Summertime can be quite fun on Hilton Head Island regardless of your interests. Whether you’re a local or among the island’s many visitors, the opportunities to have a memorable summer are endless.

Do you have an affinity for water sports? Riding personal watercraft is a popular activity around Hilton Head Island and the surrounding waterways.

A personal watercraft, often referred to generically as a Jet Ski, is a small jet-propelled marine transportation vehicle, generally used for recreational purposes, that is ridden across the surface of the water and has been a favorite activity for many families and friends who visit or live in the area. While many people tend to call all such vehicles as Jet Skis, that name refers to a specific brand of vehicle made by Kawasaki.

Although it’s all family fun, it’s still important to remain safe. According to South Carolina laws and regulations, a person aged 16 years old or older may operate any boat or personal watercraft (PWC) without restrictions. However, a person younger than 16 years old may operate a boat or PWC powered by less than 15 hp without restrictions. They may only operate a boat or PWC powered by 15 hp or more if they are accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old who is not under the influence of alcohol/drugs if they have passed a boating safety course approved by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

If you’re looking to rent one for your next adventure, here are four local rental agencies on Hilton Head Island for you to book your next experience.

Sea Monkeys Watersports, located at 43A Jenkins Island Road, has plenty of rentals guests can take advantage of to explore the waters around the island. Among them, Jet Ski opportunities are available from Mondays through Saturdays for designated trip times at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. ,1 p.m., 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. Jet skis can be rented online at https://www.seamonkeyshhi.com/jetski-rentals or call 843-842-4754 for more information.

Each Jet Ski can seat either two adults or one adult and two children at a time. Each Jet Ski can be rented for $150 per vehicle and military discounts are available with current or reserve Identification card. To operate a Jet Ski through Sea Monkeys Watersports, you must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license and parental or a legal guardian’s consent, any passenger riding with a 16 or 17 year old operator must be at least 18 years or older and children riding must weigh at least 30 pounds.

H2O Watersports is an activity and rental company on Hilton Head Island that can be found at 149 Lighthouse Road in Harbour Town. Aside from personal watercraft rentals, H2O Watersports also offers alligator tours, dolphin tours, boat tours, paddle boarding, sailing charters, parasailing and more. Activities are great for long-lasting memories for those in the family who may be looking for a thrill, a relaxing time or looking to see the local sights. personal watercraft can be rented online at https://www.h2osports.com/hilton-head-waverunner-jetski-rental.php or you may call 843-671-4386.

H2O offers “the largest riding area on Hilton Head Island” that is free from no wake zones, according to the company’s website. Single seated WaveRunners, a brand of personal watercraft, may be reserved for an hourly rate of $155 or a two-seat for $175 per hour.

WaveRunners offer guests the ability to ride in a seated position rather than Jet Skis, which allow an individual to sit in a position similar to riding a motorcycle.

In addition, at least one rider per WaveRunner must be 18 years old and present a valid driver’s license at check-in. Minors may drive as long as a licensed adult is onboard and riders must be at least 6 years. old. Switching passengers during the rental is not permitted by the company. However, for those interested in documenting their experience, GoPro video packages are available.

Lowcountry Watersports offers boat tours and rental services for water sport activities around the island. Located in Palmetto Bay Marina at 86 Helmsman Way, Suite 101, the outdoor adventure company offers families a unique way to experience the island from the water. Personal watercraft can be rented any day of the week and may be booked online at https://lowcountrywatersports.com/hilton-head-tours/jet-ski/ or call 843-684-2004 for more information.

Guests get the chance to reserve some of Lowcountry Watersports’ new VX Yamaha WaveRunners. The experience is a guided tour that lasts for 75 minutes and begins at Palmetto Bay and takes you through Broad Creek, which is a 6-mile-long waterway that divides Hilton Head Island, according to the company’s website. Each WaveRunner has a two person capacity and riders much be 6 years old or older. Operators must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. Each WaveRunner is $149 per rental.

Sky Pirate Parasail on Hilton Head offers a variety of outdoor activity options and earned Tripadvisor’s ‘Travelers’ Choice’ last year. Offering “thrill-of-a-lifetime adventures,” this company provides opportunities such as parasailing, tubing and skiing, personal watercraft riding, paddleboarding and boat rentals. Personal watercraft rentals can be rented per rider for every 90 minutes you wish to skim across the island’s surrounding waters. Reservations for your experience can be booked online at https://skypirateparasail.com/jet-skis/ or you can call 843-842-2566 for more information.

Sky Pirate Parasail offers “amazing yet affordable jet skis for rent” with the “most popular among riders” being the Yamaha WaveRunners. The company’s personal watercraft rentals are available from Mondays through Sundays between 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. seasonally. Riders will have the opportunity to cruise along Broad Creek to the designated riding area.

Rental rates are charged at $140 per 90 minutes for a single rider or $150 per 90 minutes for double riders. Only a maximum of two riders are allowed for each WaveRunner and guests must be at least 18 years old and with a valid driver’s license to rent and operate one of the companies WaveRunners. Passengers must at least 6 years old or older and may only ride at the back. Riders must also watch a 10 minute safety video prior to the experience and will have to wear a life jacket at all times. In addition, you will not be allowed to operate any of the company’s WaveRunners if you are under the influence of alcohol.

This story was originally published April 29, 2023, 8:00 AM.

Despite being one of the smaller states in the country, South Carolina has plenty of distinct golf destinations. For those looking for an affordable buddies trip with stay-and-play deals, there’s Myrtle Beach. Kiawah Island provides a high-end resort getaway, while nearby Charleston has some decent golf to go along with a charming downtown filled with great food.

And then there’s Hilton Head Island, which in many ways is a fusion of all the other Palmetto State golf destinations. Situated on the southern coast about an hour from Savannah, Ga., Hilton Head makes for a quick weekend getaway for East Coasters. The island is best known for its luxury Sea Pines Resort, with its three top courses including Harbour Town, host of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage. You can also find courses with decent value on the island and just off, in the neighboring town of Bluffton. Combine the solid golf with the island’s relaxing vibe, great seafood and miles of beaches, and it's worthy of a trip.

To help you plan your next golf trip to Hilton Head, we’ve selected the best courses you can play on the island and in the surrounding area. This collection has something for every itinerary, from 100 Greatest Public courses, to stay-and-play resorts, to affordable off-island tracks.

Scroll on to learn more about each course and read reviews from our course-ranking panelists and readers. Have you played one of these courses? We encourage you to leave your review and star rating as part of Places to Play, our hub of courses content, complete with course reviews, experts’ opinions and star ratings.

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Harbour Town Golf Links

Hilton Head Island, SC

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In the late 1960s, Jack Nicklaus landed the design contract for Harbour Town, then turned it over to his new partner, Pete Dye, who was determined to distinguish his work from that of rival Robert Trent Jones. Soon after Harbour Town opened in late November 1969 (with a victory by Arnold Palmer in the Heritage Classic), the course debuted on America’s 100 Greatest as one of the Top 10. It was a total departure for golf at the time. No mounds, no elevated tees, no elevated greens—just low-profile and abrupt change. Tiny greens hung atop railroad ties directly over water hazards. Trees blocked direct shots. Harbour Town gave Pete Dye national attention and put Jack Nicklaus, who made more than 100 inspection trips in collaborating with Dye, in the design business. Pete’s wife, Alice, also contributed, instructing workers on the size and shape of the unique 13th green, a sinister one edged by cypress planks.

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Built some 35 years after nearby Harbour Town Golf Links, May River is an interesting contrast in Jack Nicklaus' portfolio. It's an equally low-profile layout with a number of bump-and-run approach shots but with several Pine Valley-like waste areas and with larger, bolder greens. The classic routing has the front nine turning clockwise through forest while the back nine circles counter-clockwise. Both touch repeatedly on the wetlands of namesake May River.

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The Sea Pines Resort: Atlantic Dunes

Hilton Head Island, SC

Overhauled by David Love III, Atlantic Dunes is the reconstruction of The Sea Pines Resort’s Ocean Course, Hilton Head’s first golf course. This lowcountry track features water on almost every hole, beautiful Spanish moss-draped oaks, and lurking gators, if you look close enough. The seaside feel of the course is accentuated by the native grasses and coquina shells scattered throughout.

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The Sea Pines Resort: Heron Point

Hilton Head Island, SC

With the goal of making the course more playable for an average golfer, Pete Dye modified this Hilton Head course by adding several tee boxes and enlarging a handful of the greens. However, Heron Point still maintains a tough test with its risk-reward holes, Dye-signature mounding and water-guarded greens. Additionally, the Sea Pines resort course conserves and protects its natural landscape, which led to its certification as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

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Palmetto Dunes Resort: Arthur Hills

Hilton Head Island, SC

When the Arthur Hills course at Palmetto Dunes Resort opened in the mid-1980s, there was no rough. Instead, the holes were protected by the natural mounding and contouring of the landing areas. They have since added rough, but with less than 20 bunkers in play on the entire course, the prominent mounding remains the distinctive feature. Live oaks frame many of the landing areas, which are occasionally quite narrow and semi-blind from the tees. The course is one of three layouts at this Hilton Head Island resort.

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Palmetto Dunes Resort: Robert Trent Jones Course

Hilton Head Island, SC

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in the 1960s, the Jones course was the first of the three to open at Palmetto Dunes Resort. The original layout is also the most forgiving of the three from tee to green, with wide fairways and large greens that have gentle slopes. Though most holes play inland, winding through lagoons and palmetto trees, the par-5 10th plays directly toward the Atlantic Ocean, with the green set against the beach. Before your round, make sure to check out the Toptracer driving range, which tracks your ball flight and gives you some key metrics.

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Palmetto Dunes Resort: George Fazio Course

Hilton Head Island, SC

A par-70 layout with a slope and rating of 74/145 from the back tees, the George Fazio course at Palmetto Dunes Resort is a tough test. That said, it is a slicer-friendly track, with much of the out-of-bounds and serious trouble off the tee coming on the left side, away from a typical slicer’s miss. Unlike the sibling Arthur Hills layout at the Hilton Head Island resort, which has very few fairway bunkers, there are many large bunkers in play off the tee on the Fazio, though with shallow lips, they aren’t too penal. Still, encroaching trees, angled water hazards and a variety of tricky green shapes make the Fazio arguably the most challenging of the three courses at Palmetto Dunes Resort.

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Oyster Reef Golf Club

Hilton Head Island, SC

Situated on the north end of Hilton Head Island, Oyster Reef is a Rees Jones design that plays on 190 acres of South Carolina lowcountry, weaving through lagoons, live oaks and pines. With plenty of doglegs through tree-lined corridors, the course demands accuracy off the tee to set up clear approach shots to the greens. There are some sprawling bunkers with jagged tongues that enhance the aesthetics and strategic value of the course. The par-3 sixth is the standout hole at Oyster Reef, as it plays to a green set against the Port Royal Sound, offering a serene ocean view.

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Hilton Head National Golf Club

Bluffton, SC

Hilton Head National is a Gary Player and Bobby Weed design located in Bluffton, a few miles from the bridge to Hilton Head Island. Unlike some nearby courses situated in residential areas, Hilton Head National has no houses on the course, giving it a secluded feel. The fairways are generally forgiving, though there are some tighter tee shots on the back nine. The sixth is a strong drivable par 4 for longer hitters, with a lagoon guarding the entire right side and bunkers on the left for those who bail out.

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Old South Golf Links

Bluffton, SC

Located just down the road from Hilton Head National in Bluffton, Old South has few homes on the course (much like its neighbor), which helps immerse golfers in the lowcountry setting. Though the course is not overly challenging, water or marshes come into play on nearly every hole, often set well back from the line of play. There is a nice mix of holes—some play inland with trees lining the fairways, while there are stretches that run along a large marshland area. There are some forced carries over water, notably at the seventh and 16th, where the tees, fairways and greens are all separated by marshlands. With rates routinely under $100, Old South provides nice value in a region of generally pricey green fees.

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Golden Bear Golf Club At Indigo Run

Hilton Head Island, SC

Golden Bear Golf Club was designed by Jack Nicklaus’ design firm and is located in the heart of Hilton Head Island. Trees closely line many fairways with overhanging limbs cutting off certain lines, requiring players to set up proper angles to have clear shots into the greens. The course is part of the Indigo Run community, but given the holes are lined with dense stands of oaks, pines and cypress trees, many of the homes are set well back from the fairways. You can find solid value at Golden Bear later in the afternoon, when rates often dip under $70.

Did you know that several shark species inhabit the waters around Beaufort County?

Although the species and their populations are ever-changing throughout the year, depending on the season, some are almost always nearby.

Although this may alarm some, it’s actually not as big of a concern as many may assume.

Just as sharks inhabit the ocean, including the waters around Beaufort County, some may find themselves in nearby rivers or even come close to the surf to feed.

Some species, such as the great white shark, are generally more of a winter species around Hilton Head Island, whereas others are predominantly only around in the summer months.

Depending on the season and how far from shore you may be, there could be between 20 to 40 different shark species you could encounter. However, if you’re only considering what you could come across within a few miles from shore throughout the summer months, this brings it to approximately 13 or 14 species of sharks in the area, says Bryan Frazier, the principal investigator of shark research for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

As for the shark species you may encounter in the surf, these could include blacktips, finetooths, bonnethead, spinner sharks or lemon sharks.

These species can generally be seen feeding in “pretty shallow water,” Frazier said.

Also occasionally seen swimming in the surf, the Atlantic sharpnose is one of the most common species found off the coast of South Carolina and many are caught as a result of surf fishing from the beach. The Atlantic sharpnose is one of the smaller species of shark.

Some of the bigger shark species, such as great white sharks, bull sharks, hammerheads and tiger sharks, can come close to shore but are generally not seen from the beach unless one is brought in after being hooked from surf fishing. However, they do feed in the nearby coastal waters.

If you do see a shark in the water, Frazier says there’s typically no need to panic.

“They are there most of the time. We don’t see them because the water is murky, but they are there. You know, that’s where they are supposed to be. They live in the ocean and they feed in that surf zone because there is bait in that surf zone,” Frazier said.

Blacktips and other sharks are generally seen in the surf around Hilton Head, Beaufort County and other coastal regions of South Carolina, feeding on small bait fish, such as mullet and menhaden, which are common in the surf zone. Whiting and small red drum are also common bait fish for certain varieties of shark that inhabit nearby surf zones.

As for bonnethead sharks, they can generally be seen in the surf feeding on blue crabs.

If you take notice of a shark feeding in the surf, it most likely may be a blacktip shark, which is easily identifiable by its black-tipped dorsal fin.

In the coastal waters surrounding Hilton Head Island and the rest of Beaufort County, bigger species like bull sharks are more prevalent in the deeper parts of the sound and river areas as there is more food in these locations. Fortunately, these are areas where people typically don’t go swimming. These species of bigger, more-lengthy sharks can include great whites, bull sharks, big tiger sharks, great hammerheads, scalloped hammerheads, lemon sharks, spinner sharks, sandbar sharks and blacktip sharks, according to Frazier.

The entirety of South Carolina’s coastal waters have all of the big sharks that can be found globally, depending on the time of year.

This story was originally published April 27, 2023, 7:00 AM.

If you’ve ever frequented a beach along coastal South Carolina, you’ve probably been near a shark and might not have even known it.

“They are there most of the time. We don’t see them because the water is murky, but they are there. You know, that’s where they are supposed to be. They live in the ocean and they feed in that surf zone because there is bait in that surf zone,” Bryan Frazier, the principal investigator of shark research for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, previously told The Island Packet.

Although this may alarm some, typically this is not a cause for concern.

The presence of sharks in the area, big or small, should come as no surprise as this is their natural habitat; yet, individuals still fear having any proximity to these toothy fish.

Luckily, sharks don’t have much of an interest in us.

“None of them want to bite people. We’re not on the menu. So, even if you’re swimming further off, you’re undoubtedly swimming past sharks all the time, but they aren’t interested in us as a food source,” Frazier said.

Although a bite from a nearby shark is “such a random occurrence” South Carolina averages about four bites per year in South Carolina, according to Frazier.

“In the summer months, there are probably hundreds of thousands of people in the water every day, right? So, it’s just an incredibly rare occurrence,” he said.

However, there are recommended things someone can do to avoid attracting a shark and keep it from investigating a little closer..

Sound, color and blood were listed as primary alluring components for sharks by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Yellow, white, and silver colors were recorded to seemingly attract sharks as opposed to dull colors.

The most dangerous species in order of documented attack records, according to NOAA, are:

“There is no need to panic, but if you see one and you’re nervous, certainly it doesn’t hurt to get out of the water,” Frazier said “You’re definitely going to improve your chances of not getting bitten, of course, if you’re not in the water, but there’s no reason to panic if you see a shark swimming in the surf area.”

“If you see them, and you’re nervous about it, just calmly exit the water, but there’s no reason to panic or anything like that,” he concluded.

Although some beach-goers may be uncomfortable by the idea of a shark swimming nearby, these fish do inhabit the ocean and the surrounding coastal waters where humans are merely recreational visitors.

“You know, we’re going into their environment. So, just look around you. If you see fish jumping or a bird diving for the fish they’re feeding on, don’t go in there. Just stay out of the food chain,” said Dr. Kimberly Ritchie, an associate professor for the Department of Natural Sciences at the University of South Carolina at Beaufort (USCB).

“Don’t be part of the food chain because it’s just accidental biting,” Ritchie added, referring to sharks’ ‘test biting’ when feeding.

If a shark were to bite you, the best thing you can do would be to stay calm.

Don’t panic, get to shore and get to a hospital, Ritchie said.

“It’s very, very, very rare if anything like that were to happen, but if you do see a shark coming close to you, always face it,” she said. “You hear to poke it in the snout, but remember that their teeth are right under the snout, so another sensitive area is the gills.”

“Don’t swim in the rivers since it is murky, so that’s when accidents would start to happen,” Ritchie said, referring to coastal rivers that connect to the ocean. “Sharks can see you, I’ve been on many coral reefs, if they can see you they aren’t going to mess with you. It’s only if they mistake you for something. Rivers are not safe to swim in.”

If you’re looking to get involved with helping promote shark advocacy or prioritizing conservation efforts, Frazier recommended two global groups that may be of interest to you.

Each year, millions flock to Hilton Head Island for a luxurious, family and fun-filled getaway.

Aside from visiting the island’s 12 miles of pristine, white sand beaches, going on a dolphin tour, completing an escape room or biking throughout the island, there are many other ways to make lifelong memories on Hilton Head.

Want to see a bird’s eye view of Hilton Head Island? Travel high in the sky with Hilton Head Helicopters and view the island from the clouds. The company offers nine different tours that will certainly make for a thrilling memory for years to come. Budget-friendly options are also featured, such as the “Ocean View” tour that begins at just $39 per person.

Many tours will take you over different parts of the island, but other options are available as well. These options include tours that will take you over Old Town Bluffton, remote islands and downtown Savannah or a remote island populated by over 3,000 monkeys.

To view available tours, get more information or book your flight time, interested parties may call 843-505-7182, email [email protected] or go online at https://www.flyhhi.com/helicopter-tours/.

Rent a yacht from Hilton Head Yacht Charter and spend a day on the open ocean from Hilton Head Island. The company offers private day charters, sunset yacht charters, on the water dining and a full day yacht tour, which is a combined experience of the prior two services. Guests may choose their guests, activities, menus, and everything else available. Cocktails, water sports, lounging, butler service and other amenities all await those that choose to spend the day on one of the company’s yachts.

Interested guests may call call or text 781-254-3584, email [email protected], fill out the Interactive Cruise Preference Form or view the available charters online at https://hiltonheadyachtcharter.com/cruises/.

The charter headquarters can be found within the Shelter Cove Harbour Shops at 1 Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head Island.

Take your family, friends or other half horseback riding through the island’s south end with Lawton Stables. The beloved stable has been named as a ‘must do’ on Hilton Head by many and is a place the entire family can enjoy. Lawton Stables’ trail rides allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the Lowcountry environment as they make their way through trails in over 600 acres of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.

Pony rides are available for children aged 7 and under and there is a free animal farm with several small animals to feed and for everyone to enjoy.

Further trail ride information can be found online at https://www.lawtonstables.com/information.

Reservations may be made over the phone at 843-671-2586 between 1-5 p.m. daily or online at https://www.lawtonstables.com/book-online.

Ahoy, scallywags! Become a pirate by spending the day with Pirates of Hilton Head. Join them on the island’s first and only custom pirate ship as your kids will become part of a pirate crew throughout the entirety of your journey. Everyone on board will get their own pirate name, learn how to talk like a pirate and search for treasure on the Hilton Head Pirate Cruise. The 1.5 hour cruise has a $39 admission and $10 admission for infants.

For more information and to book your adventure, go online and visit https://www.piratesofhiltonhead.com/pirate-ship-of-hilton-head/ or call 843-363- 7000.

If you’re looking to continue your pirate’s way of life, continue your journey to Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf of Hilton Head to follow in the footsteps of the pirates Blackbeard and Captain Kidd as you read along to their stories while engaging in an immersive miniature golf experience. During each of the pirate’s courses, you’ll get to climb a mountain or explore hidden caves.

Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf of Hilton Head is located at 8 Marina Side Drive from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.

Hang out with the Mermaid of Hilton Head or even become a mermaid yourself! Grab your family and embark on the mermaid encounter tour. Although the tour doesn’t begin until mid-May, it’s best to plan ahead. This 75-minute tour provides children with tattoos and magic name tags that grow wildflowers if planted, bubble wands, an opportunity to meet a mermaid, a restroom aboard a cover boat and other opportunities throughout the tour.

For more mermaid fun, travel to the Mermaid of Hilton Head retail store, located at Tanger 2 Outlets, or become a mermaid with a special mermaid experience and professional photo shoot. Both children and adults can become a mermaid and may choose between options such as the beach at sunset, an indoor beach experience or a bachelorette experience.

This story was originally published April 22, 2023, 8:00 AM.