Hilton Head: Shrimp Trawling Boat Cruise & Take-Home Catch

Summary

Hilton Head shrimp trawl cruise sorting catch with crew

You’ll board a real working boat in Hilton Head, help sort through nets full of local sea life with friendly crew, learn about Lowcountry shrimping traditions, and maybe even take home your own fresh catch—all while soaking up salt air and those marsh views you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping onto the Tammy Jane was the way the wood felt under my sandals—kind of sun-warmed and salty, like it’s seen a lot of days out here in Harbour Town. Our guide, Captain Nick, waved us aboard with that easy Lowcountry drawl and immediately started talking about how shrimping isn’t just work—it’s kind of a dance between tides, weather, and luck. I liked that. The engine rumbled to life and we glided past the lighthouse, gulls yelling overhead (they know what’s up). There was sunscreen in the air and this faint smell of brine that stuck to my skin for hours after.

I didn’t expect to actually get my hands dirty but when they pulled up the net—wow. It was wriggling with all kinds of things besides shrimp (someone next to me squealed at a blue crab). Captain Nick handed me a pair of gloves and just grinned. “Go on,” he said, so I did—sorting through seaweed, little fish, even a horseshoe crab. It was weirdly calming, like sifting through a box of old keepsakes. There was this moment where everyone got quiet watching a pelican swoop down nearby; you could hear nothing but water lapping and someone’s kid whispering about wanting to be a fisherman now.

If you’re lucky—and we were—you get to take some shrimp home at the end. They bagged ours up right there on deck; it felt oddly special holding something you helped pull from the water yourself. The whole thing only took two hours but honestly it felt longer in that good way where you lose track of time. Oh, and if you try to say “shrimp” in Gullah like Captain Nick does? Be prepared for him to laugh (I definitely butchered it). Still think about that view back toward Harbour Town Lighthouse as we docked—sky turning soft pink over the marshes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Shrimp trawling boat cruise experience

• Check in at Vagabond Cruise office
• Pay $9 vehicle entry fee to Sea Pines Resort
• Depart from Harbour Town Yacht Basin
• Explore salt marsh ecosystems and food web
• Observe sea creatures and shrimp in nets
• Receive packaged shrimp if caught
• View Harbour Town Lighthouse

Top questions

How long is the Hilton Head shrimp trawling cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours from departure at Harbour Town Yacht Basin.

Can I take home shrimp from the boat tour?

If shrimp are caught during your trip, some will be packaged for guests to take home.

Where does the boat depart from?

All cruises depart from Harbour Town Yacht Basin inside Sea Pines Resort.

Is there an extra fee for entering Sea Pines Resort?

Yes, there is a $9 per vehicle entry fee (cash only) for Sea Pines Resort access.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older adults?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels; families are welcome.

Do I need special clothing or gear?

No special gear needed—just dress comfortably and wear sunscreen; gloves are provided if you want to help sort the catch.

Are private charters available for groups?

Yes, private charters can be arranged for up to 30 passengers by contacting Vagabond Cruise directly.

What’s included

Your day includes a two-hour open-air cruise aboard the Tammy Jane departing from Harbour Town Yacht Basin, hands-on participation in sorting the day’s catch alongside local crew, an introduction to Lowcountry commercial shrimping traditions, plus—if luck’s on your side—a bag of freshly caught shrimp to take home after your adventure.