Hilton Head Crabbing Expedition Boat Cruise

Hilton Head Island , United States

Hilton Head Crabbing Expedition Boat Cruise

Active

(9 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Come join the crew aboard the Tammy Jane for a 2-hour educational and picturesque low-country experience as we take you out Crabbing! We invite you to learn about our healthy salt marsh environment, and introduce you to some of the sea creatures we'll safely pull up our commercial crabbing pots.

We will explore how various ecosystems intertwine to create the rich food web that provides food for our tables.

This is a unique opportunity for guests of all ages! If we do catch carbs aboard an expedition the crew will package some up for guests to take home.

Available options

Crabbing Expedition

Come join the crew aboard the Tammy Jane for a 2-hour educational and picturesque low-country experience as we take you out Crabbing!

What's included

Possible dolphin sightings

A shaded canopy

2 hour educational cruise

Possible crabs to keep (not guaranteed)

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase

Live narration and instruction by the Tammy Jane crew

Picturesque views of the low country

Detailed itinerary

The Tammy Jane departs from Harbour Town Yacht Basin just below the Lighthouse. The Tammy Jane has paired up with the University of South Carolina Beaufort Campus and their Marine Science program over the past three years to provide guests an opportunity to learn from students enrolled in the Coastal Ecology program who are active crew members aboard the Tammy Jane. This has been a great partnership for the Tammy Jane and the University allowing us to provided an educational experiences aboard each trip.

All trips are 2-hours in length. The Tammy Jane crew will teach guests the inner workings behind a commercial crabbing pot, and will teach guests how to properly bait a pot. We will then deploy baited pots from the Tammy Jane. After the baited pots have been deployed the Tammy Jane will make her way to crab pot locations that have already been dropped on previous days. The crew will then teach guests how the vessel will pull these pots up, and will dump the catch out on the sorting table.

Aboard you will learn about every sea creature the Tammy Jane may pull up. You will also learn about the life cycle of our local crabs, and find out what the requirements by law are to keep your catch. This trip is great for all ages!

Harbour Town Lighthouse

What's not included

8 Sea Pines Resort entrance fees

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.2

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.

Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.

Meeting point

Departure Point: Vagabond Cruise Reservation Office

Located just below the Lighthouse in Harbour Town Yacht Basin.

Please arrive at least 1-hour prior to departure of your selected tour as we will begin boarding 30-minutes prior to departure to leave right on time.

About Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a picturesque barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, renowned for its pristine beaches, lush golf courses, and abundant wildlife. It offers a perfect blend of relaxation, outdoor activities, and upscale amenities, making it a top destination for families, golfers, and nature enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Coligny Beach Park

One of the most popular beaches on Hilton Head Island, known for its soft sand, clear waters, and family-friendly amenities.

Beach Half day Free

Sea Pines Resort

A luxurious resort offering golf courses, tennis courts, and access to Harbour Town, a charming marina and shopping district.

Resort Full day Expensive

Coastal Discovery Museum

A museum focused on the natural history and cultural heritage of the Lowcountry region.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate

Hilton Head Island Bike Trails

A network of bike trails that wind through the island's natural landscapes, offering scenic views and a great way to explore.

Outdoor Activity Half day Budget to Moderate

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

A wildlife refuge offering opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife photography.

Nature Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Shrimp and Grits

A classic Lowcountry dish featuring creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp and a savory sauce.

Main Course Contains seafood and dairy.

She-Crab Soup

A rich and creamy soup made with blue crab meat and crab roe, flavored with sherry and butter.

Soup Contains seafood and dairy.

Fritters

Sweet or savory fried dough balls, often filled with fruit or seafood.

Appetizer Varies by filling.

Popular Activities

Kayaking Paddleboarding Zip-lining Beach lounging Spa treatments Golf Museum visits Historic tours

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Spring brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures, while fall offers warm weather and lower humidity.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hilton Head Island is generally safe with low crime rates. However, visitors should take standard precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable tour operators and taxi services
• Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards

Getting there

By air

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport • 35 miles
Hilton Head Airport • 5 miles

By bus

Savannah Greyhound Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus service is affordable and convenient for getting around, but schedules are limited.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Sea Pines Plantation Coligny Plaza Palmetto Dunes Harbour Town

Day trips

Savannah, Georgia

40 miles • Full day

A charming Southern city known for its historic district, beautiful architecture, and vibrant arts and culture scene.

Beaufort, South Carolina

30 miles • Half day to Full day

A historic coastal city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a charming downtown area.

Charleston, South Carolina

90 miles • Full day

A historic city known for its well-preserved architecture, rich history, and vibrant arts and culture scene.

Festivals

Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival • March Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival • May Hilton Head Island Blues & Jazz Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder seasons (March-May, September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Rent a bike to explore the island's numerous bike trails and scenic views.
Try local seafood dishes, such as shrimp and grits and she-crab soup.
Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season.
Respect the environment and wildlife by following local guidelines and regulations.