Kayaking Hilton Head Island: Page Island & Daufuskie marshes

Paddle through hidden marshes and watch dolphins work the tidal channels

A 4.5-hour kayaking tour from Hilton Head Island that combines a boat ride to the operator's private Page Island with a guided paddle through Daufuskie Island's tidal marshes. Your USCG-licensed captain narrates the route, helps you spot dolphins and wading birds, and leads the kayak portion while explaining the local ecosystem. All gear (kayak, paddle, and PFD) is included, and children can join from age 6.

The experience

The tour opens with a boat ride across open water to Page Island, the operator's private landing. Your captain tells stories about the area and points out dolphins and birds as you cross the tidal marsh. Once you reach the island, you'll get into a kayak and paddle into the narrow channels and hidden waterways around Daufuskie Island. The guide leads the paddle and talks through what lives in the marsh: the critters, the plants, the way the tide shapes everything you're floating through.

The whole experience runs 4.5 hours. You'll be on the water the whole time, either in the boat or in the kayak, so bring snacks and drinks if you need them. There's no food or beverage service on the tour. The guide is a naturalist captain licensed by the Coast Guard, so the wildlife spotting and the ecology talk come from someone who knows the marsh. Moderate fitness helps. You're paddling for part of the day, not just sitting.

What’s included

• Boat ride to Page Island.
• kayak, paddle, and PFD for the marsh paddle.
• USCG-licensed naturalist guide for the full 4.5 hours.
• wildlife spotting and ecosystem narration throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Outside Hilton Head

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a small group (the tour is led, not solo) and you're comfortable paddling for part of the day. The boat ride gets you there, but the kayak is where you move through the marsh yourself and see what a tidal ecosystem actually looks like up close.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What's the difference between the boat ride and the kayaking part?

The boat ride takes you from Hilton Head to Page Island, where your captain points out dolphins and birds along the way. Once you land on Page Island, you transfer into kayaks and paddle through the narrower marsh channels around Daufuskie Island while the guide explains the ecosystem.

Will I see dolphins on this tour?

Dolphins live in the tidal marshes around Daufuskie Island, and your captain watches for them during both the boat ride and the kayak paddle. Spotting them is not guaranteed, but the guide knows where they tend to feed and will look for them as you go.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No experience is required. The tour is led by a guide, and the kayaks are described as comfortable. You do need at least a moderate level of physical fitness, since you'll be paddling for part of the 4.5 hours.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes the boat ride, the kayak, paddle, and personal flotation device (PFD), plus the guide's narration and wildlife spotting throughout. You'll need to bring your own snacks and drinks.