Discover the beauty of South Carolina’s coast.
Looking for the best places to paddle board in Hilton Head?
Get ready to glide through picturesque waterways and incredible scenery.
Embark on a memorable paddle boarding adventure in Hilton Head, SC.
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Where to Paddle Board in Hilton Head
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Calibogue Sound
- ????️ Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Harbour Town Marina (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Tidal, Can Be Windy in Afternoon
- Popular Seasons: Spring and Summer
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, Egrets, Herons
- ????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Harbour Town Lighthouse, Marshes, Daufuskie Island
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect wildlife
Calibogue Sound, located near Harbour Town Marina, offers an idyllic paddle boarding experience in Hilton Head.
The calm tidal waters make for a relaxing paddle with scenic marshlands and the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse in the backdrop. Encounter friendly dolphins and various bird species as you explore this incredible environment.
#2 Palmetto Bay Marina
- ????️ ️Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Palmetto Bay Marina (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Tidal, Moderate Winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring and Summer
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, Pelicans, Egrets
- ????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Broad Creek, Waterfront Park
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, be mindful of tides
Palmetto Bay Marina offers a serene paddle boarding experience along the picturesque Broad Creek. Paddle peacefully amongst the Hilton Head’s abundant wildlife, including dolphins, pelicans, and egrets.
The waterfront park adjacent to the marina adds to the natural beauty of the surroundings, making it a perfect location for a day of exploration on the water.
#3 Shelter Cove Harbor
- ????️ ️Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Shelter Cove Community Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Tidal, Mild Winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, Sea Turtles, Various Bird Species
- ????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Shelter Cove Marina, Mediterranean-style Village
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to harbor regulations
Shelter Cove Harbor, located near Shelter Cove Community Park, offers an ideal location for paddle boarding enthusiasts. Glide through calm tidal waters, watching for dolphins and sea turtles, while enjoying the Mediterranean-style village that surrounds the marina.
The harbor’s sheltered location ensures a fantastic paddle boarding experience throughout most of the year.
#4 Fish Haul Creek
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Fish Haul Creek Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm Waters, Mild Ocean Swells, Moderate Winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, Shorebirds, Sea Turtles
- ????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Mitchelville Beach, Fish Haul Creek Marsh, Port Royal Sound
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for wildlife, respect protected areas
Fish Haul Creek Park provides paddleboarders with a serene and peaceful oceanfront location along Mitchelville Beach. Paddlers are treated with scenic views of marshlands, creeks, and the expansive Port Royal Sound.
Paddle through calm waters while keeping an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of shorebirds that frequent the area.
#5 Broad Creek
- ????️ ️Location Type: River
- Access Point: Cross Island Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm Waters, Tidal Currents, Mild Winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring and Summer
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, Herons, Ospreys
- ????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Spanish Wells, Marsh View
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of tides and currents, respect private properties
Broad Creek is a picturesque waterway perfect for a tranquil paddle boarding experience in Hilton Head. Glide through calm tidal waters, flanked by lush marshes and abundant wildlife, including dolphins and various bird species.
The creek’s serenity, combined with the panoramic views of Spanish Wells, makes it a top spot for lovers of nature and watersports alike.
#6 Skull Creek
- ????️ ️Location Type: River
- Access Point: Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm Waters, Tidal Currents, Mild Winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring and Summer
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, Egrets, Herons
- Landmarks & Views: Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Hilton Head Island Bridge
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect wildlife refuges
Skull Creek offers an enchanting paddle boarding adventure in Hilton Head. The creek’s calm tidal currents and majestic marshland views make it a great spot to explore the area’s natural beauty.
Paddle alongside Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge and under the Hilton Head Island Bridge for an unforgettable experience while searching for dolphins and other inhabitants of this incredible ecosystem.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Hilton Head?
Some popular locations to paddle board in Hilton Head are Shelter Cove, Calibogue Sound, and Broad Creek Marina.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Hilton Head?
No, paddle boards do not need to be registered in Hilton Head.
When is the best time to paddle board in Hilton Head?
The best time to paddle board in Hilton Head is during the summer months when temperatures accommodate water activities.
