What should we wear aboard the Shrimping Expedition?

Closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing are recommended; bring sun protection and a light jacket for wind.

Is there a shaded area aboard the Tammy Jane?

Yes, there is a small canopy for shade, plus open areas to enjoy sun and views.

Are we guaranteed to take shrimp home?

No; this is still fishing and shrimp aren’t guaranteed, but the crew will do their best to provide guests with some of the catch when available.

Do we need to bring a cooler?

No — coolers are not allowed. The crew bags shrimp with ice for guests to take home.

Is there a restroom on board the Tammy Jane?

Yes, the boat has a small restroom available during the trip.

Do all ages require a ticket?

Yes, tickets are sold per person and all ages require a ticket for this charter.

Two-Hour Shrimp Trawl Aboard the Tammy Jane: Hilton Head Lowcountry Experience

On a two-hour run off Hilton Head Island, the Tammy Jane moves through honey-brown tidal creeks and open sound, turning a routine day on the water into a hands-on lesson in Lowcountry ecology. Meet at 149 Lighthouse Rd. Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 and step onto a working shrimp boat where the thump of diesel and the creak of winches are part of the show. The captain and crew explain how shrimp trawl nets work, then pull up canvases of netted life — Carolina shrimp among crabs, juvenile fish, and the shells of bay scallops — so visitors can see and touch the catch. This trip is as much about place as it is about seafood. The region’s salt marshes — wide beds of Spartina grass, winding tidal creeks, and nearby oyster reefs — filter water and feed the estuary that supports the shrimp season. Watch for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins surfacing in the wake and shorebirds quartering the mudflats: sandpipers and willets are common. The crew talks through local seasons, gear, and the realities of commercial harvests, framing each haul as a microcosm of coastal resilience. What sets this charter apart is its authenticity. This is a working vessel: the Tammy Jane’s small canopy and compact layout remind you this is not a sightseeing boat but a vehicle of livelihood. Guests can help sort the catch at the table, learn to identify species, and, when the day cooperates, walk away with fresh, never-frozen Carolina shrimp bagged with ice by the crew. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase; the boat has a small restroom, and coolers are not allowed. Practical notes matter. The cruise is two hours long and not wheelchair accessible; closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing are recommended. Advance booking is encouraged — the experience sells out quickly. The tour is family-friendly and designed for all ages, with an educational bent that makes it ideal for curious travelers who want a tactile connection to the food chain and fisheries management. Expect to see the crew package shrimp into ice bags for you to take home; coolers are not permitted aboard. There’s a small shaded area but sun protection still helps. Photography is hands-on: bring a secure camera or phone and plan for salty spray. Book online in advance through the operator’s reservation portal to secure space for your date.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2 Hours.

Fitness level

Minimal fitness required — able to step on/off a small vessel and stand for short periods

Wildlife

Atlantic bottlenose dolphin
shorebirds such as sandpipers and willets

History

Commercial shrimping has been a pillar of the Lowcountry economy for generations, shaping local foodways and waterfront communities.

Conservation

Operators follow state regulations and selective sorting practices; guests should avoid touching protected species and take only what the crew permits.

Vagabond Cruise operates a diverse fleet from Hilton Head Island, offering narrated wildlife excursions, specialty dining cruises, private charters, and seasonal holiday sailings. Flagship vessels include the Tammy Jane, Spirit of Harbour Town, Solaris, Vagabond, and the historic Stars & Stripes, each tailored for experiences ranging from two-hour crabbing and shrimping expeditions to multi-hour trips to Daufuskie Island and Savannah. Guests can choose guaranteed dolphin encounters on ocean and estuary cruises, relaxed sandbar sunbathing charters, intimate Solaris private charters for up to ten guests, or festive themed sailings such as fireworks dinners, holiday brunches, and the Gregg Russell Bubble Gum Cruise. Dining options feature Lowcountry menus and plated dinners crafted by award-winning chefs, buffet brunches, and specialty Gullah Geechee cuisine, with indoor climate-controlled cabins and open-air decks available. Educational offerings include narrated naturalist sunset dolphin cruises, stargazing sessions with “Bill the Sky Guy,” and paranormal ghost tours led by local experts. The company highlights hands-on marine experiences—baiting crab pots, hauling shrimp nets, and sorting fresh Carolina shrimp—designed for families and curious travelers. Safety and professional service are provided by experienced captains and trained crew, with full-service bars and private tables on select vessels. Vagabond Cruise partners with Sea Pines Resort for catering on exclusive Solaris charters and coordinates holiday events throughout the season. With a broad calendar of daily and special-event sailings, Vagabond Cruise delivers reliable, locally rooted maritime adventures across the Lowcountry. Bookings are available online with flexible options for groups, families, and private celebrations and seasonal themed departures.

Base locationHilton Head Island, South Carolina

Tours offered68+

Specialtyboat-charters

StewardshipLeave No Trace