Similar to other destinations in South Carolina’s Low Country, snorkeling in Hilton Head Island is not ideal as the significant amount of sediment in the waters make it very murky.
Voted as the best island in the continental United States by Conde Nest, Hilton Head Island is the quintessential family resort destination. With its world-class golf courses such as Harbour Town Golf Links and cultural events at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, this isn’t just a beach town. This is an all-inclusive resort that has something for everyone. While the beaches on this barrier island may be immaculate, the snorkeling in Hilton Head may prove to be disappointing. Similar to other destinations in South Carolina, such as Charleston and Myrtle Beach, the visibility in the water is low due to the significant sediments flowing from the rivers, a key characteristic of the Low Country.
Hilton Head Snorkeling Profile:
- Water Visibility: Terrible. It’s all swamp water so you can’t see past your hands.
- Current Strength: Below Average. There are several sandbars on the northern part of the island that serve as barriers so strong waves aren’t frequent.
- Coral Presence: None.
- Marine Life: Not much around the shore.
- Crowd: Due to its reputation as a beach destination, it can get super crowded at times.
Getting There
Closest Airport: Hilton Head Island Airport (5 miles away, 10 minute drive) ; Savannah International Airport (45 miles away, 1 hour drive)
- There are two airports that serve Hilton Head Island and both offer contrasting options which is wonderful for travelers. Hilton Head Island Airport is the close option and on the island but has limited number of flights, with American, Delta, and United each servicing one direct flight from Charlotte, Atlanta, and Washington, respectively. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport will be a drive but has numerous direct flights with several leading airlines.
Closest Major City: Savannah, GA
- The historic city of Savannah, the fifth largest city in Georgia, is approximately 45 miles away from Hiltong Head Island. If you are visiting the area for a long weekend, make sure to stay at least one day in Savannah.
Recommended Method of Transportation to Destination: Fly into Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport and Drive to Hilton Head Island; if residing in or near Charlotte, Atlanta, or Washington, fly into Hilton Head Airport.
- Unless you live in or near Charlotte, Atlanta, or Washington, it would be best to fly into Savannah and then drive to Hilton Head. The ideal trip would be to spend a night in Savannah and take in all its amazing history and then have the weekend to yourself in Hilton Head.
Introduction
With a rich history dating from the 17th century, Hilton Head Island is much more than a beach destination. The island is named after Captain William Hilton, who sailed by as he explored lands granted by King Charles II. The area had relatively minor involvement during the Revolutionary War given its sparse population. The island played a vital role in the Civil War, however, as the naval base for the Union forces looking to blockade Conferate ports in Savannah and Charleston. Since it was de facto Union territory, hundreds of slaves flocked to the island to be free.
Hilton Head Island’s rise to fame as a resort began when Charles Fraser, who is best known for his development of Hilton Head, built Sea Pines Resort in 1956. The community fought off attempts by energy corporations to establish base in the area for decades and in the meantime, additional resorts continued to pop up on the island. Hilton Head Resort opened in 1983 and then Disney Hilton Head Island Resort opened in 1996. Now, it has become one of the most desired beach destinations in the country.
How is Snorkeling in Hilton Head?
Given its location by the Atlantic Ocean on southern South Carolina, one can conclude that the water conditions won’t be too different from other nearby resorts. The assumption that snorkeling in Hilton Head, much like snorkeling in Tybee Island, will be a disappointing adventure is correct. Due to its location within the South Carolina Low Country, there is significant sediment that flows from the rivers out to the Atlantic Ocean. As such, visibility is very poor. Furthermore, there are hard waves coming in from the ocean, which makes for very unsuitable snorkeling conditions. The truth is that you won’t see anybody snorkeling and neither should you.
Final Word:
Don’t spend time trying to figure out where you can go snorkeling in Hilton Head. You won’t like the waves coming in on the eastern shore of the island, and the western shore of the island won’t be much better. The bottom half of the island is marsh, and the top half of the island is Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge, a wonderful place to visit if you have time, so you won’t be able to snorkel there anyway since it’s protected. The best advice in Hilton Head Island is to enjoy the beach and the golf courses, and take a nice stroll by Savannah. Save your snorkeling for places that provide the best experience.
Snorkeling in Hilton Head Island Rating: 1/5 Snorkels – Yuck, Do Something Else!
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