Boat Tour All Ages I Mermaid Encounter I Hilton Head, SC I USA Experience Gifts

Looking for fun family activities with kids on Hilton Head? Look no further and join Pinky Plankton and Sailor Scruffy as they take you on a boat journey through the waters around Hilton Head to find Mermaid Nina.

This is an exciting, fun, and family friendly adventure that everyone will enjoy! In 2019 this tour was named the Best Marine Wildlife Experience in South Carolina and in 2021 it was name the Best Children’s Activity in South Carolina by LUX Life Family & Visitor Attraction awards.

Quick Look

Pinky Plankton met the Mermaid of Hilton Head, Mermaid Nina, who taught her how to protect the ocean and gave Pinky Plankton the title of Ocean Ambassador. On this 75 minute tour you will learn how to protect the ocean and earn your Ocean Ambassador badge too. You will also see and get to talk to the Mermaid ! Along the way you will see dolphins, birds and other Low Country wildlife as we journey to find the Mermaid.

Learn the story of how Mermaid Nina became the Mermaid of waters surrounding Hilton Head Island and how she helps protect her ocean friends as well as why the things she does are important for our ecosystem and what you can do to help. When we find the real mermaid, she knows our boat! She will swim right up to the boat and talk to our passengers about the ocean, Hilton Head wildlife, and of course, answer all of your mermaid questions! You can not get any better kid friendly live entertainment than a real mermaid!

You never know what will happen when you are on the tour. Sometimes Mermaid Nina’s arch nemesis, Professor Al G will show up and try to capture her to put her in a mermaid performance tank, but Mermaid Nina loves to be wild and free. She will rely on you and your family to save her from Professor Al G and scare him away!

At the end of the tour, you will earn your O’fish’al Ocean Ambassador badge that you can take home with you. This is a must do if you are planning a family vacation full of fun, magic and education. Our tour is based around the book The Mermaid of Hilton Head: The Mermaid’s Friend, this book was written and illustrated by Mermaid Nina herself. 

Price: Adults: $35.00 Child (Under 12): $35.00 Infants (0-1 Year): $0.00

Location

Hilton Head Harbor & Marina
43A Jenkins Rd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Time and Availability

75 minute tour. Arrive 15 min in advance

Mid-May through Mid-June

Mon - Fri: Departing: 9:00AM, 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 3:00PM

Sat: Departing 8:45AM and 10:15AM

Mid-June through Mid-August

Mon - Fri: Departing 8:45am, 11:45AM, 1:15PM, 2:45PM, 4:15PM, 5:45PM

Sat: Departing 8:45AM and 10:15AM

Mid-August through Mid-September

Mon - Fri: Departing: 9:00AM, 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 3:00PM

Sat: Departing 8:45AM and 10:15AM 

Important Information

Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Per Coast Guard regulation kids 12 and under must wear a life vest that we will provide.

Please check in at least 15 minutes prior to departure. Everyone will board the boat together at the time of departure. If you are late the boat will not wait on you.  

What should we bring? Sunglasses, water, a camera, and cash if you would like to tip the team. Life jackets will be provided for children 12 and under.  Your own snacks and drinks are allowed. We strongly recommend reusable bottles versus single-use plastic to reduce plastic waste that ends up in our oceans.

 What happens if we get bad weather at the time of our tour? We watch the weather closely as it changes constantly in Hilton Head. If the tour needs to be canceled due to weather we will let you know as soon as the Captain makes the call. We will either schedule your family on another tour if there is space or we will move the tour to another time. If we are unable to reschedule, we will issue a full refund.

Is there a restroom on board? No, so please arrive early so you can use the restroom prior to departure.

How far out does the boat go? The boat does not go out into the open ocean. We stay in more shallow water (15-40ft.) and you will be able to see land. 

Cancellations Boat tour customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows will be charged the full price.