Frequently Asked Questions

We operate from Palmetto Bay Marina. Our address is 86 Helmsman Way, Suite 101, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. We have a large free parking lot.

Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled activity. Because we are guaranteeing your space on the boat, NO REFUNDS are given for cancellations made within 24 hours of your scheduled activity. This policy is firm and no exceptions are made, as most of our tours sell out.

We will sail in a light drizzle but anything more and we’ll cancel the trip. Regardless of the weather where you are, don’t ever assume the trip is canceled. Oftentimes we can use the radar to avoid the rain and we will still sail. The captain reserves the right to cancel any trip for any reason. If we cancel a trip, you will be issued a full refund. We will always make every attempt to contact you ahead of time in the event of a cancellation.

You must be 18+ with a valid driver’s license to operate our machines (Jet Ski, Mini Boat or Creek Cat) Absolutely no exceptions. Pontoon rental drivers must be 21+ with a valid driver’s license. 

Yes, we supply them for all riders. We also have a secure space to store anything you’d like to leave at the dock while on your tour (It’s free!) 

Although we love animals, we do not let dogs aboard our vessels. If you have a certified service dog, please inquire via phone. 

It is extremely rare to get seasick on our tours. We operate all of our tours in the protected waters of Broad Creek & Calibogue Sound which are usually calm. 

Gratuity for our Lowcountry Watersports crew is not included in the ticket price. If you had a great time and wish to recognize your guide/captain for a job well done, gratuities are split equally and always appreciated. Typical gratuity for the crew is 15-20%.

You must be 18 years old with a Valid Driver’s License to drive a mini boat. No exceptions are made as this is an insurance requirement.

No, you must be 18 or older with a Valid Driver’s License.

Since this is a two-hour face paced adventure tour, we recommend ages 6 and up.

No! Our guides will instruct you. It is as easy as driving a go-kart. 

Dress for the weather and remember that we will be traveling at speeds up to 30mph. It’s always better to overdress than not have enough. Depending on the weather, you will get anything from a light spray to a small splash.

Mini boats can be a thrill ride depending on weather conditions. Consider your health before riding. Not recommended for those with heart, back, or lung problems.

This is a guided tour – your guide will be leading you the entire tour! You will travel about 20-25 miles through the creeks and rivers of Hilton Head and the surrounding Lowcountry!

Women who are pregnant should not participate.

You may bring a small cooler onboard but absolutely NO alcohol may be consumed prior to or while operating the mini boats. No exceptions.

When participating in our activities, you are taking sole responsibility for the vessel and the liability of you and your passengers. We highly recommend purchasing our damage insurance when booking online to assist with any damage cost.

The participant should be able to help themselves into and out of the boat.

No, you must ride in your own boat (insurance and Coast Guard requirement)

You will never be paired with another party on your mini boat. Your mini boat will be reserved for your party and your party only.

Up to 4 people fit in each mini boat comfortably (maximum weight limit is 1000lbs)

Yes, we guarantee dolphin sightings on this trip! We see these playful creatures sunrise to sunset.

Lowcountry Watersports strives to protect wild dolphins. Dolphins are protected by the National Marine Mammal Act; therefore, we do not touch, chase, pursue, harass, feed, or swim with wild dolphins. It is illegal and considered inhumane.

We will be aboard either a 35-45 foot pontoon boat, with full shade coverage, and comfortable seating.

This activity is great for all ages (infants to adults)!

There is a bathroom aboard 1 of our boats. Please inquire by phone if you’d like to ensure there is a bathroom aboard on your trip.

Yes, if a friend or family member can assist in boarding the boat.

You MUST be 18 years old with a Valid Driver’s License to drive. Passengers must be 6 years up and older. NO EXCEPTIONS are made as this is an insurance requirement.

No, you must be 18 or older with a Valid Driver’s License.

Participants must be 5 years or older. Weight limit 275lbs per person.

Yes, you will get wet! Dress for the weather and remember that we will be traveling at speeds up to 30mph and you will encounter splash!

This is a guided tour – your guide will be leading you the entire tour. You will travel about 20-25 miles through the creeks and rivers of Hilton Head and the surrounding Lowcountry!

Creek Cats are a thrill ride. Consider your physical fitness and health before riding. Not recommended for those with heart, back, or lung problems.

Women who are pregnant should not participate.

Creek cats are not recommended for people with physical disabilities.

Two people fit on each creek cat, no exceptions. If you have a party of 3 or you’d like to go all together – our mini boats are a great option!

For odd number parties, we recommend our mini boat tour. It is the same tour as the creek cats, but no one will have to ride alone.

No, you must ride in your own boat (insurance and Coast Guard requirement)

We would advise not taking your phone aboard. If you do, you are assuming the risk of it getting lost, broken or wet.

You may bring a small cooler onboard but absolutely NO alcohol may be consumed prior to or while operating the mini boats. No exceptions.

When participating in our activities, you are taking sole responsibility for the vessel and the liability of you and your passengers. We highly recommend purchasing our damage insurance when booking online to assist with any damage cost.

No! Our guides will instruct you. It is as easy as driving a go-kart.

You MUST be 18 years old with a Valid Driver’s License to drive. Passengers must be 6 years up and older. NO EXCEPTIONS are made as this is an insurance requirement.

No, you must be 18 or older with a Valid Driver’s License

Dress to get wet! Whether that means a bathing suit or sporty attire … You’ll be zipping around on these fun machines and encountering some splash. Water shoes or flip flops recommended.

Your guides will be leading you to a large open riding area and show you the boundaries to stay within. 

Jet skiing is a thrill ride. Consider your physical fitness and health before riding. Not recommended for those with heart, back, or lung problems.

Women who are pregnant should not participate.

No, we do not return to the dock after we leave the dock until the end of the trip. 

Two riders per jet ski. Total weight limit per jet ski is 400lbs.

The adult (18 years or older) will always drive/ride in the front. No exceptions. 

It happens! Our guides are trained to instruct you how to reboard the jet ski, however, you must be able to physically pull your body weight up. 

Jet ski rental will include riding out to an open riding area where you are free to zoom around within specified boundaries. Jet ski tour is a guided tour led by a guide while driving your jet ski through backwater creeks and sightseeing along the way. 

We would advise not taking your phone aboard. If you do, you are assuming the risk of it getting lost, broken or wet. 

When participating in our activities, you are taking sole responsibility for the vessel and the liability of you and your passengers. We highly recommend purchasing our damage insurance when booking online to assist with any damage cost.

Solo kayakers must be 14 or older. All participants must be 5 or older.

The weight limit for a single kayak is 325 lbs. Weight limit for tandem kayak is 400lbs.

Our kayak tours are for all experience levels! Your guide will be by your side to teach you. Consider your physical fitness level – you will be paddling for 90 minutes!

Dress for the weather and remember – you will be paddling (sport attire or bathing suits are acceptable). You will only get slightly wet from the water dripping off the paddles.

We would advise not taking your phone aboard. If you do, you are assuming the risk of it getting lost, broken or wet.

Two people maximum fit in each kayak.

We use sit-on-top ocean kayaks. You must use our equipment (insurance requirement.)

This is a guided kayak tour, not a rental. Your guide will be leading you along Broad Creek sharing knowledge of the natural history of the area and local wildlife!

Participants must be age 12 and up.

Participants must be 75lbs minimum.

No, one person per paddle board, ages 12 and up. For younger kids, we recommend our kayak tours.

Our paddle board tours are for all experience levels! Your guide will be by your side to teach you. Consider your physical fitness level – you will be paddling for one hour!

Dress for the weather and remember – you will be paddling (sport attire or bathing suits recommended). You will only get slightly wet from the water dripping off the paddles.

We would advise not taking your phone aboard. If you do, you are assuming the risk of it getting lost, broken or wet.

You must use our equipment (insurance requirement.)

It is often buggy in Hilton Head during the spring. The spring climate of Hilton Head is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Hilton Head beach looks like most South Carolina beaches: clear water, white sand, and that iconic South Carolina grass before the beach.

Hilton Head beach is 12 miles long of continuous oceanfront. This means plenty of beachfront for you to have fun!

There is so much do to around Hilton Head; many love to take a dolphin tour, go golfing, take the kids on a pirate adventure, play in the water, or relax with a few cocktails.

Dress for the weather and remember – you will be paddling (sport attire or bathing suits recommended). You will only get slightly wet from the water dripping off the paddles.

Most don’t consider Hilton Head Island a city because of its population of 38,000 people.