Hilton Head Island may only be twelve miles long and five miles wide, but every inch of the stunning vacation town contains memorable things to do, see, and enjoy. The hardest part of booking a trip might be deciding what to do in Hilton Head first!
If you're a returning visitor, finding fresh, engaging activities can be challenging. While we'd never turn down a relaxing day on Folly Field beaches, a nap at Burkes beach, or a walk at Coligny beach park but we have some suggestions for adding an extra touch of magic to your vacation.
It all begins when you step off the land and explore South Carolina's stunning salt marsh ecosystem. You may encounter mermaids, uncover shark teeth, greet friendly dolphins, or bask in a perfect Hilton Head sunset. Best of all, most of Hilton Head's most engaging aquatic experiences are entirely family-friendly.
Mermaid of Hilton Head offers some of the best things to do in Hilton Head South Carolina when you think you've already done it all.
We've created this guide to share the best-kept secrets for planning a unique trip. Read on to uncover the six experiences that will transform your Hilton Head vacation.
1. Charter a Private Pontoon
A visit to Hilton Head is a magical experience, but you can create your own magic when you charter a private boat and experience a guided tour of the local salt marsh. Mermaid of Hilton Head offers fully covered pontoon boat that sit low in the water, so you might come nose-to-nose with a dolphin or pelican!
Each boat can accommodate up to 24 guests, allowing for a private, romantic boat ride or a unique, high-octane experience for your next family reunion.
When you charter a boat through Mermaid of Hilton Head, you have your choice of three distinct, immersive tours:
The dolphin experience tour
The sunset cruise
The mermaid encounter
The dolphin cruise is perfect for wildlife aficionados hoping to come face-to-face with the most compelling members of the local ecosystem. The sunset cruise is a romantic and scenic journey. The mermaid encounter is a family-friendly, story-driven experience ideal for adventurers ten and under and their grown-ups.
2. Book a Hilton Head Dolphin Tour
Did you know that the waters surrounding Hilton Head Island are teeming with gorgeous, friendly dolphins?
When you travel to Hilton Head, be sure to book a Dolphin Tour so you can get up close and personal with these intelligent creatures.
Not only will your tour guide take you out to where you can see the local wildlife, but they'll also be able to introduce individual dolphins by name! You might even spot other creatures native to the local ecosystem, like manatees, sea turtles, sharks, and sting rays.
Each tour is a 75-minute educational experience, ideal for guests of all ages. Our experienced guides bring along plenty of props that inquisitive young guests can touch and explore. Bring along a camera for the many incredible photo opportunities.
Each pontoon boat offers shade from the sun, with bathrooms on board and a BYO snack policy, so even the youngest guests can cruise in comfort.
3. Experience a Hilton Head Mermaid Encounter
Have you ever wanted to meet a mermaid? You'll fall in love with the Mermaid of Hilton Head Mermaid Encounter, ranked the best marine wildlife experience and the best children's activity in South Carolina!
The family-friendly, 75-minute tour is fully interactive, with larger-than-life hosts that will guide your family through an immersive story, complete with props. Little ones will leave with temporary tattoos, wearing a magical name tag and as an official ocean ambassador.
Naturally, the tour concludes with a face-to-face encounter with a real, live mermaid!
It truly doesn't get more family-friendly than this experience, which will help create core memories for life. The boat has an accessible bathroom on board, and families are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks. Older guests can enjoy the stunning views of the water and local wildlife and may even learn something new about conservation in the region.
4. Transform Into a Mermaid Yourself
It's one thing to see a mermaid. It's another thing to become one! When you sign up for a Mermaid Experience and photoshoot with Mermaid of Hilton Head, we'll provide everything you need to transform into the sweet siren of your dreams!
Depending on your preference, we'll either meet you on the beach or in our comfortable, fully-equipped studio. We'll provide a mermaid tail, a special keepsake hairclip, and all the nautically-themed props necessary to create the perfect shot. All you need to do is come dressed in your favorite bathing suit!
This experience is perfect for the whole family, regardless of age or gender, from the tiniest babies to grandparents with a dream. "Mermaid time" is part of the experience, so little guppies can enjoy splashing around in the tail. We're happy to photograph up to four mermaids per session.
We'll edit and retouch your images so that you can keep your favorite moments forever. You'll have access to your magical photos in as little as a week.
5. Pan for Real Shark's Teeth
When you go on any of Mermaid of Hilton Head's boat tours, you can add on a Shark Tooth Experience. We'll provide a bucket full of sand and shark teeth so you can hunt for souvenirs. You can expect to uncover a minimum of ten genuine teeth, which is a perfect way to keep little hands busy during any boat trip.
Are you traveling with a shark lover who hasn't grown their sea legs yet? You can enjoy the Shark Tooth Experience as a stand-alone activity when you visit our retail store in Tanger 2.
6. Explore a Shipwreck and Meet a Ghost
If you're planning a Hilton Head SC trip during October, you're in luck. Mermaid of Hilton Head offers a haunted, sixty-minute boat tour perfect for spooks of all ages! It's a seasonal spin on the popular family-friendly Mermaid Encounter, with a friendly ghost rather than a mermaid at the end.
Knowledgeable and engaging performers will lead the journey and interact in character, ensuring the tour never gets too scary for the little ones on board. Everyone will learn a bit about Dia de los Muertos as they meet the local wildlife up close.
7. Paddleboarding Glow Tour
Experience Hilton Head's waterways in a whole new light – literally! Join a paddleboarding glow tour after sunset and watch in awe as your paddleboard illuminates the dark waters beneath you. Gliding through the calm creeks under a blanket of stars is a truly magical experience that you won't soon forget. It's a perfect blend of adventure and enchantment that's unique to Hilton Head.
8. Gullah Heritage Trail Tours
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah people with a guided tour along the Gullah Heritage Trail. Learn about the unique language, traditions, and customs of the Gullah Geechee community, whose descendants have preserved their African cultural roots for generations on the Sea Islands, including Hilton Head. Explore historic sites, taste traditional Gullah cuisine, and gain insights into this fascinating culture that has shaped the identity of the region.
9. Shell Hunting on Daufuskie Island
Take a short ferry ride from Hilton Head to Daufuskie Island and embark on a shell-hunting adventure along its pristine shores. Known for its abundance of colorful shells and sea treasures, Daufuskie Island offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland life. Spend the day combing the beaches for unique shells, sand dollars, and other marine artifacts, and feel the stress melt away with each step on the soft, sandy coastline.
10. Zipline Hilton Head
Get your adrenaline pumping with a ziplining adventure through the lush canopy of Hilton Head's maritime forest. Strap in and soar through the treetops, enjoying bird's-eye views of the island's natural beauty below. Zipline Hilton Head offers a thrilling way to experience the island's landscapes while satisfying your craving for adventure. It's an exhilarating activity that's perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages.
11. Coastal Discovery Museum
Delve into the natural and cultural history of Hilton Head Island at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Located on the historic Honey Horn property, this interactive museum offers exhibits, programs, and guided tours that highlight the island's diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and heritage. Explore butterfly gardens, salt marsh boardwalks, and historic buildings as you gain a deeper appreciation for the unique beauty of Hilton Head.
12. Beach Yoga and Meditation
Find your Zen amid the soothing sounds of the ocean with beach yoga and meditation sessions offered on Hilton Head's pristine shores. Awaken your senses with gentle stretches and deep breathing exercises as you bask in the warm sunlight and refreshing sea breeze. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a novice practitioner, practicing yoga on the beach offers a rejuvenating experience that nourishes the mind, body, and soul.
What to Do in Hilton Head if You're Planning a Magical Trip
Hilton Head Island may be the perfect retreat for travelers of all ages, but truly memorable trips require an extra touch of magic. If you're still deciding what to do in Hilton Head on your next adventure, you can't go wrong with any of the interactive experiences offered by Mermaid of Hilton Head.
You might meet a mermaid or come face-to-face with a dolphin on the journey.
Are you ready to book the experience of a lifetime? Reach out today, then let the adventure begin! 2023 dates are already filling up, so act quickly for the best availability.
Also don't forget to bring your bike or rent one while on the island. Hilton Head Island won the Gold level bicycle friendly community award with its over 60 miles of bike trails and tall live oaks to provide some shade you will love to ride here.
If the trails are to easy for you, you can always enjoy some biking at the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, we will show it to you by water and then you can explore by land.