Boating & Fishing Information

Excursions & Ecosystem

Hilton Head and Bluffton are full of fun and exciting excursions for all ages. Luckily the excursions go hand in hand with our local ecosystem.

On the Water:

Boating is one of the most popular excursions when it comes to enjoying the intercostal and the ocean provided. There are various marinas on the island where boat rentals are easily accessible, all you need is a driver's license! Shelter Cove Marina is among the most popular boat rental companies where you can rate various different types of boats.

If boating is not appealing to you but being on the water many companies offer sunset cruises, dolphin site seeing tours, sailing cruises, fishing charters, kayaking, paddleboarding, and parasailing. These excursions can be found with companies such as Island Head and Outside Hilton Head.

Daufuskie Island

Another common excursion in HHI is Dafuskie Island, about a 15-30 minute boat ride you can have a fun-filled day exploring the rich culture and beautiful landscape of Dauskie Island. With restaurants, stores, golf cart rentals, a marina and famous bar "The Scrap Iron" you can definitely have an eventful day. There are two public ferry transports on in Bluffton and one in Hilton Head. There are also private ferries provided by these companies: H20 Watersports, and Island Head

On Land:

If being on the water is not your thing there are many other activities that Hilton Head and Bluffton have to offer. There are many areas where you can explore the ecosystem native to the Lowcountry at Pickney Island Wildlife Refuge and Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Explore the beaches at Coligny, Burkes, and Mitchellville Beach. There is an extensive bike path infrastructure with over 60 miles of pathways to explore the island (HHI BIKE MAP). Other fun activities consist of ziplining and go karting and so much more!

Our History

Hilton Head and Bluffton are full of rich history. Museum wise the is the Coastal Discovery Museum and Gullah Museum explaining the heritage of our Island as well as the ecosystem we are immersed in.

A large amount of history we have as well is the Stoney-Baynard Plantation ruins, Mitchellville Park, and Honey Horn where you could spend endless hours learning a ton of knowledge and facts on our Island. Also, explore the interesting history of our island through the Harbourtown lighthouse and climb to the top of the Island and see the amazing views!

Our Ecosystem

Hilton Head and Bluffton are home to one of the most extensive and interesting ecosystems in the south. Containing lush forests and vast vegetation to beaches and marshes. Hilton Head and Bluffton are also home to an interesting tidal system. The Tides are at a peak of over 11 feet and change separated by 6-hour intervals. This means at low tide the tide is just below sea level and at high can be over 5 feet.

Our ecosystem is also home to many different species and animals. In our ocean, it is home to many different fish including, sea trout, red and black drum, sheepshead, and many different types of sharks. Non-fish species in the ocean including dolphins and manatees are home to our intercoastal waterways. Hilton Head and Bluffton also have freshwater ponds which are home to Largemouth Bass Bluegill, and Alligators. On land, we have various animals such as rabbits, white-tail deer, raccoons, opossums, and many birds such as the Blue Heron and Sea Gulls.