Do I need experience to go on a 2 hour guided kayak tour? Kayaking in the South Carolina lowcountry is just like a relaxing nature 'hike' on the water. The kayaks are big, stable and safe. No experience is necessary to enjoy Outside Hilton Head's 2 hour guided kayak tours. We begin all of our kayak tours with a paddling clinic before heading out on the water.

Is there an age requirement for the 2 hour guided kayak tour? The minimum age to participate in a kayak tour is 3 years. Children 12 and younger will usually paddle in a double kayak with an adult.

What kind of kayaking experience is necessary for the longer, 4 and 6 hour, custom kayak excursions? Our custom kayak excursions are designed for paddlers who have some kayaking experience.

Do I need a fishing license to go on a fishing charter or kayak fishing tour? No. If you are on one of our charter fishing boats or in one of our custom designed fishing kayaks, licensing has been taken care of by Outside Hilton Head. All of the vessels used in our fishing programs are licensed for everyone on board. If you are in need of a fishing license for fishing on your own, please visit www.dnr.sc.gov

Will I see dolphin on any of the programs? The dolphins in our area are wild, and their behavior often unpredicable. While we are fortunate to have a large population of dolphin here - year round - we are unable to guarantee that they will be seen on absolutely every trip.

What time of day - or tide - is best to look for dolphin? Wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphin are active in our local waters throughout the day, regardless of time or tide. The programs that we offer, with the greatest opportunity to see dolphin are our 2 hour guided kayak tour from Shelter Cove Marina, The Outback, The Dolphin Eco tour and, of course, The Ultimate Lowcountry Day.

What is Outside Hilton Head's season? Outside Hilton Head offers programs 365 days of the year. Each season in the lowcountry has distinctive advantages, though anytime of year, on Hilton Head Island, is a great time to experience the area's nature, culture and history. Our retail stores are open 363 days a year - we close on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

What is the best tide level for a tour? For all kayak and boat tours there are advantages to both high and low tides (and everything in between). High tide offers a much broader area to explore. Many creeks, inlets and special spots may only be accessed at high tide. Low tide generally provides greater bird life. At low tide the mud flats, marshes and oyster beds are exposed - the likelihood of seeing lots of birds and other animals is increased as they forage these areas for food.

How far in advance do I need to make a reservation? All of Outside Hilton Head's programs have limited availability. Reservations should be made as soon as you are certain of the program and dates you are interested in. Reservations are accepted up to 12 months in advance.

What about the weather? If the weather will make a program unsafe or not enjoyable (heavy rain or very high winds) we may decide not to go. The weather in the South Carolina lowcountry changes often. We usually make decisions about possible inclement weather 1 hour prior to the sceduled departure time.

Do you offer single or double kayaks? Outside Hilton Head offers both single and double kayaks for you to use. They are all safe and stable. Children on kayak tours aged 12 years and younger will paddle in a double with an adult.

When do you schedule your Kayak Fishing tours? Kayak fishing tours are scheduled daily at the optimum tides for targeting our local Red Drum.

Use our online reservation system to see what tour dates are available and to book a trip.