BOATING, CRUISING & FISHING ON HILTON HEAD!
There is no need to be a land lubber on Hilton Head Island! There are many, many opportunities to enjoy the water-oriented side of our Island.
When you get out on the water, you will see Hilton Head Island and the surrounding area from an entirely different perspective. Hilton Head is bordered by hundreds of miles of small inlets and channels, plus the wide vistas of Calibogue Sound to the south and west, Port Royal Sound to the north and the Atlantic to the east.
The area also is home to Broad Creek, which approximately bisects the island and Skull Creek, which separates Hilton Head Island from the pristine Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge at the northwest. Both really are substantial areas of water that really are not "creeks" in the generally accepted sense.
Wide open expanses of salt marsh line many of Hilton Head's waterways. Home to numerous species of birds, they also offer unspoiled panoramic views of the surrounding land and water.
In many areas, there is enough foliage or so little development that what you see often will appear little different from what visitors saw hundreds of years ago. On the other hand, being on the water also permits an unusual look at some of private and lovely areas not easily seen from an automobile or a golf course! There are no plantation gates limiting access to private plantations when you are on the water. Some of Hilton Head's waterfront properties are genuinely spectacular, especially when seen from the "view" side.
If you do not have your own boat, a good way to start enjoying Hilton Head from the water is to enjoy an excursion tour. Many people find a dinner cruise, a sunset cruise or a dolphin watching expedition to be great fun (kids of all ages love to watch dolphins!). Cruises are narrated (among our advertisers, at least), and are on boats that have all the amenities one would expect...including clean rest rooms.
Vacationers who would like to take a scenic cruise have an excellent selection of boats to choose from. For example, several of Hilton Head's larger and better power boats that offer cruises including the Spirit of Harbour Town, the Gypsy, the Vagabond, the Capt. Rudy Thomas and Calibogue Cruises. For a change of pace, explore Hilton Head Island's waterways on the large and very attractive sailing yacht Stars & Stripes.
Visit the Dolphins
The waters near Hilton Head boast numerous Dolphins who often seem genuinely friendly to humans. Several of the boats included in this section offer tours specializing in Dolphin sightings. They include the Holiday, The Vagabond, and the Gypsy.
Visit Daufuskie Island
Many people find a visit to Daufuskie Island ... reachable only by boat ...to be very interesting and fun. Parts of it are like turning the clock back one hundred years. Several of the boats featured in this section offer transportation to Daufuskie.
When you arrive on Daufuskie, you may choose to take a fully narrated guided tour of the island, or to explore on your own on a rented gas-powered golf cart. There's an old winery, and "ancient" church, an old school house and other sites made famous by the movie "Conrack." For more information concerning transportation to Daufuskie Island, refer to the advertisements in this section or call the The Vagabond 842-4155, or Calibogue Cruises. 342-TOUR (8687).
Enjoy the Harbours of Hilton Head
Hilton Head Island is blessed with numerous harbours and marinas. Most boats depart from Harbour Town, Shelter Cove Harbour, South Beach Marina Village, or near Hudson's or Charley's Crab restaurants at the north end of the Island. They are very interesting places to visit. Taking a walk before or after going out on the water is an excellent prelude or finish to your trip.
Go Fishing
With so much water in its vicinity, Hilton Head Island naturally offers many opportunities to go saltwater fishing, either inshore, near shore or by traveling out to the nearby gulf stream.
Most party-boats provide both bait and tackle (if needed). Just show up, and have a good time!
Numerous kinds of fish swim in local waters, including black sea bass, Atlantic spade fish, amberjack, barracuda, mahi mahi, sharks, tuna, etc. Call one or more of the boats featured in this section, such as the Boomerang or the Drifter from South Beach (671-3060); the Tammy Jane (384-7833) or the Captain Hook from Shelter Cove Harbour (785-1700); and ask what kind of fish are biting.
Note that fishing expeditions include spectacular land and water views at no additional charge!
Take a Dinner Cruise!
How can you dine with what may be counted on to be the very best view there is?
Many of Hilton Head's restaurants boast excellent water views, but none can compare with the views offered by a cruising boat as you dine.
Not only are there water, marsh and island views in every direction, but views constantly change. Please refer to the Spirit of Harbour Town (842-7179).
Take Your Kids on a Fishing/Nature Cruise!
Several boats offer special programs to give kids a "hands-on" experience with fishing, plus a real learning experience concerning sea creatures and the marshes in the Low Country. In season, The Gypsy (363-2900), operating out of South Beach Marina in Sea Pines, offers separate cruises for kids. Kids can pull a crab pot, throw a cast net, fish for sharks, spot a dolphin, and much more. The Tammy Jane, at the north end of the island, lets kids share the catch from trawling using a 40' commercial-style net, including "shrimp, fish, crabs, shells and more." The Tammy Jane (384-7833) also takes kids fishing for shark, cobia, pan fish, mackerel and bluefish. The Captain Hook (785-1700), operating out of Shelter Cover Harbour, is very "kid-friendly" on all of its cruises. In season, evening shark cruises stay out late on Tuesday nights to watch the fireworks at Shelter Cove from a great location.
Go Sailing
Being on the water in a sailboat is one of the most enjoyable experiences the Lowcountry offers. It's quite different from being on an engine-powered boat. If you've never gone sailing, you are in for a real treat. Set sail on the America's Cup yacht Stars & Stripes (842-4155). The 65' yacht was skippered by Dennis Conner in the America's Cup competition. See vistas of Calibogue Sound, Port Royal Sound and the Pinckney Wildlife Preserve.
Take a Boat to Savannah
Hilton Head now offers "ferry" service to the historic riverfront of nearby Savannah. You and your family can travel to Savannah in much the same manner as plantation owners did more than a hundreds years ago, except that the boat will be more comfortable! At least half the fun is the trip itself, which takes voyagers past numerous islands and up the Savannah River. It's a great opportunity to relax, watch the other boats go by and see everything from beautiful homes to commercial establishments along the shore.
When you arrive in Savannah, be sure to explore the riverfront. It has lots of interesting shops, restaurants and other attractions. Many of the shops and restaurants are built in the basements of what used to be cotton warehouses, right next to the Savannah River. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, then explore the nearby part of the city...which boasts parklike squares and beautiful old buildings. You may wish to go for a horse-drawn buggy ride through the historic district, board the Barba Negra, an old whaling ship tied up near the Hyatt Regency, visit the Ships of the Sea Museum, or just watch the river and people go by.
After you have enjoyed your visit to Savannah, return to your boat for the return trip back. For more information... please refer to the Savannah trip through the Spirit of Harbour Town (842-7179).
