Kayaking Broad Creek and the Hilton Head Marshes

A kayak puts you at eye level with the Lowcountry, and on Hilton Head that means dolphins, wading birds and the green-gold sweep of the salt marsh. Broad Creek, the long tidal waterway that nearly cuts the island in two, is the classic paddle. Outfitters such as Outside Hilton Head launch from the Shelter Cove area and offer hourly and daily kayak and paddleboard rentals, guided kayak nature tours, full-moon paddles, kayak fishing and stand-up paddleboard trips, and the creek's winding channels, oyster beds and marsh islands are prime feeding grounds for bottlenose dolphins. Other good options round out the island. Kayak Hilton Head runs rentals and guided tours, including a paddle with views of the Harbour Town Lighthouse. H2O Sports leads group and private tours on Calibogue Sound and its marshes from Harbour Town. Hilton Head Outfitters inside Palmetto Dunes rents kayaks and canoes for the resort's eleven-mile lagoon system, a very calm, sheltered paddle that suits beginners and families. Sea Monkeys Watersports rents kayaks from Skull Creek on the north end. And the Coastal Discovery Museum runs guided kayak trips on Jarvis Creek, a tranquil marsh creek reserved for non-motorized boats at Jarvis Creek Park. On any of them you can expect herons, egrets, ospreys and perhaps a bald eagle; dolphins are frequent on the creeks and sound, and lucky paddlers see river otters. Guided tours, typically around two hours, are the best choice for first-timers, since guides know the tides, the wildlife and where the dolphins feed. Most outfitters require at least one adult aged 18 or over in each party, and recommend some experience for solo paddling.

Tides are the rule of paddling in the Lowcountry. The tidal range here is large, several feet between low and high water, so creeks that are deep and wide at high tide can turn into mudflats at low tide, and currents can be strong in the channels. Guided tours are timed around the tides; if you rent on your own, check a tide table, paddle with the current when possible, and stay away from oyster beds, whose sharp shells can cut skin and puncture kayaks. Wear water shoes, sunscreen and a hat, and bring water.

Time of day and season shape the experience. Early mornings are calm and the best time for birds; sunset paddles are spectacular, with the marsh turning gold and the sky reflected in the water. Summer brings heat, thunderstorms and biting insects, so morning tours are wise. Spring and autumn are ideal, with pleasant temperatures and active wildlife. In November the water is cooler and some outfitters reduce their schedules, but mild, still days are lovely, so dress in layers and confirm tour times ahead. Full-moon tours, when offered, are an unforgettable way to see the marsh at night.

Choosing the right paddle: families with younger children and nervous beginners should head for the Palmetto Dunes lagoon or a guided tour in a tandem kayak. Wildlife lovers should choose a guided Broad Creek or Calibogue Sound tour for the best chance of dolphins. Experienced paddlers can rent and explore on their own with a map and tide chart. Whichever you choose, keep a respectful distance from dolphins and other wildlife; it is illegal to feed or harass them. Pair a morning paddle with lunch at Shelter Cove Harbour or a visit to the Coastal Discovery Museum.