private yacht charter hilton head

• Join us for a beautiful morning sail to begin your perfect vacation day. See tons of wildlife and get close to some dolphins along the way.
• Experience a generally breezy and exciting afternoon sail. Feel free to jump into the action and help handle lines, hoist sails, and steer the boat. It is pretty rare that we go out and do not see any dolphins, so, keep a look out as you never know what we will see out there.
• Come and celebrate the end of a memorable day with our Sunset Sail or Sunset Powerboat cruise . Typically, great sailing is followed by a relaxing sail back in towards the end of the evening. Often surrounded by wildlife and majestic Hilton Head sunsets. This is a great photo opportunity and a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the beauty this area has to offer.
• Want a longer experience on the water, no problem. Join us for a half day or a full day away from the dock. These trips are customizable to cater to the experience you desire. Stop and anchor for lunch and a swim, do some ocean sailing or visit a destination. Give us a call to set this trip up.
• Our Reputation As evidenced by hundreds of five-star reviews from our satisfied guests, Anchors Away Sailing Charters distinguishes itself from the competition by providing unparalleled service from the first point of contact until we bid you farewell at the conclusion of your sailing excursion.
• Our Service We are not a “head boat” operation that packs tons of passengers that you don't know on the boat. The only other individuals besides your family and friends aboard your yacht will be the uniformed Captain and crew member who are committed to personalizing your experience and ensuring you are well cared for.
• Our Yachts Anchors Away Sailing Charters operates a fleet of the newest, best maintained and most luxurious monohull vessels on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding areas. The pride we take in our powerboat and sailing yachts will be evident the moment you step aboard. In addition to all of the required safety equipment, our vessels are equipped with comfortable cockpit cushions, large “bimini tops” for shade, spotless restrooms, and many other amenities to maximize your comfort.
• Prior to your scheduled departure, you will be greeted by one of our friendly uniformed crewmembers, who will escort you to your vessel and assist you in boarding. You will be given a short safety briefing as you get comfortably seated aboard, after which the Captain and First Mate will slip the dock lines and your excursion will begin. While motoring out of the harbor, guests may choose to sit in comfortable deck chairs on the bow of the boat. Be sure to watch for dolphins! When safely in open water, the crew will raise and trim the sails. The boat may begin to “heal” (lean slightly to one side) as the sails begin to do their work. This is expected and completely safe.
• And finally, the engine is switched off as the boat continues silently making way on sail power alone. You are sailing! Guests are welcome to assist with the sailing as much or as little as they like. The crew will give commentary, take photos, serve drinks, answer questions and do our best to keep you engaged and entertained…or fade into the background to the extent you prefer. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty and serenity of Hilton Head Island on your own terms. Near the conclusion of your trip the crew will lower the sails, restart the engine, and make docking preparations. After the boat is safely secured in its slip, the crew will offer to take a picture of your group sitting on the boat, then, will help you to disembark and sincerely thank you for allowing Anchors Away Sailing Charters to help make your day special.
• It is our job to ensure your group is SAFE while onboard our vessels. It is also true that we never want to disappoint a group who has been looking forward to their sailing experience. A decision to cancel a charter due to adverse weather is never made lightly but is SOLELY up to the professional discretion of our very experienced Captains. We monitor the weather constantly with several advanced weather forecasting and radar products. If we determine there is a risk of unfavorable weather, we may delay the departure time, reschedule the trip if possible, or cancel the trip if absolutely necessary. In the event that we must cancel a charter, we will issue a full refund if we cannot reschedule.
• If you do not hear from us prior to your trip, we are planning to operate and you should plan to be at the marina 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. There is no need to contact us. If we need to contact you regarding a possible interruption, we will contact you at the telephone number provided on the reservation with as much advance notice as possible. However, final decisions regarding weather are often made just prior to departure time. Your safety and comfort are our highest priorities and you can trust us to make prudent decisions and communicate with you appropriately.
• Well worth the cost! We did the powerboat tour with Captain Paul. Everything about the experience was perfect! Booking was easy, directions were easy to follow, and the boat was clean. Captain Paul was very knowledgeable and we even went for a quick swim off of the boat. Learned about (and saw) dolphins. DianeSF
• Sailed Away! Such an amazing experience. We had never been on a sailboat before but our captain and first mate were very knowledgeable and made us feel right at home on the water and explained everything in great detail. They even provided history of the island and explained everything around us. It was such an awesome and peaceful experience to enjoy on our honeymoon and would definitely come back! Sam
• Private Sunset Sail I absolutely encourage anyone considering a sunset sail to sign on with Anchors Away! Captain Paul and David provided us an enjoyable and entertaining evening. Their stories of the islands and knowledge of the area and tides made for a fabulous event. The views and wildlife did not disappoint and we came away with every intention of a repeat performance next year! Don't sign on with one of those charters where you're just another passenger; register now for your private sail and make this a memorable trip! Carrie H

SUNSET CRUISE ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Southern Yacht Charters invites you to embark on an exclusive and private sunset cruise aboard our luxurious 51′ catamaran, the perfect choice for families or couples seeking a beautiful and romantic evening on the waters of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. With ample outdoor space to relax and enjoy the scenic views, our yacht provides the ideal setting for witnessing the spectacular sunsets over Calibogue Sound and the lush marshes surrounding Broad Creek as we cruise down this beautiful waterway and leave the harbor.

What Makes Our Sunset Cruises Special?

Our Hilton Head sunset cruises provide an unparalleled opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island from the exclusive vantage point of a private boat. As the only catamaran in the area offering private sunset cruises, we ensure a unique and personal experience with our crew and captain. The peaceful waters of the region serve as a perfect backdrop for the stunning sunset, where the sky meets the sea in vibrant colors. The scenic setting is enhanced by the potential sighting of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and the rich wildlife, including seabirds, inhabiting this area, adding a sense of wonder to your journey.

QUICK DETAILS

MENU | Hors d’oeuvre & Beverages Location: Shelter Cove Marina Duration: 3 hours

What to Expect:

• The best dining views on Hilton Head
• Inside dining options in our climate-controlled cabin
• Outside dining options on our aft deck
• Customizable Options Available

Why Choose a Sunset Cruise with Southern Yacht Charters?

Choosing a sunset cruise with Southern Yacht Charters means opting for a private and exclusive way to explore the beauty of Hilton Head Island at dusk, enhanced by the addition of dinner and refreshing cocktails or a Tuesday evening with fireworks. Unlike other activities, a sunset cruise allows you to enjoy the changing hues of the sky in comfort and style, away from the crowds, making it a superior choice for an evening on Hilton Head. Our catamaran offers a tranquil escape, ideal for creating special moments with loved ones over a delicious meal and beautifully crafted drinks. Moreover, our cruises are tailored to offer romantic settings for couples and an engaging adventure for families, ensuring that every guest leaves with cherished memories.

Making the Most of Your Hilton Head Sunset Cruise

Booking a sunset cruise with Southern Yacht Charters promises a peaceful and scenic voyage, and provides a unique, private experience that stands out among Hilton Head Island activities. For those seeking extra excitement, our firework cruises offer a dazzling display of lights against the night sky, adding to the magic of your evening.  For a complete Hilton Head Island experience, explore nearby Daufuskie Island as the sun dips below the horizon, and keep an eye out for dolphins during your tour.

Customize your sunset cruise with Southern Yacht Charters to create an unforgettable evening.

Private boat tours on Hilton Head Island

We now offer private charters.

Come join us for a private boat tour on Hilton Head Island. Our boat holds up to 24 people and is fully covered to keep you out of the hot low country summer sun. However it is also low to the water so you can feel submerged in the salt marsh Hilton Head Island experience.

Leave your problems and worries on land and come lose yourself in the Lowcountry with your friends and family. Enjoy being on the water with the salty air and ocean breeze while hanging out with some of our favorite Bottlenose Dolphins. You can choose any one of our tours with just your private party.

Location of Boat Tours

Boat tour faqs, about our boat, dolphin experience tour - hilton head dolphin tours.

On your very own private Dolphin Experience tour we will go out in search of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and other Hilton Head wildlife along the salt marshes. Along with the dolphin watching you will also get to learn about dolphins and see fun props like a dolphin skull, shark teeth and learn how to tell dolphins apart.

This is not a typical dolphin cruise. This is a submersive and exciting experience you won’t soon forget. 

If you are excited to meet some Bottlenose dolphins while on Hilton Head Island, get out of that vacation rental and reserve your dolphin cruise with us now! This dolphin tour is definitely one for the books!

Sunset Cruise Hilton Head

This boat tour is just like our dolphin cruise however it is during sunset so you can have all the fun while also seeing the colorful sunset over the salt marshes.

We set sail about 90-120 minutes before the sunset so you can have a relaxing evening on the water with a gorgeous view. 

Enjoying the sunset while learning about Hilton Head Island and the salt marshes as well as having a great dolphin sighting is the best way to end the day and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Dolphin watching is always better with an orange and red sky as your backdrop.

 Mermaid Encounter Boat Tour

Private boat tours on Hilton Head with a mermaid encounter are the best on Hilton Head Island. Dolphin sighting included, this private charter will bring your imagination to life in the most magical way. 

Stinky Pete has nothing on Professor Al G. He may not have a pirate ship, but he is not afraid of a water cannon. You will have to use some mermaid magic to scare off our evil villain!

But don’t worry, we will teach you how! For more on our Mermaid Encounter story, click here to learn more.  

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At this time we do not offer private charters to Daufuskie Island or Harbour Town. We stick to what we do best - introducing you to Bottlenose Dolphins, exploring salt marshes, and finding a mermaid. 

Hilton Head Island offers some of the best dolphin watching in the US with over 170 local dolphins who are here year-round and around 400 who “vacation” here. While they do not have access to vacation rentals, the visitors typically just pass through, but they are always fun to watch. 

Often times, they will come close to the boat and sometimes we can even hear them echolocating off the boat, which is always an unforgettable experience. 

Strand feeding is a way that our local dolphins hunt and during low tide, we can sometimes catch a glimpse of strand feeding behavior during one of our boat tours. This hunting behavior is unique to Hilton Head and always exciting to watch. 

Our salt marshes offer more than just strand feeding dolphins. We may also see bald eagles, manatees, sea turtles, heron, osprey, sting rays, and on a rare occasion, we can even spot an alligator. 

Our boat is fully covered offering optimal comfort for your time out on the water. It also sits low to the water for an unbeatable view and up close and personal experience with our Bottlenose Dolphins. 

We also do not offer a day trip at this time. All of our boat tours are 90 - 120 minutes long. We aim to make your time on the water the best experience of your vacation and providing you with an engaging experience that is both educational and exciting is what you can expect from us. Leave it to the pros to make your dolphin cruise an experience you will never forget. 

So if you love dolphin watching, Hilton Head Island, wildlife, and salt marshes, these private charters are just what you need! Our boat tours are kid friendly and entertaining, educational, and relaxing all at once. We want to pamper you while you’re touring with us and our team is here to make sure you have the best experience we can offer on your time out on the water. 

While these tours are not a dinner cruise, you are always welcome to bring food a drinks on your private tour.

Other Hilton Head Boat Tours

All Boat Tours

Other Experiences

Hilton Head Yacht Charter Named “Best Private Charter” on Hilton Head by Travel + Leisure

by Jim Gilpin | Apr 21, 2022 | Top Shelf | 1 comment

The 2022 yachting season is off to an exciting start for us here at Hilton Head Yacht Charter! We returned to the island a few weeks ago and have already earned a coveted “best of” award.

We’re very proud to be the featured yacht charter on Travel + Leisure’s “Best Private Boat Charters” list for 2022! Read the article here.

Thank you so much to all of our past guests who have giving us five-star reviews and helped us earn this award!

Did you know that among the many incredible boat rental companies around the Lowcountry, we are the only luxury yacht offering five-star charters?

According to Travel + Leisure, “The Caribbean-style term charter offers unique itineraries to experience the area from the water. Hilton Head Yacht Charter has options to book a private cruise for up to 12 people, for just dinner, the entire day, or up to three days, where you can head all the way up to Charleston, South Carolina.”

They go on to say, “On board, you can learn to waterski and Sea-Bob, and be pampered by their top executive chef for a private dinner on board.”

If you’re a foodie, you must learn more about our Executive Chef Joel ! We can assure you the cuisine aboard Top Shelf will rival any luxury dining experience you’ve enjoyed.

Finally, be sure to note how Travel + Leisure showcased the incredible watersports available on our yacht. We tow our 19′ Yamaha Jetboat for adventurous guests who want to waterski, tube or wakeboard! We also have countless water toys and a floating lounge for maximum sun-soaking.

We can’t wait to see where 2022 goes when it’s already off to such a fantastic start! Learn more about how to book a private yacht charter by contacting our Cruise Concierge today.

I was lucky enough to get to sample those Canapés. They were awesome! If you book a charter, request the Canapés from the Travel & Leisure blog!

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• 2-Hour Hilton Head Dolphin Tour
• 2-Hour Hilton Head Sunset Cruise
• 2-Hour Large Group Sunset or Dolphin Cruise
• 3 Hour Hilton Head Yacht Charter
• Hilton Head Bachelorette Party Cruise (4 Hours)
• 6 Hour Private Island Beach Getaway and Yacht Charter
• 6 Hour Hilton Head Yacht Charter
• 6-Hour Savannah Boat Tour
• 7 – 20 person Boat
• Axopar 37′ XC Premium Cruiser
• Key West 239 DFS

Enjoy the View: Create Lifetime Vacation Memories on this Stunning Sunset Charter! Great for up to 6 people

Year in and year out, our private sunset cruises rank at the very top of the list of things to do in Hilton Head. Not only will you drink in one of our majestic sunsets, but you will also experience our local dolphin population in their natural environment, and learn about the history, culture and quirks that make Hilton Head Island the special place that it is.

Why Choose Us?

• Always go with only who you know – All of our boat charters are 100% private.
• Travel in complete comfort and style – Newest and nicest boats in the charter fleet.
• Kick back and relax – Our 24′ boats have plenty of comfortable seating for up to six.
• Soak up as much as you can – We encounter zero no-wake zones on our charters.
• Carefree cruising – Hilton Head Boat Charters = top-rated award-winning provider.

Two Hour Private Sunset Cruise

Up to 6 passengers can enjoy the beauty of a Hilton Head sunset on one of our premium local sunset cruises. Experience the very best that the waters of the low country have to offer.

Two Hour Large Private Group Sunset Cruise

When it comes to hosting large groups on the water, this private boat charter rises to the top of the things to do in Hilton Head list. For large groups of 7 – 20 people, this sunset tour is 100% guaranteed to check all of the boxes.

Book Your Tour Today

Plan your unforgettable experience with us and see all that Hilton Head has to offer.

Experience the tradition of the Lowcountry! Book a shrimping adventure this September & October ONLY

Private Charters

Quick details.

Hour Glass Duration : 2 to 8 hours

Calendar   Availability:  Year-round, daily

Map Marker Departure Location:  Shelter Cove Marina

Users   Ages:  All ages

6 People Max

Additional hours, 12 people max, additional hours, 16 people max, additonal hours, customize a private charter from shelter cove marina.

Charter one of our 6, 12, 16 or 49-passenger boats and enjoy the luxury of your very own boat, captain and choice of activities. All of our USCG licensed captains are also interpretive naturalists who will entertain you with fun facts and fascinating stories of the Lowcountry. A variety of destinations and activities are available. Ideal for bachelor/bachelorette parties, group celebrations, families, reunion groups or any crew looking to have a private adventure on our Lowcountry waters.

All charters are priced by the hour and include a boat and captain.

We recommend wearing clothing appropriate for water activities and bringing water, snacks, and sunscreen.

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