Wildlife we see when crabbing in Hilton Head

🦀 Wildlife You Might See While Crabbing on Hilton Head Island

One of the best parts about a crabbing tour on Hilton Head Island isn’t just catching blue crabs — it’s the incredible Lowcountry wildlife you can spot along the way. From playful dolphins to soaring birds, Hilton Head’s tidal creeks are teeming with life.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or visiting for the first time, here’s a look at some of the amazing wildlife you might see while crabbing in Hilton Head.

🐬 Bottlenose Dolphins

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are one of the most exciting sights during a crabbing trip. These friendly marine mammals often travel in pods and may swim right alongside the boat. They’re especially active in the warm, shallow waters of Broad Creek.

Seeing dolphins in the wild is always a highlight — especially for kids — and it adds a magical touch to your crabbing adventure.

🦅 Coastal Birds

Hilton Head Island is home to a diverse range of coastal birds. While on the water, keep your eyes peeled for:

• Great blue herons

• Snowy egrets

• Brown pelicans

• Ospreys and bald eagles

These birds are often spotted wading in the marshes or gliding overhead in search of fish. It’s a bird-watcher’s dream and a great learning opportunity for families.

🦀 Blue Crabs (of course!)

The star of the show on every Hilton Head crabbing tour is the Atlantic blue crab. You’ll use chicken necks to lure them to the surface using the traditional Gullah method — and catch them right off the side of the boat.

Our tours use a catch-and-release approach to protect the crab population and the local commercial crabbing industry.

🦎 Marsh Creatures and Sea Life

Hilton Head’s salt marshes are full of fascinating creatures. Depending on the season, you might see:

• Fiddler crabs crawling along the mudflats

• Small fish and shrimp darting beneath the surface

• Rays and even small sharks in deeper channels

• Oysters and mussels clinging to the creek banks

Onboard the Captain Kidd crabbing boat, we also have a touch tank filled with seasonal marine life — perfect for hands-on exploration.

🌿 Plant Life of the Lowcountry

Don’t forget to take in the natural beauty around you. While you’re crabbing, you’ll cruise past:

• Spartina grass swaying in the marsh

• Live oaks draped in Spanish moss

• Palmetto trees along the shoreline

This stunning environment is part of what makes crabbing in Hilton Head such a unique experience — it’s more than just a tour, it’s a full immersion in Lowcountry nature.

🐾 A Family-Friendly Wildlife Experience

From dolphins and herons to crabs and sea life, the wildlife you’ll see while crabbing in Hilton Head Island turns every trip into an adventure. It’s an experience kids and adults will talk about long after the tour ends.

Book your Hilton Head crabbing tour today and discover why so many families return year after year — not just for the crabs, but for the incredible nature all around.