Local Spotlight: Vagabond Cruise

For more than 50 years, Vagabond Cruise has been helping visitors and locals alike get out on the water and experience the beauty of Hilton Head Island from an entirely new perspective. Departing from Harbour Town Yacht Basin in Sea Pines, the family-owned company offers a variety of cruises for every type of traveler that showcase the Lowcountry’s scenic waterways, with some having certain focuses on wildlife, scenic views, or even getting to nearby destinations like Savannah, Georgia, or Daufuskie Island to explore for the day. 

No matter if you’re a first-time visitor or if you’ve been returning to the island year after year for as long as you can remember, if you want to find a memorable way to sightsee or spend time out on the water with your friends and family, Vagabond Cruise makes it as easy as it will be fun.

About Vagabond Cruise

Since its founding in 1968, Vagabond Cruise has become one of the island’s most recognizable excursion providers. With a fleet of boats and a lineup of different types of cruises to choose from, the company allows guests to experience the surrounding waterways in countless different ways. These experiences are all made possible by expert crew members whose friendly service, local expertise, and attention to detail help transform every cruise into a memorable outing for every guest who steps aboard. 

Featured Experiences

With a collection of different vessels comes a wide selection of different types of cruises, and Vagabond Cruise ensures that there’s not only something for everyone, but that every outing delivers the kind of views, hospitality, and overall experiences that guests will remember long after their vacation ends. Read on for a brief overview of the different types of cruises visitors can enjoy: 

Dolphin & Nature Cruises 

It’s always an exciting moment when you see a dolphin or two popping up out of the water, and while these playful creatures can be seen in many areas of the island’s surrounding waterways, your chances of seeing them rise immensely when you’re on the water. Vagabond Cruise’s selection of Dolphin and Nature Cruises is meant for the visitor whose main goal is to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in addition to learning about the local ecosystem, wildlife, and waterways in the Lowcountry. And while any dolphin cruise is family-friendly, families should look into both the Donuts & Dolphins Cruise (dolphin spotting paired with a complimentary donut bar? Yes, please!) and the summer favorite, Gregg Russell Bubble Gum Cruise. 

Dining & Happy Hour Cruises 

Few things pair better with Hilton Head’s waterfront scenery than good food and drinks, good company, and a beautiful sunset. Vagabond Cruise’s Dining and Happy Hour Cruises combine all three, offering guests the opportunity to relax on the water while enjoying delicious meals prepared by the masterful chefs of the Sea Pines Resort, refreshing cocktails, and spectacular views of the Lowcountry. If you’re looking for an elegant evening aboard the Spirit of Harbour Town, reserve a table during the popular Sunset Dinner Cruise. For a more casual outing with friends, hop aboard a Happy Hour Cruise or enjoy Sunday brunch on the Brunch Buffet Cruise. Seasonal dining cruises include the Early Bird Dinner Cruise and Fireworks Dinner Cruise on Tuesdays. 

Ferries & Day Trips

Right on the other side of the Calibogue Sound from Harbour Town is Daufuskie Island. Few visitors to Hilton Head Island have ever ventured onto the island, as there’s no bridge connecting it to the mainland. You might not even know it exists and is ready to be explored—but you should! Vagabond Cruise offers convenient ferry services in the morning and afternoon, giving you three hours to explore the island. 

As far as a full-day trip goes, if you want to visit beautiful Savannah, Georgia, consider taking the extremely scenic route—by boat! The Historic Savannah Cruise leaves at 9am from Harbour Town and brings you right to iconic River Street. Aboard the Spirit of Harbour Town, you’ll have a comfortable ride with access to a full bar and snacks available for purchase. 

Shrimping & Crabbing Cruises 

The Lowcountry’s waterways are not only beautiful, but they’re important to the region’s culture and seafood heritage. Vagabond Cruise’s Shrimping and Crabbing Cruises are hands-on opportunities to learn about the local fishing industry and the creatures within the local salt marshes. Just keep in mind that these are seasonal and aren’t offered year-round. 

Special Events & Holiday Cruises

Some occasions call for something a little more memorable than a dinner at a restaurant or watching fireworks from a beach chair. Throughout the year, Vagabond Cruise offers cruises that celebrate holidays like the Fourth of July, Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, and more. From brunches and buffets to full-on dinners and special events, be sure to check their calendar for these seasonal and limited-time cruises.