Lowcountry by Paddle: A Full-Day Kayak or Canoe Rental on Hilton Head’s Hidden Lagoons
Starting at $99 • Select your start date!
Sun slides over the live oaks and the lagoon wakes like a creature stretching—mullet plop, herons rearrange their shadows, and the brackish water tilts a mirror to the sky. You push off from the sandy edge and the kayak noses into the stillness. Spanish moss drifts like slow applause as your blade dips, pulls, and releases. The current nudges, wind makes its small opinions known, and the Lowcountry—its light, its birds, its salt-sweet smell—invites you to unspool an entire day on quiet water.
Trail Wisdom
Start Early for Glassy Water
Morning winds are typically light, wildlife is active, and you’ll bank cooler hours before the midday heat.
Give Gators Room
Maintain at least 60 feet of distance, stay centered in the channel, and never feed wildlife—ever.
Sun Smart = Energy Saved
Wear a long-sleeve sun shirt, hat, and polarized sunglasses; reapply SPF and drink water every 20–30 minutes.
Know the Wind, Not Just the Weather
A light headwind on the way out becomes an easy ride home; check the forecast and plan your direction accordingly.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Shelter Cove Community Park’s sunset lawn for post-paddle golden hour
- •Audubon Newhall Preserve’s quiet trails for a land-based birding add-on
Wildlife
Tricolored heron, River otter
Conservation Note
Pack out everything, avoid single-use plastics, and never feed or approach wildlife. Your distance helps birds conserve energy and keeps alligators wild.
Hilton Head Island was named by Captain William Hilton in 1663; Gullah Geechee culture remains a vital thread in the island’s heritage.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Birdwatching, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Pollen, Gusty afternoons
Fresh greens and active wading birds define spring; mornings are calm with occasional breezy afternoons.
summer
Best for: Family outings, Long daylight hours
Challenges: Heat and humidity, Pop-up thunderstorms, Biting insects at dusk
Start early or go late to beat the heat; watch for fast-moving afternoon storms and hydrate consistently.
fall
Best for: Golden marsh color, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Early fall storms, Cooler mornings
Expect crisp light and comfortable temps; keep an eye on tropical systems in September and October.
winter
Best for: Quiet water, Migratory bird sightings
Challenges: Cold north winds, Short days
Layer up and chase midday warmth; clear air and calm water make winter surprisingly photogenic.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
UPF Long-Sleeve Shirt and HatEssential
Sun protection keeps you cooler and reduces fatigue during long sessions on reflective water.
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Cuts water glare so you can spot wildlife and navigate shallow sections with confidence.
10–15L Dry BagEssential
Protects phone, camera, snacks, and a light layer from paddle drip and unexpected splashes.
Water Shoes or Sandals
Makes launches and stretch breaks comfortable on sandy, occasionally mucky banks.
Common Questions
Do I need prior kayaking or canoeing experience?
No—the lagoon system is calm and beginner-friendly. Basic instruction is provided before launch, and most paddlers find the water easy to manage.
How long is the rental and what’s included?
You’ll have the boat for 8 hours. Paddles and PFDs are included; bring your own water, sun protection, and snacks.
Is it safe to paddle with alligators present?
Yes, with common-sense precautions. Keep at least 60 feet away, never feed wildlife, and remain centered in your boat. Alligators typically avoid paddlers.
Can kids come along?
Yes. Many families choose a double kayak or canoe so an adult can share the workload. Children must wear properly fitted PFDs at all times.
Will I deal with strong currents or tides?
The lagoons are largely wind-influenced rather than tide-driven. Plan around wind direction and expect generally gentle conditions.
What happens if weather turns bad?
Summer storms can build quickly. Check the forecast, launch early, and be prepared to return to shore if thunder nears.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses to cut glare and spot wildlife; 2–3 liters of water per person for an all-day paddle; UPF long-sleeve, hat, and reef-safe SPF for sun-heavy hours; 10–15L dry bag to protect phone, camera, snacks, and an extra layer.
Did You Know
Hilton Head Island was named in 1663 after Captain William Hilton identified the island’s high headland—hence “Hilton’s Head.”
Quick Travel Tips
Request a day parking pass if entering via a resort gate; Book early for weekends and holidays—inventory goes fast; Launch at opening for calm water and cooler temps; Save dinner for post-paddle at nearby Shelter Cove to avoid midday heat and crowds.
Local Flavor
Reward the paddle with Lowcountry flavors: grab shrimp and grits or a cold beer overlooking Broad Creek at Fishcamp, or watch the sunset with fresh seafood at Skull Creek Boathouse. If you want something quick, the nearby general store serves sandwiches and ice cream—perfect for a debrief on the lawn as the sky goes coral.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airports: Hilton Head Island (HHH, ~10–15 min) or Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV, ~1 hour). Launch: mid-island lagoon access within Palmetto Dunes. Drive time from Coligny Beach: ~10–15 minutes. Cell service: generally reliable. Permits: none for paddling the lagoon; follow resort gate and parking instructions.
Sustainability Note
These lagoons are a living buffer for stormwater and wildlife habitat—skip single-use plastics, keep 60 feet from wildlife, and rinse gear to prevent the spread of invasive species.