Hilton Head: Creek Cat Boat Tour with Wildlife & Lighthouse

Summary

Hilton Head boat tour by Creek Cat with wildlife and lighthouse views

You’ll drive your own Creek Cat boat around Hilton Head with a small group and guide, skimming past Daufuskie Island’s old docks and Harbour Town Lighthouse. Expect salty breezes, close-up wildlife moments—maybe dolphins or ospreys—and plenty of laughs as you learn local stories along the way. It’s not just sightseeing; you’ll really feel part of the water here.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d ever drive something that felt like a go-kart and a boat at the same time, but here we were—me gripping the wheel of this tiny Creek Cat, wind whipping my hair straight back as we zipped out from Hilton Head’s docks. Our guide, Chris (he had this easy way of pointing things out without sounding like a textbook), waved us into line and off we went. The salt in the air was sharp, almost sweet, and for a minute I forgot to be nervous about steering. It’s honestly more fun than it looks—maybe too much fun if you’re competitive like me.

We covered so much water so fast—over 25 miles, Chris said at one point, but it didn’t feel rushed. There was this moment near Daufuskie Island where everything just went quiet except for the slap of water against the hull. We slowed down to watch a group of egrets picking their way through the marsh grass. Someone spotted a dolphin fin (I missed it because I was busy gawking at an osprey nest). The island itself looked kind of timeless—old wooden docks, faded paint, nothing fancy. I tried to ask about its history but mangled “Daufuskie” so badly that Chris just grinned and told us about folks who live there year-round.

Harbour Town Lighthouse popped up out of nowhere—one second it was all sky and water, then suddenly that red-and-white tower was right there. We drifted past the golf course too (the famous one from TV, apparently), but honestly I was more interested in how quiet it got when we cut the engines for a minute. Just birds and sun on my face—kind of perfect. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear boats back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided Creek Cat boat tour

• Drive your own Creek Cat boat
• Cruise over 25 miles around Hilton Head
• See Harbour Town Lighthouse
• Pass by Daufuskie Island
• View Harbour Town Golf Links
• Listen to guide's history and ecosystem talk
• Spot local wildlife like dolphins and birds

Top questions

How long is the Hilton Head Creek Cat boat tour?

The guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Do I get to drive my own boat during this tour?

Yes, each Creek Cat boat seats two people and you drive it yourself.

Is there a guide on the tour?

Yes, a professional guide leads the group throughout the route.

What wildlife might I see on this Hilton Head tour?

You may spot egrets, ospreys, eagles, otters, or Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins.

Are children allowed on this Creek Cat boat tour?

Passengers must be at least 5 years old; drivers must be 21+ with valid license.

Does this tour include Harbour Town Lighthouse?

Yes, you’ll pass by Harbour Town Lighthouse during the route.

Is bottled water provided on this tour?

Complimentary bottled water is included for all guests.

How far do we travel during the day trip?

The route covers over 25 miles around Hilton Head Island and nearby sights.

What’s included

Your day includes a two-hour guided eco tour by Creek Cat boat around Hilton Head Island with complimentary bottled water along for the ride. A professional guide leads you past Harbour Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island’s rustic shoreline and golf course views—you’ll have plenty of chances to spot local wildlife before looping back to shore together.