On the water
The island is surrounded by some of the most beautiful waterways on the East Coast. The marinas are where it all starts — fishing charters, dolphin tours, sailing, and the kind of sunset you only get from the water.
The island's most iconic marina, anchored by the red-and-white striped lighthouse. Transient dockage is available, and the surrounding shops and restaurants make it a destination in its own right. The RBC Heritage PGA tournament uses the lighthouse as its logo for good reason.
Shelter Cove is the island's most active marina for fishing charters, dolphin tours, and sunset cruises. The adjacent Towne Centre makes it easy to combine a morning on the water with an afternoon of shopping and dining.
On the north end of the island, Skull Creek Marina is the departure point for many of the island's fishing charters and eco-tours. The adjacent Skull Creek Boathouse and Skull Creek Dockside are two of the island's best waterfront restaurants.
Inshore fishing for red drum, flounder, and speckled trout is excellent year-round. Offshore charters target mahi-mahi, wahoo, and king mackerel in season. Most charter captains operate out of Shelter Cove or Skull Creek.
Broad Creek, Calibogue Sound, and the Port Royal Sound all have public launch points. The sound side of the island is calm and shallow — ideal for paddling, crabbing, and exploring the marsh by kayak.
Harbour Town Yacht Basin and Shelter Cove Marina both accept transient vessels. Call ahead in season — slips fill quickly during the RBC Heritage week and summer holidays. Fuel, pump-out, and shore power are available at both.
Hilton Head Island has four main marinas: Harbour Town Yacht Basin in Sea Pines (the most iconic, anchored by the red-and-white lighthouse), Shelter Cove Harbour (the most active for charters and tours), Skull Creek Marina (north end, departure point for fishing charters and eco-tours), and Broad Creek Marina (mid-island, good for kayak and paddleboard launches).
Most fishing charters on Hilton Head Island depart from Shelter Cove Harbour and Skull Creek Marina. Inshore charters targeting red drum, flounder, and speckled trout run year-round. Offshore charters for mahi-mahi, wahoo, and king mackerel run in season (spring through fall). Half-day and full-day trips are available from multiple captains at both marinas.
Yes — Harbour Town Yacht Basin and Shelter Cove Marina both accept transient vessels and offer dockage, fuel, pump-out, and shore power. Call ahead in peak season (May–August) and during the RBC Heritage week in April, as slips fill quickly. Public boat ramps are available at Broad Creek and on the north end of the island.
The best kayaking and paddleboarding on Hilton Head Island is on the sound side — Broad Creek, Calibogue Sound, and Port Royal Sound. These waters are calm and sheltered, ideal for beginners and families. Outfitters at Shelter Cove and Sea Pines offer guided tours and rentals. Public launch points are available at Broad Creek and several other locations.
Yes — dolphin watching tours run daily from Shelter Cove Harbour and Harbour Town Yacht Basin. The bottlenose dolphin population in Calibogue Sound is large and reliably visible year-round. Tours typically run 90 minutes to 2 hours. The local dolphins are known for strand-feeding behavior unique to this area. Book in advance during peak season.
The best marina on Hilton Head Island depends on your purpose. Harbour Town Yacht Basin is the most scenic and iconic, with the lighthouse, marina shops, and restaurants. Shelter Cove Harbour is the most practical for charters, tours, and waterfront dining. Skull Creek Marina has the most authentic working-waterfront atmosphere and is the best base for fishing charters.
More on the water
The water is the heart of Hilton Head. From dolphin tours to deep-sea fishing, the island's activity guide covers everything the Lowcountry has to offer.
