Eco-Tours

Hilton Head Island's early commitment to environmental conservation lives on in a wide variety of eco-tours and outdoor adventures that enable visitors to quietly view the Island's carefully preserved maritime ecosystem.

From lone reeds swaying in the marsh breezes to the flat, sandy beaches, to the thick forests of tall pines and live oaks, Hilton Head pristine beauty and protected ecosystem of wild foliage and animals is a nature lover's paradise.

The Coastal Discovery Museum, 843-689-6767 offers a broad range of programs, including walking tours of the beach and tours and cruises with a trained naturalist. The Museum offers a late night Turtle Watch for visitors who are interested in observing the habits of the endangered loggerhead turtles.

Another company built around all aspects of nature and the outdoors is Outside Hilton Head. They offer everything from short kayak tours, fishing charters and dolphin tours to teambuilding experiences on their own Page Island. Visit their store in Shelter Cove Plaza for all the details 843-686-6996

Some people prefer larger boats with amenities such as restrooms and snacks and beverages:

Gypsy (offers a "kids cruise" which adds cast netting for shrimp, pulling up crab traps that have previously been set, and shark fishing)
South Beach Marina
843-363-2900

Tammy Jane, a trawler where passengers learn all about shrimp trawling and are treated to a demonstration. You will see what can come up in the nets: squid, puffer fish, shrimp, crabs
Skull Creek at Hudson's Seafood House
843-384-7833.

The Holiday and Crabber J II operates from Shelter Cove 843-785-4558

The Vagabond in Harbour Town Marina. 843-363-9026

More tours and companies are available on the island. The above are just a sampling.