Kayak Hilton Head Island: Dolphin and Nature Tour

Paddle past dolphins in the salt marsh without steering the route yourself

A 2-hour kayak tour through the Broad Creek Estuary on Hilton Head Island where you paddle among bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and shorebirds in the salt marsh. The guide handles navigation and wildlife spotting while you paddle. All kayak gear is included. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the operator splits groups by age and experience level.

The experience

The Broad Creek Estuary is where the bottlenose dolphins live year-round on Hilton Head Island. You paddle a kayak through calm water lined with salt marsh, watching the dolphins feed and move through the shallows: the summer months run at nearly 90% sighting rates, and even in the off-season the population stays high. Beyond dolphins, you'll see manatees in warmer months, loggerhead sea turtles on occasion, and mink, otters, or bald eagles if the day breaks right. The guide points out the million-dollar mansions along the creek and shares the island's history and local favorites if you want it, but the water and the animals are what you're here for.

You bring nothing except yourself. All kayak gear (paddles, life jackets, the kayak itself) is provided and included in the price. The guide leads the paddle and handles the route. You follow and paddle at your own pace. Groups are split by age and experience level, so families with young children stay separate from solo paddlers or couples, and the operator has been doing this for 25 years with nearly all five-star reviews. Specialized infant seats are available if you're bringing a baby, and children from age 3 can join.

The tour runs 2 hours on the water. Meet times and pickup details depend on which option you choose at checkout. If you have questions about fitness or physical limitations before booking (the operator notes that moderate fitness helps and kayak weight restrictions may apply), reach out directly. Most people are fine to join, and they'll let you know if something is a concern.

What’s included

• All kayak gear including the kayak, paddle, and life jacket.
• a live guide in English who leads the route and navigates the estuary.
• specialized infant seats if you're bringing a baby.
• grouping by age and experience level so families and solo paddlers stay separate.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day, 5 start times, from US$ 49 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: 10:00, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00 and 15:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 351 private ›

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kayak Hilton Head, Inc

Is this one for you?You paddle the kayak yourself while the guide handles navigation and wildlife spotting, so you get the physical experience of paddling without building the route or worrying about where the dolphins are. This suits anyone who wants to be active on the water but prefers not to navigate or lead: families with kids, casual paddlers, or anyone who wants the guide to do the planning.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 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.

Do we actually see dolphins on this Hilton Head kayak tour?

Bottlenose dolphins live in the Broad Creek Estuary year-round, so sightings are very high: nearly 90% in summer months and still very high in the off-season. They are wild animals and come and go as they please, so a sighting is not guaranteed, but the odds are strong.

What else might we see besides dolphins on the kayak tour?

The salt marsh is home to manatees in warmer months, loggerhead sea turtles on occasion, and mink, otters, or bald eagles if conditions align. You'll also paddle past shorebirds feeding in the marsh and see the mansions along the creek.

Can my 4-year-old come on the kayak tour?

Children from age 3 are welcome on the Hilton Head kayak tour. The operator splits groups by age and experience level, so families with young children stay together, and specialized infant seats are available if you're bringing a baby.

What kayak gear do I need to bring?

You bring nothing. All kayak gear is provided and included in the price, including the kayak, paddle, and life jacket. Just bring yourself and wear clothes you don't mind getting wet.

How long is the kayak tour?

The tour runs 2 hours on the water, paddling through the Broad Creek Estuary with the guide leading the route.

Is this kayak tour led by a guide, or do we paddle on our own?

A live guide in English leads the paddle and handles navigation while you follow at your own pace. The guide also shares the island's history and points out local favorites along the creek if you're interested.