon Boat Rental: Hilton Head Island Waterways

You steer the boat through one of the island's largest riding areas, with a captain aboard to orient you on the waterways.

A 2-hour private pontoon boat rental on Hilton Head Island where you captain a boat holding up to 10 people through Skull Creek, the Atlantic Ocean mouth, Daufuskie Island, Cooper River, May River and Palmetto Bluff. A professional captain provides navigation orientation and lunch recommendations. The captain must be 18 with a valid driver's license and prior boating experience.

The experience

Two hours gives you enough time to idle through Skull Creek watching for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, then head out to whichever waterway calls you: the mouth of the Atlantic, behind Daufuskie Island, through the Cooper River, or up the May River to the sand bar at Palmetto Bluff. The pontoon holds up to 10 people, so you can bring the whole group without splitting up. A professional captain rides along to walk you through navigating Hilton Head's waterways and can point you toward lunch spots on the water if you want to eat while you're out.

The captain must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license and prior boating experience. You'll get an orientation before you cast off, so even if you've never captained a boat before, you'll know what to do. Wheelchair accessibility and service animals are welcome. Infants and small children can come along in a pram or stroller.

What’s included

• Private pontoon boat rental for 2 hours.
• professional captain with navigation orientation.
• access to Skull Creek, the Atlantic Ocean, Daufuskie Island, Cooper River, May River and Palmetto Bluff.
• lunch recommendations from the captain.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to2h before

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Island Head

Is this one for you?Two hours is enough to explore one waterway thoroughly or combine a few stops, leaving the rest of your day free for other activities on the island. If you want a longer time on the water, you'll need to book a separate rental.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I steer the boat myself, or does the captain drive the whole time?

You captain the boat yourself. The captain aboard provides a professional orientation on navigating Hilton Head Island's waterways before you depart and stays with you to answer questions and offer guidance.

What waterways can I visit during the 2 hours?

You can choose your route: Skull Creek, the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean, behind Daufuskie Island, through the Cooper River, or up the May River to the sand bar at Palmetto Bluff. Two hours is enough to explore one or combine a few depending on where you want to spend your time.

How many people can fit on the pontoon boat?

The pontoon boat holds up to 10 people, so you can bring family and friends without needing multiple boats.

What do I need to captain the boat?

The captain must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license and prior boating experience. You'll receive a professional orientation on the waterways before departure.

Will I see dolphins on this rental?

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are common in Skull Creek, where you'll spend some idle time at the start of your rental, so there's a good chance to spot them.