Kayaking Hilton Head Island: Dolphins & Skull Creek

Paddle through marshland where dolphins swim alongside your kayak

Guided kayak tour on Skull Creek in Hilton Head Island, paddling through saltwater marshlands to spot dolphins, brown pelicans, egrets, herons, osprey and bald eagles with a naturalist guide. The 90-minute outing includes about 1 hour 15 minutes on the water after loading and unloading. Single and double kayaks are available, and no paddling experience is required. Children from age 6 are welcome.

The experience

You paddle single or double kayaks through Skull Creek's saltwater marshlands, where the guide points out the birds living year-round in the ecosystem: brown pelicans, egrets, herons, osprey and bald eagles. The real draw is the dolphins: Hilton Head is home to over 100 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that live here year-round and also sit on the migratory path for the species, so they often swim right alongside the kayaks. The guide shares the natural and historical knowledge of the island as you move through the water.

The full outing runs 90 minutes, with roughly 1 hour 15 minutes actually paddling after the loading and unloading on either end. No experience is necessary. The tour is built for all ages and fitness levels, and the guide handles the instruction. Single kayaks let you paddle on your own. Double kayaks work for two people sharing the work, which is useful if one paddler is younger or less confident.

What’s included

• Guided kayak tour through Skull Creek.
• single or double kayak rental.
• naturalist guide sharing wildlife and historical knowledge of Hilton Head Island.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:00 and 17:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (6 to 14 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15 · max 9 per booking

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Island Head

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle on your own rather than watch from a boat. You operate the kayak and move at the pace the guide sets, which puts you close enough to dolphins and wading birds that you see them without binoculars. Families with children from age 6 find the shallow marshland and calm water manageable even without prior paddling experience.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 14 years). Children under 6 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.

What birds and wildlife will I see on the kayak tour in Hilton Head?

The marshlands around Skull Creek are home to brown pelicans, egrets, herons, osprey and bald eagles year-round. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are the signature sighting: Hilton Head has over 100 living here permanently, and they often swim close enough to the kayaks that you see them without binoculars.

How much time do I actually spend paddling on the water?

The 90-minute tour includes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes on the water, with the rest spent loading and unloading the kayaks before and after.

Do I need kayaking experience to join this tour?

No experience is necessary. The tour is designed for all ages and fitness levels, and the guide provides instruction as you go. Children from age 6 are welcome.

Can I choose between a single kayak and a double kayak?

Yes, both single and double kayaks are available. Single kayaks let you paddle independently. Double kayaks work for two people paddling together, which many families choose when one paddler is younger or less experienced.