Parasailing Above Hilton Head: Dolphins, Lighthouse Views, and Lowcountry Sky
Starting at $95 | Ages 6+ | 1.5 Hours | Get a Bird's Eye View of Hilton Head!
The boat idles out of the marina and the Lowcountry wakes with you—marsh grass combs the breeze, egrets stitch white lines across a blue morning, and Calibogue Sound rolls its shoulders like it’s shrugging off sleep. You clip into the harness, the chute blossoms, and suddenly the deck falls away. Hilton Head spreads out in clean geometry: sandbar, spartina, sailboat. To your left, the candy-striped Harbour Town Lighthouse stakes its claim at the edge of the sound. Ahead, Daufuskie Island lazes in the haze, an old soul with no bridge and plenty of stories. From 400 feet up, the wind takes the lead. It doesn’t howl—it nudges, it carries, it decides.
Trail Wisdom
Book the first flight of the morning
Morning air is typically calmer on Hilton Head, delivering smoother flights and clearer views before afternoon sea breezes pick up.
Secure your shades
Bring polarized sunglasses with a retainer strap to cut glare and avoid losing them to a sudden gust.
Choose your splash plan
Tell the crew if you want to stay dry or dip your toes—both are easy, but they need to know before you launch.
Pack light, go hands-free
Use a waterproof phone lanyard or action cam with a wrist strap; pockets and loose items don’t mix well with wind and water.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse museum for island history and a 360° vantage before or after your flight
- •Take a passenger ferry to boat-only Daufuskie Island for quiet beaches and Gullah heritage
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Brown pelicans
Conservation Note
Respect marine life—give dolphins space and never feed wildlife. Choose reef-safe sunscreen to reduce runoff impact on coastal waters.
Hilton Head’s Harbour Town Lighthouse was completed in 1970 and quickly became the island’s signature landmark, signaling the rise of Sea Pines as a planned resort community.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Calmer winds, Wildlife viewing
Challenges: Cooler mornings, Variable fronts
Spring delivers smooth air and crisp visibility with fewer crowds—bring a light layer for early departures.
summer
Best for: Warm water dips, Family travel
Challenges: Afternoon wind, High demand and heat
Expect hot, bright days and livelier breezes; reserve early and aim for morning flights.
fall
Best for: Clear skies, Mild temps
Challenges: Shorter daylight, Occasional windy fronts
Autumn brings golden light, pleasant temps, and steady conditions—ideal for photography.
winter
Best for: Quiet marinas, Budget-friendly travel
Challenges: Cool air temps, Weather-dependent schedules
Winter can offer calm, crowd-free outings, but dress warm and stay flexible with weather windows.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized sunglasses with retainerEssential
Reduces glare off Calibogue Sound and stays secure when the wind picks up.
UPF 50+ sun shirt or rash guardEssential
Protects skin during midday sun and dries fast after a splash-down.
Waterproof phone pouch with lanyard
Lets you capture photos hands-free while keeping your device safe and secure.
Non-drowsy motion remedy
Helpful for those sensitive to boat motion, especially on breezier afternoons.
Common Questions
Can I choose to stay dry during the flight?
Yes. Tell the crew before takeoff—captains can keep you dry or provide a quick toe-dip landing depending on your preference.
How long will I be in the air?
Each flight typically lasts 8–10 minutes, with about 1.5 hours total on the boat depending on group size and conditions.
Is parasailing suitable for kids?
Yes—flyers ages 6 and up are welcome, with tandem or triple flights available based on conditions and combined weight.
What if the weather changes?
Captains monitor wind and weather closely. If conditions aren’t safe, trips may be delayed or rescheduled, and you’ll be notified as early as possible.
Will I see dolphins?
Calibogue Sound is home to bottlenose dolphins and sightings are common, though not guaranteed.
Can I bring a camera or phone?
Yes, but secure it with a lanyard or strap. The crew may recommend a waterproof pouch to protect your device.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses with retainer: reduces glare and won’t fly off; Quick-dry layers or swimsuit: comfortable whether you splash or stay dry; Reef-safe sunscreen: strong coastal sun without harming marine life; Waterproof phone pouch: easy photos with less stress around water and wind.
Did You Know
Daufuskie Island, visible from the air during parasailing, has no bridge access—visitors and residents reach it only by boat.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and gear up; Morning flights are smoothest and coolest in summer; Bring cash or card for marina parking or Sea Pines gate fee, if applicable; Build in a weather buffer—wind calls are safety-first and worth the flexibility.
Local Flavor
Celebrate the flight with hushpuppies and local shrimp at The Crazy Crab in Harbour Town, or a cold drink and live music at The Salty Dog Cafe in South Beach. Coffee and a flaky pastry from Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe make an ideal pre-launch ritual. If you’re into craft spirits, swing by Hilton Head Distillery for a tasting that leans into coastal botanicals.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airports: Hilton Head Island (HHH) ~15 minutes; Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV) ~1 hour. Departure points vary by operator; if your launch is inside Sea Pines, expect a per-vehicle gate fee. Cell service is generally strong around Harbour Town and Calibogue Sound. No permits required; reserve in advance and arrive early for safety briefing and harness fitting.
Sustainability Note
This estuary is home to protected bottlenose dolphins and sensitive marsh habitat—use reef-safe sunscreen, pack out all trash, and keep respectful distances from wildlife.