Frequently Asked
Questions

We are located in Shelter Cove Marina on Dock “C”. Please park at the marina store and walk down to the boat. We ask that you arrive 30 minutes prior to departure to ensure you make it and we leave on time.

The Captain Kidd specializes in catching local blue crabs using the traditional Gullah crabbing method, a fun and educational experience for all ages. On our Hilton Head crabbing tour, we bait with chicken necks and drop them into the shallow tidal creeks where blue crabs thrive.

We offer one tour option: our signature Hilton Head crabbing adventure. Everything you need is provided on board to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable time on the water.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, all crabs and other marine life caught during the trip are safely released. This catch-and-release approach supports Hilton Head’s local commercial crabbing industry while giving you a true taste of Lowcountry tradition.

We welcome guests of all ages aboard the Captain Kidd, including infants and young children! Our Hilton Head crabbing adventure is designed to be safe, fun, and educational for the entire family.

Since the Coast Guard counts every passenger—regardless of age—we do apply a small charge for infants. Most children age 3 and up will have a great time actively participating in the crabbing experience.

To keep little ones engaged throughout the tour, our boat features a touch tank filled with local sea creatures, offering a hands-on way for kids of all ages to explore and learn about the marine life of Hilton Head Island.

This is truly a family-friendly crabbing tour that blends adventure, education, and the natural beauty of the Lowcountry!

We’re fortunate to operate near some of the best crabbing areas on Hilton Head Island. Our tours depart from Shelter Cove Marina, just a mile from the shallow tidal waters of Broad Creek, where local blue crabs are plentiful.

On this Hilton Head crabbing experience, we stay comfortably on the boat at all times—there’s no need to wade or get in the water. Instead, we crab the traditional Gullah way, using chicken necks tied to fishing poles to drop lines right off the side of the boat. It’s safe, hands-on fun that’s perfect for all ages.

We crab in calm, protected waters, less than 10 feet deep and always within 100 feet of the shoreline. The areas we visit are close to where local crabbers place their cages, giving you a truly authentic and successful catch-and-release experience.

And yes—all crabs caught are released safely back into the water to support Hilton Head’s commercial crabbing industry and preserve the ecosystem for future generations.

The Captain Kidd crabbing boat is Coast Guard licensed and insured, with a set capacity that includes all guests—infants, children, and adults alike. The Coast Guard counts every individual as a passenger, regardless of age, which means each person onboard occupies a limited space.

Because of this regulation, we are required to count and charge for every guest on the boat. This ensures we remain in full compliance while providing a safe and enjoyable Hilton Head crabbing experience for all aboard.

Yes — we have a full working bathroom onboard the Captain Kidd, complete with a clean, fully functioning toilet. This added comfort is a big relief for both kids and parents, especially during our 1 hour and 45 minute tour.

Our family-friendly crabbing boat is designed with convenience in mind, making your Hilton Head crabbing tour as enjoyable and stress-free as possible from start to finish.