Hilton Head Islands Premier Crabbing Experience


Welcome to the Captain Kidd – The Ultimate Crabbing Hilton Head Experience!
Step aboard the Captain Kidd, Hilton Head Island’s premier boat for unforgettable family crabbing adventures. If you’re searching for the most authentic and exciting crabbing Hilton Head has to offer, you’re in the right place!
Our 1 hour and 45 minute catch-and-release crabbing tour takes you through the scenic Lowcountry waterways, where you’ll be catching blue crabs using the traditional Gullah method—baited chicken necks. We’ve added a fun twist for kids by using kid-sized fishing poles to help them drop and retrieve the bait lines with ease.
The Captain Kidd is a custom-built, fully shaded crabbing boat designed with families in mind. Onboard, you’ll find a clean, full-size restroom and a touch tank filled with seasonal sea creatures for an up-close look at Hilton Head’s marine life.
Throughout the boat, you’ll also discover fun facts about local wildlife, turning your tour into a hands-on educational experience that’s as enriching as it is exciting.
And to top it off—the guest who catches the most blue crabs wins a free prize, adding a playful, competitive element to your Lowcountry adventure.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local, the Captain Kidd Crabbing Hilton Head boat tour is a must-do experience that blends culture, tradition, and family fun on the water.
- All ages
- 2 hours
Join us for an unforgettable evening on the water! You’ll learn how to catch the mighty local blue crab, spot Lowcountry birds and wildlife, and cap off your Hilton Head Island crabbing tour by watching the fireworks show from the boat.
It’s the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and celebration — all in one fun-filled night.
Book your Hilton Head Island experience online today!
- All ages
- 2 hours
Our Sunset Sport Crabbing Adventure might just be the most exciting — and definitely the most entertaining — thing you do on your Hilton Head vacation!
As we catch and release local blue crabs using the traditional Gullah method, you’ll also enjoy a stunning Lowcountry sunset, full of color and coastal charm. It’s the perfect way to wind down your day — a relaxing and memorable experience for the whole family.
Join us for a sunset crabbing tour on Hilton Head Island and make your vacation unforgettable. Book online today!

Our Captain Kidd Guests Are Hooked!

We have been coming to HHI for almost 15 years and this was by far one of the most fun family excursions we’ve ever had. Captain Deb is a wealth of information on marshland ecology and she has so many fun stories to share. You leave feeling you have learned a lot while having had a fun and relaxing time on the water.
– Anne J. | Tripadvisor
We have done this twice now with Captain Kidd and both times were so great! I highly recommend for families, and even just for adults. It’s beautiful, it’s relaxing, it’s fun, and the crew and tour guide are terrific, and make it a memorable experience. And not only can you catch and hold crabs but also see dolphins too. It’s a must do in Hilton Head! Thanks to the crew for a great time!
– Chris R. | Tripadvisor
This crabbing experience was sooooo cool! It was very relaxing on the boat. Captain Deb was very informative with all the nature facts she told us. The crabbing instructions were clear and easy. Everyone had a great time. I’d like to say this is a must for kids but the adults had just as much fun (if not more). Nothing but awesome here!
– Shannon D. | Tripadvisor
This was so fun! Captain Deb was so knowledgeable about HHI, Broad Creek, crabs, and sea life in general. We learned so much. We brought our 5, 3, and 1.5 year olds. Our 1.5 year old was probably a little young but still enjoyed herself, and our boys loved it! Highly highly recommend.
– Elise K. | Tripadvisor
Our captain was very knowledgeable about the wildlife in the marsh. We learned so much about the birds, oysters, crabs and more! We even saw some dolphins! It was a great way to get out on the water for a bit!
– Lauri S. | Tripadvisor
Absolutely recommend for a fun family outing! Everyone caught crabs, the kids (age range 3-9) loved it! Parents and grandparents had a great time too! Captain Deb and First Mate Charles we're wonderful hosts. This easily became a tradition.
– Caitlin K. | Tripadvisor
Sailing Daily from Dock “C” in Shelter Cove Marina
The Captain Kidd is safe, stable and comfortable with a bathroom and fully shaded seating. For everyone enjoyment, we will only travel in calm protected waters which are very close to the marina. The boat is equipped with all the modern and required safety equipment per the United States Coast Guard and because of our high railing’s kids are not required to wear a safety vest while on the boat.
Sailing dates and schedule will change seasonally so please check out our booking calendar. In general, you should expect a morning, lunch and afternoon tours 7 days a week. When booking please select crabbing or fishing to attend your desired trip! All crabbing and fishing tours last 2 hours and depart from shelter cove marina on Hilton Head Island.