Private Dolphin Sailing Tour Hilton Head: Steer the Boat

You steer the boat, or you don't: either way, the motor stays off.

A 2-hour private sailing tour on Hilton Head's Port Royal Sound aboard a monohull sailboat, where you choose how involved you get with the sailing itself. The boat heels over (a normal, thrilling tilt designed not to tip), and you can ask the captain to reduce it if you prefer a calmer ride. Soda and bottled water are included. The tour departs from the marina just minutes from the sailing grounds.

The experience

You've got an afternoon free on Hilton Head. The boat leaves the marina and motors out a few minutes to Port Royal Sound on the island's north side: the stretch with the steadiest wind for actual sailing. Once the sails go up, the motor cuts off. That quiet is the whole point. Most afternoons the sound fills with dolphins, manatees, stingrays and birds, and you'll see them without an engine drowning everything out.

How much you do is up to you. If you want to sail the boat, you'll winch the sheets, move the sails when the captain changes direction, handle lines and steer. If you want to sit back and watch, that works too: the captain and crew handle the work. The monohull will heel over as it catches the wind, a completely normal tilt that feels more exciting than it is. If that angle bothers anyone, the captain can reduce it to keep everyone comfortable. Soda and bottled water are on board.

The whole thing runs two hours. Infants and small children can come along, and service animals are welcome. The marina is close to public transportation if you need it.

What’s included

• Soda and bottled water.
• choice to help sail or relax on board.
• captain and crew throughout the 2-hour tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Friday and SundayDepartures at 11:30, 13:00 and 14:15

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Anchors Away Sailing Charters

Is this one for you?Most Hilton Head sailing tours run on a set schedule with a crowd. This one is private. You book the boat and the captain for your group alone, so the pace and the sailing style fit what you want that afternoon, not what works for a dozen strangers.

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Top questions

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.

Can I actually help sail the boat, or is it just watching?

You choose. If you want hands-on sailing, you'll winch sheets, trim sails, handle lines and steer the boat. If you'd rather relax and let the crew manage everything, that's fine too. The captain will sail either way.

What's the heeling over thing, and will it make me uncomfortable?

Heeling is the normal tilt a sailboat makes when it catches the wind. It's designed not to tip and is part of what makes sailing exciting. If it bothers you, the captain can reduce the angle significantly so everyone stays comfortable.

Will we actually see dolphins out there?

Port Royal Sound regularly has dolphins, manatees, stingrays and birds. You won't see them every single time, but they're common enough that the captain plans the route around them.

Is this tour just for experienced sailors?

No. The captain welcomes guests at any level. You can be as involved as you want or do nothing at all. The boat is set up so you're comfortable either way.

What's included in the price?

Soda, pop and bottled water are included. The 2-hour sail covers the marina departure, the motor-out to the sound, and the full sailing experience with the captain and crew.