Native Son Adventures offers unforgettable Hilton Head excursions from Shelter Cove Harbour
Cast lines, catch waves, spot dolphins, and cruise the coast
Native Son Adventures is a locally rooted, full-service outdoor adventure company on Hilton Head Island, offering guests an authentic “on the water” Lowcountry experience led by true island natives. Founded by Captain Byron Sewell—who grew up immersed in Hilton Head’s surf, sand, and tidal creeks—the company blends decades of guiding expertise with a deep, personal connection to the island’s waterways and wildlife. Native Son Adventures provides a wide range of guided excursions that showcase the best of the island’s coastal environment in a hands-on, immersive way.
Guests can choose from customizable private boat charters like the signature “A Day With a Native,” as well as inshore fishing trips, dolphin and eco-tours aboard the tiki boat, and sunset or fireworks cruises designed for families and groups. Onshore and nearshore adventures include surf lessons for all ages, and educational nature-based outings that may include shelling, crabbing, and exploring hidden waterways. Whether it’s casting a line with a local guide, watching dolphins in the wild, or learning to surf from experienced instructors, Native Son Adventures offers a personalized, adventure-forward way to experience Hilton Head Island’s coastal beauty from both land and sea.
Day with a Native Tours
Available Year Round
“A Day with a Native” is a fully customizable private charter that lets guests explore Hilton Head Island through the eyes of a local captain, combining fishing, dolphin encounters, and scenic cruising. Each trip is tailored in real time to include activities like beachcombing, crabbing, paddleboarding, and exploring hidden Lowcountry waterways.
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Fishing Charters
Available Year Round
Native Son Fishing Charters offers year-round inshore and nearshore guided trips targeting a wide variety of Lowcountry species, from redfish and trout to shark, tarpon, and cobia. They also run offshore fishing adventures for anglers looking to head farther out for bigger, hard-fighting ocean game fish with experienced local captains.
Dolphin Tours
Available Year Round
The Tiki Boat Dolphin Tour offers a relaxed and customizable cruise through Hilton Head’s scenic waterways aboard a shaded tiki boat, where guests can get up close to wild bottlenose dolphins. Along the way, the captain can tailor the experience with activities like crabbing, shelling, and light fishing for a fun, laid-back Lowcountry adventure.
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Fireworks Cruises
Available Tuesday nights June - August
The Native Son Fireworks Tour offers a relaxed evening cruise through Hilton Head’s waterways, timed perfectly to take in the island’s iconic HarbourFest fireworks show from the water. Guests enjoy a front-row view of the display over Shelter Cove Harbour while cruising aboard a comfortable tiki-style boat.
Surf & Ocean Adventure
Available June, July, and August
Surf Adventure Camps offer a fun, hands-on half-day experience where kids and teens learn surfing, ocean safety, and basic water skills in a supportive, small-group setting. Led by experienced local instructors, each camp blends surfing with beach exploration and confidence-building activities in the Atlantic Ocean.
Tips, Stories, and Local Insights
Outside Hilton Head Adventures
Dolphin Seafari
Tim and Beth, owners of Dolphin Seafari, moved to Hilton Head in 1996 and have a lifelong passion for island life. Since 2008, they’ve shared their love of the water through unforgettable dolphin tours. Join them to explore Hilton Head and experience the Lowcountry like never before.
Looking for more fun on the water?
Other featured water activities at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina
Hilton Head Boat Rentals
When it comes to water adventure Shelter Cove Marina is the place to be! Rent a pontoon boat, kayak or paddleboard.
Cruises & Nature Tours
Explore the waterways on a 2-person catamaran boat, discover more with a nature & dolphin tour or just sit bac and relax on a fireworks cruise. There's so much to do on the water at Shelter Cove Marina.