5 Ways Hilton Head Island Contributes to Ecotourism

The Lowcountry is famous for its spectacular boat-to-table fare. Classic downhome dishes like steamed shrimp, soft-shell crab, and freshly harvested local oysters have been delighting diners here on Hilton Head Island for decades. And through sustainable initiatives like Outside Foundation’s oyster shell recycling program, we’re working hard to ensure our coastal waters continue to yield a bountiful harvest for generations to come.

A key ingredient in a healthy salt marsh ecosystem, oyster shells contribute to marine habitats, enhance water quality, and create natural breakwaters to prevent shoreline erosion. Each shell returned to the ocean yields around ten new oysters in turn, and a single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water each day. But it’s not quite as simple as tossing your leftover shells right back into the water; they need to be properly sanitized and dried for six months first. To do this, our community has established two shell collection points at the Coastal Discovery Museum and Trask Landing to make the most of this vital renewable resource.

Vacation-goers aren't the only ones who flock to our corner of the Lowcountry each year. From May through October, Hilton Head Island also plays host to endangered loggerhead sea turtles who come to nest on our shores. Last year alone, sea turtles laid 353 nests on the island, and our community has rallied together to help keep these ancient mariners and their young hatchlings safe during their time here.

Local volunteer organizations like Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island conduct morning patrols, marking and monitoring nests and spreading awareness about how visitors can do their part to protect these gentle ocean giants. Because artificial lighting can disrupt the turtles’ natural sense of direction, houses and buildings visible from the beach are required to turn off exterior lights and cover windows after dark, helping hatchlings get the best possible start on their perilous 70-mile swim to reach the Gulf Stream waters.

Here on Hilton Head Island, we believe that one of the most effective ways to encourage environmental stewardship is by inspiring a lifelong love of the great outdoors — and what better way to do that than on an eco-tour? From nature walks led by expert local guides to once-in-a-lifetime dolphin encounters, you’ll find plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Explore the creeks, marshes, and inlets of Calibogue Sound on a kayaking expedition. Take a horseback ride through the splendor of the sprawling, 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Or treat your whole crew to a catamaran cruise for an environmentally friendly sailing adventure you’ll be reminiscing about for years to come.

When it comes to caring for our delicate coastal habitat, we all have a part to play. Embrace sustainability on your next visit to the Lowcountry by making The Hilton Head Island Promise. This community-wide commitment offers a simple, easy-to-follow framework for vacationing with a softer footprint, helping to keep our beaches, dunes, and marine life healthy and clean.

Interested in lending a helping hand as we work toward a greener tomorrow? Join a team of more than 1,350 sustainability volunteers with Outside Foundation, a local non-profit on a mission to protect our coastal environment for future generations. From community clean-up days to reef rehabilitation efforts, there are plenty of exciting and rewarding projects you can get involved with, including family-friendly activities that are sure to inspire budding young naturalists.

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the great outdoors — while also doing your part for the planet — on an eco-inspired Lowcountry vacation. From bicycle adventures to turtle-friendly beach days, you’ll find so many wonderful ways to experience nature here on Hilton Head Island. Explore our special offers, and start planning your dream green getaway today!