Tours

With all there is to explore on Hilton Head, it's no surprise there are a multitude of tours that allow guests to see the island up-close from experienced local guides. Whether you're interested in eco-tours that focus on wildlife such as dolphins and birds or want to learn more about historical landmarks and the cultural heritage of the Gullah people, specialized tours are available for groups of all ages. Naturally, many tours are water-based—from small boats to sailboats to kayaks—and take off from any of the marinas, with Harbour Town and Shelter Cove being among the most popular areas for sunset cruises and family-friendly dolphin-watching adventures. But unique tours can be found islandwide, like discovering sea turtle nests on the beach through the Coastal Discovery Museum or riding horseback through the Sea Pines Nature Preserve.

Bluewater Adventure. This outfitter offers boat rentals and catamaran tours out of Shelter Cove Marina. They also have a 20-person cycleboat, Miss Christie, that is a perfect way to party, pedal, and get out on the water. Shelter Cove Marina, 1 Shelter Cove La., Mid-Island, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29926. 843/422–9119; www.bluewateradventurehiltonhead.com.

Captain Mark's Dolphin Cruises. Captain Mark hosts dolphin-watching nature cruises, sport crabbing, and sunset cruises out of Shelter Cove Marina. Shelter Cove Marina, 9 Harbourside La., Mid-Island, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928. 843/785–4558; www.cruisehiltonhead.com.

Gullah Heritage Trail Tours. More than a bus tour, this local outfit offers an experiential look at the local culture that emerged from enslaved Africans in the Lowcountry, including visits with locals and a one-room schoolhouse. Tours leave from the Coastal Discovery Museum. Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Dr., North End, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29926. 843/681–7066; www.gullaheritage.com.

Live Oac Outdoor Adventure Co.. This full-service outfitter offers dolphin and eco-tours, fishing charters, sunset cruises, boat rentals, and a whole host of water sport activities from tubing and wakeboarding to kneeboarding and water-skiing. Private charters and boating excursions are led by experienced, professional guides. Reservations are required. Hilton Head Harbor, 43A Jenkins Rd., North End, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29926. 843/384–1414; www.liveoac.com.

Low Country Nature Tours. Based at Shelter Cove Marina, this outfit led by Captain Scott Henry offers private, educational birding and dolphin-watching tours on comfortable six-passenger boats. Advance reservations are required. Shelter Cove Marina, 1 Shelter Cove La., Mid-Island, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928. 843/683–0187; www.lowcountrynaturetours.com.