If you’ve visited Hilton Head Island at least once before, you know how magical it is to leave the mainland behind you and be suddenly surrounded by the beautiful intracoastal waterway atop either bridge. With the lush, green island ahead of you, shrimping boats to the right, all passengers in the car keep their eyes peeled for dolphins swimming by. This feels only second to that marvelous moment when your feet touch the soft sand and you hear the waves crashing onto shore.
This is how visitors normally see Hilton Head. Through easy drives from one end to the other, atop bikes cruising through the island’s miles of pathways, or walking along the beach or through the many local shopping centers.
You may love the tradition of it all, and look forward to seeing your favorite island in the ways you’re accustomed to. But what if we told you there’s so much more in store? Break out of your comfort zone and try one or all of these unique ways to see the Hilton Head you know and love.
Parasailing
For some visitors, this is a classic way to see the island and feel that rush of adrenaline on a warm, sunny day. Not only will you have great views of the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Yacht Basin, but you’ll be able to see Daufuskie Island and of course, the island’s playful bottlenose dolphins.
Beachgoers watching parasailers fly above the Calibogue Sound always wish that they would’ve thought to make reservations for this incredible experience themselves. So, this your sign: reserve your seats now!
Island Head is the premier watersports company for parasailing. Leaving from Hilton Head Harbour at various times throughout the day, you and your family can board the 31’ Ocean Pro parasail boat to take turns flying up into the sky. All flyers have the option to stay dry or to make a splash, and tandem to triple flights can be accommodated based on weather conditions.
Island Head
Helicopter Tours
For a truly unforgettable experience that is more affordable than one might think, those looking for the best views of Hilton Head need to sign up for a helicopter tour. Choose one of many different tours led by Hilton Head Helicopter Tours to decide on what you’d like to see.
Wanting to explore beaches overhead or to see marine life like sharks, sea turtles, and dolphins? Some tours include seeing multiple lighthouses, finding shipwrecks, and even spotting monkeys—that’s right, monkeys. Tours vary in time up in the air and how far you’d like to travel from the island, and all ages are welcome to fly!
Hilton Head Helicopter Tours
Dinner Cruises
For a much more relaxed and luxurious new perspective of the island, make reservations to dine on the surrounding waters with Vagabond Cruise. Allow the award-winning chefs of the Sea Pines Resort to prepare a delicious plated meal for you and your crew to enjoy. Choose between a table inside the comfortable climate-controlled cabin that features panoramic views, or al fresco on the shaded topside deck.
You can’t go wrong with hopping aboard the Sunset Dinner Cruise, and depending on the season, you’ll see the gorgeous setting sun beside Daufuskie Island or along the waters of Broad Creek. During the summer months, those wanting an early-bird dining option may decide to join in on the Dinner with the Dolphins Cruise. Throughout the year, Vagabond Cruise does an excellent job at including dinner cruises for holidays and special events, so check the calendar! All ages are welcome, and reservations can be made online.
Vagabond Cruises
Segway Tours
Visitors looking for a new way to experience the island, on the island should consider taking a Segway tour. There are actually two, really great touring companies on the island, so it won’t be hard at all finding the perfect tour for you.
Let’s break it down:
Hilton Head Segway is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers. Early risers will love the Sunrise Tour of the gardens, boardwalks, parks, and Coligny Beach at the south end of the island. The Shelter Cove Veterans Memorial Tour and Historic Mitchelville Tour are especially popular among those looking to learn more about the history of the island. All tours offered will allow you to experience the natural beauty of Hilton Head and learn more about the island’s past.
Island Segway is for those who still want to get a piece of the island’s history and beauty, but is a great option for foodies! Again, early risers will love the Morning Segway and Coffee tour that lets you experience the island’s beautiful paths but also make room for coffee and delicious pastries. Other tours popular for foodies are both the Segway and Smoothies and the Taco Tour—a favorite for those wanting to find the best tacos on the island.
Hilton Head Segway
Island Segway
History Tours
You haven’t truly seen Hilton Head until you’ve taken a tour from the expert historians at Hilton Head History Tours. This 3-hour tour brings you to the significant historical island locations and allows you to fully see and understand how the island came to be what it is today. Fascinating and recommended for everyone, no matter if they’re a self-proclaimed history buff or not, this tour is as exciting as it is comfortable as the motor coach’s air conditioning is truly blissful on a summer’s day.
Hilton Head History Tours
