Renting an Aloha Pontoon boat at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina serves up memories for a lifetime
As numerous visitors to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina are discovering, renting a luxury pontoon boat through Shelter Cove Marina Boat Rentals at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina offers an idyllic way to spend an afternoon with friends and family, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure while cruising the vast waterways of Hilton Head Island.
Shelter Cove Marina named by US Harbors as the publication’s “Best Harbor in the Southeast” for 2024
Nestled in the heart of Hilton Head Island, Shelter Cove Marina is not just a marina; it’s a gateway to the pristine waters and scenic beauty of the surrounding Lowcountry, making it an excellent starting point for any maritime excursion. The spectacular waterside shopping, dining and entertainment destination was designed in a Mediterranean village style, and offering a picturesque, 178-slip setting — where yachts, power boats and sailboats come to dock year-round — the port is Hilton Head’s largest deep-water cove.
A popular port of call (Latitude 32* 10’ 52” N Longitude 80* 43’ 56” W) along the Intracoastal Waterway — between northern destinations, and the warm waters of Florida and the Caribbean — Shelter Cove was named by US Harbors as the publication’s “Best Harbor in the Southeast” for 2024. US Harbors tapped Shelter Cove as its Southeast regional winner in 2022 and 2021, as well.
Discover Hilton Head Island Boat Tours, Family Entertainment, Shopping & Dining all at Shelter Cove Marina
San Miguels Mexican Café
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina boasts premium waterfront shopping and dining with everything from clothing boutiques to gifts and art galleries. There are elegant Hilton Head Island restaurants and casual pubs overlooking the marina and waterfront, ranging from a local ice cream shop to fine dining at ELA’S On The Water.
HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
The Harbour comes alive during the season, with outdoor activities and entertainment, including HarbourFest – Hilton Head Island’s largest multi-week celebration. Charter boats depart daily for inshore or offshore fishing, while ships set out for dolphin encounters and nature experiences off the South Carolina coast. Kayakers on guided nature tours paddle out to the salt marshes, where birds, crabs and other island creatures make their home.
Experience Hilton Head Island in a whole new way with Shelter Cove Marina Boat Rentals
The Shelter Cove Marina Boat Rentals experience revolves around the ease of renting a pontoon boat that is renowned for stability and ample space, accommodating groups comfortably. Pontoons are ideal for leisurely exploration, equipped with features that make them perfect for social gatherings.
The spacious Aloha Bimini Pontoon allows up to 12 people and features a 9-foot Sunbrella Bimini, Garmin GPS & depth finder for easy navigation, brand-new outboard Yamaha 150HP engine and Bluetooth speakers that have superior sound quality, determine your precise location and allow you to view pre-saved locations on your GPS.
The Sunbrella Bimini offers shade, sun deflection and — thanks to no sidewalls — constant airflow! Aloha Pontoons also offer high quality seating with cup holders; backrests and the soft padding will make you feel like you are floating across the water.
As you glide away from the Shelter Cove dock, the marina fades into the background, giving way to the expansive beauty of Hilton Head’s waters. Cruising around the Lowcountry by boat provides a unique perspective of the area. The slow pace of a pontoon boat allows everyone aboard to fully appreciate the serene environment.
Hear from our Hilton Head Vacation guests what they loved about their Shelter Cove Marina Boat Rental
The calm waters are perfect for all ages, making this an inclusive activity that grandparents and young children alike can enjoy. (Shelter Cove Marina Boat Rentals recently hosted a family reunion from San Francisco that included more than 30 people of all ages.) It’s also an opportunity to witness local wildlife; dolphins often accompany boats, playfully darting in and out of the water, while various birds can be seen soaring above or fishing along the shoreline.
“Every time we come to Hilton Head, you’re just guaranteed to see dolphins,” said a recent Shelter Cove Marina Boat Rental client. “We love to see the dolphins swimming. The boat is very well equipped with nice seating. You can have like we did, just two people, versus a large group of people and be very comfortable for people who want to sit in the sun and people who want to be shaded, as well, so it’s a very nice ride.”
The waters around Hilton Head are dotted with picturesque spots perfect for anchoring and enjoying what nature has to offer. You can stop at secluded coves for a swim or float lazily under the sun. Alternatively, docking at a remote beach accessible only by boat adds an element of adventure to the outing. Here, families can picnic, explore, or simply relax on the sand.
“We saw a bunch of dolphins and we saw a stingray jump out of the water, and we saw the Harbour Town lighthouse,” said another recent renter with his children. “It was a very comfortable pontoon boat, plus seating and the powerful motor, it was very nice, and the radio was great.”
Beyond the natural beauty and leisure activities, the act of sharing this experience enhances social bonds. Being on a boat promotes camaraderie and closeness as friends and family share tasks, stories, and laughter. The shared experience of navigating the waters, selecting spots to explore, and enjoying the tranquil environment fosters a sense of togetherness.
An afternoon on a pontoon boat around Hilton Head is not just about enjoying the sun and sea; it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime. The combination of easy-going exploration, the beauty of the South Carolina coast, and the joy of companionship makes this experience a highlight of any visit to Hilton Head Island. Whether it’s your first time on a pontoon or a cherished family tradition, the hours spent on the water are sure to be cherished by all.
“This was the best HHI Boat rental we’ve done!” wrote on recent TripAdvisor reviewer. “The new pontoon boats are clean and with the 150HP you are able to get to the places you want to visit quickly. Will definitely do this again soon!” Click here to read more reviews from our recent guests.
A few important pieces of boat rental information include:
- Life vests are included in all reservations and must be worn by passengers under the age of 12, per the South Carolina law
- Drivers must be 21 years or older with a valid driver’s license and there is no age requirement to be a passenger
- Fuel will be added on at time of reservation.
Our team will make sure your group feels safe and confident out on the water. Everything you need to know about renting boats at Shelter Cove Marina can be found on our Boat Rentals FAQs page. To reserve your Hilton Head Pontoon rental with Shelter Cove Marina, click here.