Paddle Hilton Head’s salt marsh with a naturalist guide
2 hours
Naturalist-guided tour
Explore the coastal salt marsh on a naturalist-guided stand-up paddle tour. This 2-hour outing runs twice daily from April through September and is tide dependent.
This tour is tide dependent, so start times can vary.
We accept cancellations up to 48 hours in advance of the scheduled time of your tour. Cancellations made after that deadline will result in a charge for the full amount of the reservation. Weather cancellations are at the sole discretion of Outside.
Wear a bathing suit or clothing you don’t mind getting wet. Bring sun protection and a bottle of water for each person.
Check in at the kiosk (outdoor desk) located between the parking lot and the docks, near the southwest corner of the marina next to the Ship Store and Ela’s Grille.
Parking can fill up quickly in summer, so arrive early. If the lot near the outpost is full, park near the shops to the left of the Neptune statue and walk along the marina pathway to the desk near the Ship Store and Ela’s Grille.
This activity departs from Shelter Cove Marina.
This operation stands out for its exceptional guides who truly know their stuff. Travelers consistently praise captains like Pete, Kelly, Dan, and Dean for their deep knowledge of local history, marine life, and the Gullah community. The guides don't just drive boats or lead tours—they actively search for dolphins, share fascinating facts about the marshland ecosystem, and make every outing feel personalized and engaging. The variety of experiences impresses visitors too. You can choose from dolphin tours, kayaking excursions through the marsh, eBike adventures, or historic trips to Daufuskie Island. Reviewers mention spotting tons of dolphins up close, catching gorgeous sunsets, and learning about everything from feeding behaviors to local flora and fauna. Multiple families with young children had wonderful experiences, with guides like CT providing appropriately sized equipment and keeping kids entertained. What really shines through is how genuinely friendly and caring these guides are—people specifically request them by name and remember their tours as trip highlights.
Had a great paddle in Hilton Head. Our guide Michael, was very knowledgeable, very patient, and very friendly. Can’t wait to go again!
Thomas Newcomb
February 28, 2026
Had a great paddle in Hilton Head. Our guide Michael, was very knowledgeable, very patient, and very friendly. Can’t wait to go again!
Thomas Newcomb
February 28, 2026