Kayaking in Hilton Head Island marshes with guide

Paddle through marsh habitat where dolphins and wading birds show up

Kayak through the calm marshes around Broad Creek on Hilton Head Island with a trained guide leading groups of fewer than 10 kayaks. You get a short paddle clinic to build confidence, then 90 minutes exploring the local ecosystem: oysters, spartina grass, pluff mud, and the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins that frequent the area. Life jacket, kayak and paddle are included. Any skill level is welcome, and children from age 5 can participate. Choose between a tandem kayak or a single kayak at checkout.

The experience

The morning timing is deliberate: the water is calmest and boat traffic lightest when you push off, which is when the guide can actually show you what lives in the marsh instead of fighting the chop. You'll get a short paddle clinic first: the guide walks you through the basics so you feel solid in the kayak before you head out. Then the route follows Broad Creek through the spartina grass and pluff mud where the ecosystem actually lives.

The guide talks through what you're paddling past as you go: oyster beds, the birds that work the shallows, the history of how Hilton Head sits in this landscape. Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins frequent the creek, and they show up often enough that spotting them is a real possibility, not a maybe. Groups stay under 10 kayaks, which means the guide can actually answer questions and adjust the pace instead of herding a crowd.

The paddle itself runs about 90 minutes. Any skill level works: families bring kids, couples come for the morning on the water, friends paddle together. Children as young as 5 can participate, though single kayakers need to be at least 14 years old (younger paddlers go in tandem with an adult). You pick your kayak type at checkout: tandem if you're paddling with someone, or single if you're going solo.

What’s included

• Life jacket for each participant.
• kayak and paddle.
• 90-minute guided paddle experience.
• trained guide leading groups of fewer than 10 kayaks.

Options for this experience

2 options

Single Person KayakGuide in English · 11:30Kayaking Tour: Paddle for 1.5 hours through the famous Lowcountry marshes, spotting playful dolphins along the way in sheltered waters.

Tandem KayakGuide in English · 11:30

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Monday and WednesdayDeparts at 11:30Last departure this season: 28 Nov

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Lowcountry Watersports

Is this one for you?Book the tandem kayak if you're paddling with a child, a partner or someone who wants the stability of two seats. Pick the single kayak if you want to paddle on your own pace and have kayaking experience or confidence in the water. The morning departure is what keeps the marsh calm and the guide focused on smaller groups. If you need a different time, check availability before booking.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 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 will I actually see paddling through Broad Creek?

Broad Creek holds oyster beds, spartina grass beds, pluff mud flats, and wading birds that work the shallows year-round. Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins frequent the creek and show up regularly during morning paddles, though sightings are never guaranteed.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

Any skill level is welcome. The guide runs a short paddle clinic at the start to make sure you feel comfortable and confident in the kayak before you head out on the water.

How long is the actual paddling time?

The kayak experience runs 90 minutes on the water, with the paddle clinic happening before you leave the launch area.

What's included in the kayak rental?

Life jacket, kayak, paddle and the professional guide are all included. You choose between a tandem kayak or a single kayak at checkout.