Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina is a waterfront hub on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, known for its scenic marina, waterside dining, and lively outdoor events.
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina has long served as a gathering point on Hilton Head Island, evolving from a working marina into a full waterfront village. Its position along the Intracoastal Waterway gives it a sense of place that feels genuinely tied to the island's maritime character.
Visitors can walk the boardwalk, watch charter boats return with their catches, or settle onto a waterside patio as the afternoon light shifts over the water. The marina accommodates private vessels and offers access to fishing charters, dolphin watching tours, and sunset cruises that depart regularly throughout the season.
The harbour's dining scene leans toward fresh coastal fare, with several restaurants offering outdoor seating directly above the water. Beyond eating and boating, the plaza hosts a popular summer concert series and seasonal events that draw both residents and visitors into a relaxed, communal atmosphere.
For anyone spending time on Hilton Head Island, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina provides a natural anchor point that captures the island's easygoing coastal spirit in one walkable, welcoming place.
Visit during the summer Tuesday and Thursday evening concerts on the harbour lawn for free live music with a waterfront backdrop.
Arrive early on weekend mornings to secure a spot along the boardwalk before the marina fills with activity.
Try the fresh seafood at one of the waterside restaurants, particularly local shrimp dishes sourced from nearby waters.
Bring sunscreen and light layers, as the open promenade offers little shade but catches a steady ocean breeze.
Consider renting a kayak or paddleboard from outfitters near the marina to explore the surrounding tidal creeks at your own pace.
Chase redfish, tarpon, and more aboard a stable, shaded vessel guided by expert captains.
Cruise Hilton Head waters on a shaded tiki boat, spot dolphins, and customize activities with expert captains.
Enjoy a private 3-hour catch-and-release outing tailored for families and beginners
Learn paddle strokes and safety basics with a certified instructor on Hilton Head waters
Private boat time for tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding
Cruise Broad Creek with a naturalist captain and look for dolphins
Cruise to a vanishing island and beachcomb at low tide
Boat to a private island, then kayak Daufuskie’s salt marshes
Kayak Hilton Head’s tidal creeks with an interpretive naturalist guide
Design a private kayak tour or lesson around your group’s goals
Learn stand up paddleboarding as a family on a Hilton Head creek
Paddle Hilton Head’s salt marsh with a naturalist guide
Build your SUP skills with a private paddleboard session

Fish Lowcountry waters for redfish with USCG-licensed captains; boat, bait, and tackle included
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Shelter Cove at your own pace
Boat to a private island, then kayak Hilton Head’s backcountry
Cruise Broad Creek with a naturalist captain on a private dolphin eco tour
Cruise to a low-tide sandbar for dolphin spotting and shell hunting
Cruise Broad Creek on a private dolphin eco tour with a naturalist captain
Cruise Broad Creek on a private dolphin eco tour with a naturalist captain
Rent a 22-foot luxury pontoon with seating for up to 12
Cruise at sunset on a tiki boat with island music, up to 6 guests
Fish inshore and nearshore on a 26-foot catamaran for up to 6 passengers
Boat through Lowcountry marshes, spot dolphins, and take a tubing ride
Boat cruise to Shark Tooth Island to search for shells and shark teeth
Cruise to Shark Tooth Island to hunt for shells and shark teeth
Boat to secluded Page Island for guided kayaking and time to explore
Boat the Lowcountry marsh and take a tubing ride
Savor a Lowcountry boil as you cruise Hilton Head’s marshes at sunset aboard a luxury catamaran
Cruise Hilton Head’s salt marsh at sunset while you watch for local dolphins
Charter a private boat with a licensed captain and naturalist for up to 6 passengers
Cruise to a low-tide sandbar island for dolphin watching and beachcombing
Paddle Hilton Head’s tidal creeks at sunset with a naturalist guide
Cruise the salt marsh on a private sunset dolphin tour
Cruise into a Lowcountry sunset, then watch the fireworks from the water
Private sunset cruise with dolphin watching in Hilton Head
Cruise Hilton Head’s salt marsh at sunset on a private dolphin tour
Hook a shark on a 3-hour evening fishing trip with captain, gear, and bait included
Cruise at sunset, then watch fireworks from your private boat
Cruise at sunset, then watch fireworks from the water
Paddle Hilton Head’s salt marsh under the full moon
Cruise for Shelter Cove fireworks with a dolphin eco tour
Paddle Broad Creek and watch Shelter Cove Harbourfest fireworks from your kayak
Adult-only happy hour cruise with drinks, charcuterie, and coastal views
Fish Hilton Head’s nearshore waterways on a 24-foot Pathfinder
Private boat charter for up to 12 with a Coast Guard licensed captain
Charter a private boat with a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain for up to 16 guests
Private 2-hour sail to learn the salt marsh and watch for dolphins
Sail at sunset, then anchor to watch Shelter Cove fireworks
Cruise to the marsh for sport crabbing, then watch the sunset and fireworks