Hilton Head: Parasailing Adventure & Dolphin Sighting Tour

Summary

Soar above Calibogue Sound, watch dolphins and feel the Lowcountry breeze

You’ll take off right from a custom boat in Hilton Head, soar above Calibogue Sound with views of Daufuskie Island and Harbour Town Lighthouse, maybe spot dolphins below, then choose to make a splash or stay dry before landing back on deck. That mix of nerves and laughter? It stays with you longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the salty air — kind of sharp, but in a good way. We met our guide at the dock on Hilton Head Island, and he was already joking with a couple from Atlanta about who’d scream first (spoiler: it wasn’t me). The boat felt sturdy, even with twelve of us shuffling around, and there was this low diesel hum from the engine that somehow made everything feel more real. I kept glancing at Daufuskie Island in the distance — it’s greener than I expected. Our guide, Mike, pointed out Harbour Town Lighthouse as we pulled away; he said if you squint you can see people waving from up top. Not sure if he was serious or just trying to distract us from our nerves.

I’d never done a parasailing adventure before, so my hands were kind of clammy on the straps. They let us go tandem — my sister and me — which helped because she wouldn’t stop laughing (nervous habit). The takeoff was smoother than I thought. One second we were on the deck, next we were floating up above Calibogue Sound. The water below looked almost painted; little boats moving like toys, and every so often someone would shout “dolphin!” and everyone craned their necks to spot them. We did see a few bottlenose dolphins — or at least fins slicing through the water. There’s this weird hush when you’re up there, like your ears pop and all you hear is wind and your own heartbeat.

The flight itself only lasted maybe ten minutes? Hard to say because time got stretchy up there. You can choose to stay dry or get dunked — we went for the splash because why not. Cold shock when you hit the water but then you’re laughing too hard to care. When we landed back on the boat (still dripping), Mike handed us towels and said something about “Lowcountry baptisms.” He grinned like he’d said it a hundred times before but still meant it.

I keep thinking about that feeling of floating above Hilton Head Island — how small everything looked for a minute, how big the sky felt. If you’re even half-curious about parasailing Hilton Head with these guys, just go for it. It’s not perfect or polished but that’s what makes it stick with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Parasailing over Hilton Head Island

• Arrive at parasail boat
• Receive safety briefing
• Board 35' Ocean Pro boat
• Take off for parasail flight
• Soar over Calibogue Sound
• View Harbour Town Lighthouse
• See Daufuskie Island and marina
• Spot bottlenose dolphins
• Land back on boat
• Return to dock

Top questions

How long does the parasailing adventure last?

The total time on board is about 1 hour 30 minutes with a full group; each parasail flight lasts 8-10 minutes.

Can children join the Hilton Head parasailing tour?

Yes, children aged 6 years or older can fly; infants may ride in a stroller or sit on an adult’s lap onboard.

Is dolphin spotting guaranteed during this tour?

No guarantee, but bottlenose dolphins are commonly seen during parasailing over Calibogue Sound.

Do I need any experience for parasailing at Hilton Head?

No prior experience needed; all equipment is provided and guides explain everything before takeoff.

Can I choose to get wet or stay dry while parasailing?

Yes, flyers can request either option before their flight begins.

How many people fly together during each parasail flight?

Tandem (2) or triple (3) flights are available depending on weight and weather conditions.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible for those boarding the boat.

Are service animals allowed on this parasailing tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted onboard the boat.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary equipment for parasailing, guidance from friendly local staff who help with takeoff and landing right from their custom ocean boat in Hilton Head Island’s Calibogue Sound — plus options to fly solo or with friends and choose whether you want to get wet or stay dry along the way.