Kayaking Hilton Head Island: Salt Marshes & Dolphins

Paddle into the marshes and watch dolphins surface nearby

A 2-hour guided kayak tour on Hilton Head Island where you paddle through salt marshes, tidal rivers and creeks in Broad Creek, led by a naturalist guide who points out wildlife and shares the island's history. Children 12 and under ride in a double kayak with an adult. The tour includes all kayaking equipment, personal floatation devices, and a brief paddle clinic before you launch from Shelter Cove Marina.

The experience

What's the best way to see the Lowcountry? From a kayak. You'll start at Shelter Cove Marina, get a quick paddle clinic to settle into the rhythm, then head out into Broad Creek where the salt marshes open up. The guide navigates you through tidal rivers and creeks, pointing out Atlantic bottlenose dolphins when they surface, wading birds, and the landscape that shaped Hilton Head's history. Two hours is long enough to feel like you've traveled somewhere, short enough that your shoulders don't revolt.

The kayak, paddles and personal floatation device are all there waiting for you: no gear to rent separately or haul yourself. A naturalist guide leads the whole thing, so you're not just paddling. You're learning. The pace is built for people with moderate fitness, not athletes, which means you can actually look around instead of just breathing hard. Bring water and sunscreen. The marsh sun reflects off the water and doesn't forgive.

If you're bringing children under 12, they ride in a double kayak with an adult: one person paddles, the kid sits in front. Infants and very small children can come along too if you call the reservations team to arrange it. The tour runs in the morning or afternoon, so you can pick the time that fits your day.

What’s included

• Professional naturalist guide.
• kayak, paddles and personal floatation device.
• brief paddle clinic before launch.
• wildlife viewing including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.

Options for this experience

2 options

Morning TourGuide in English · 08:30, 10:00 and 11:00Lasts 2 hours

Afternoon TourGuide in English · 13:00 and 15:00Lasts 2 hours

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 15:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

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 levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Outside Hilton Head

Is this one for you?The 2-hour length keeps the paddle manageable even if you've never been in a kayak, while the naturalist guide means you're learning about the marshes and wildlife instead of just paddling. Pick the morning tour if you want calmer water and better light for spotting dolphins. The afternoon works if you're sleeping in or have other plans earlier in the day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

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 wildlife will I actually see on this kayak tour?

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are the main draw. They surface regularly in Broad Creek during the tour. You'll also spot wading birds and other wildlife that lives in the salt marshes and tidal creeks. What you see depends on the season and the tide, but the guide knows where to look.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle this tour?

No. The tour includes a brief paddle clinic at the start to get you comfortable with the kayak and paddle. It's designed for people with moderate fitness, not advanced paddlers, so beginners are welcome.

What's included in the kayak tour price?

The tour includes the kayak, paddles, personal floatation device, the naturalist guide, and the paddle clinic. You'll need to bring your own water, snacks and sunscreen.

Can I choose between a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. The tour runs in both the morning and afternoon. You pick which time works for your schedule when you book.