Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina is at the heart of so many of our favorite activities at Palmetto Dunes; from live music and dancing in the spring and summer months to fireworks shows, to holiday lights and visits from Santa, there's always something happening! Make the most of all that Shelter Cove has to offer with our guide to Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina.
Shops
The diverse shops at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina are definitely worth a browse! We bet you won’t be able to resist purchasing a unique gift or souvenir.
Marina Ship’s Store
Newly renovated and filled with a variety of apparel, accessories, souvenirs, fishing tackle, snacks, coffee, and more, this is no ordinary ship's store! Keep an eye out for specials and have a chat with the clerks about all of the available boating activities available at the marina.
Christmas on the Harbour
The folks at Christmas on the Harbour are feeling festive all throughout the year! This charming shop carries an impressive array of Christmas collectibles, handmade ornaments, and décor created by local artisans.
Nash Gallery
This gallery takes art off the walls and showcases a variety of blown glass, jewelry, metal and ceramic artworks, crafts, and more! Featuring artists from across the continent, you’re sure to find some truly special pieces here.
Neptune’s Niche
This quaint shop named after the famous statue that stands at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina has everything from home accessories, glassware, and artwork, to outdoor garden accessories, woodwork and ironwork, and more. Not only that, most of the pieces are made by Lowcountry Artists so you can really get a piece of Hilton Head Island to take home with you!
Tradewinds Trinkets and Treasures
As its name suggests, Tradewinds is filled with all kinds of treasures! Beachwear, bags, jewelry, home décor, and more! It’s the place to find something to amp up your on-island style.
Treasure Island
Hang ten at Treasure Island, Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina's surf shop. With everything from small gifts and toys to t-shirts, sweatshirts, and surf wear, you’ll be hitting the Palmetto Dunes surf in style.
Salon Shelter Cove
Look your best with a fresh style from the experts at Salon Shelter Cove. This Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina staple takes appointments and walk-ins and offers hair services and styling as well as makeup for special occasions.
Restaurants
The marina at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina is the perfect backdrop for a collection of restaurants that each offers its own culinary experience. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re likely to find it at Shelter Cove!
Bistro 17
This classic bistro offers authentic French dishes, an extensive wine list, and a charming atmosphere indoors and out. Stop by for lunch or dinner and enjoy some classic French cooking in the Lowcountry.
ELA’S on the Water
For an elevated Lowcountry dining experience, head to ELA’S on the Water. Located at the mouth of the marina, the elegant dining room offers spectacular views and beautifully prepared Lowcountry cuisine.
Frosty’s Italian Ices & More
It’s no mystery why this place is a family favorite! With homemade gelatos and over a dozen ice cream flavors, fudges, baked treats, sweets and more, it’s the place to go in Shelter Cove if you’re looking for a sugar hit.
Hilton Head Social Bakery
Enjoy a taste of Paris at Palmetto Dunes with what might be the most delicious croissant you’ve ever had. Hilton Head Social Bakery’s cases are filled daily with an enviable selection of stunning, handmade pastries made onsite. They also serve a variety of coffees and beverages.
San Miguel’s Mexican Cafe
Those looking for a good time will find it at San Miguel’s. From their delicious nachos and tacos to their award-winning margaritas, live music, and friendly vibes, it’s the perfect place to relax and have fun at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina.
Scott’s Fish Market
For almost 30 years, Scott's Fish Market has been a mainstay for seafood lovers at Palmetto Dunes. With a marina view perfect for viewing sunsets, delicious tropical cocktails, an impressive menu, and plenty of dining specials, it's no wonder.
Check out our Dining Guide to the Restaurants of Palmetto Dunes.
Boating
There’s no end to the boating adventures you can have at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina! From sailing charters to pirate adventures, fishing excursions to dolphin tours, we’ve got something for everyone!
Dolphin Tours
Bottlenose dolphins love to spend their time in Hilton Head Island as much as we do! Experience the thrill of seeing these playful creatures frolic in their natural habitat on a dolphin tour. Join other dolphin fans aboard a covered pontoon with Dolphin Seafari of Hilton Head Island. Chose from several trip options including Donuts with Dolphins or Dolphin and Fireworks. Feeling the need for speed? Head out for a personalized trip on a motorboat with Outside Hilton Head’s Dolphin Eco Tour.
Sailing Charters
Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina is home to some of the largest sailing charters on Hilton Head Island. Embrace your inner explorer and set sail through the serene and picturesque waterways on an excursion that's relaxing in the way only a sail can be. From the intimacy of the 27’ catamaran to the comfort of the bean bag chairs, you won’t regret spending a few memorable hours with the wind in your sails.
Boat Rentals
Looking to get out on the water on your own time? That’s no problem at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina! The marina has pontoon boats, even exciting CraigCats—self-driven two-person catamarans with motors and top speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Explore Broad Creek at your own pace and make some memories.
Activities
Of course, boats aren’t the only way to explore the waters of Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina! Activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing let you experience nature first hand.
Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals
Outside Hilton Head provides a wonderful way to get out on the water, and get a little bit of fitness into your day, too! Stand up paddleboards and single and tandem kayaks are available for you to paddle your way through our waters and get closer than you ever thought possible to dolphins, seabirds, and more. For something a little more high octane, talk to Outside Hilton Head about their Family Ski Day!
Fishing
With our local waters teaming with life including sea bass, black drum, sharks, red fish, trout, mackerel, even barracuda and tarpon, it’s no wonder there are so many incredible options for fishing charters at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina!
Bayrunner Fishing Charters, Fish-On Fishing Charters, Captain Hook Fishing Charters and Native Son Fishing Charters have got all of your inshore fishing needs covered—and they know all the sweet fishing spots in the area! If you're looking to really get out on the water and see what you can catch, offshore fishing charters like Sport Fishing Gullah Gal and Native Son Fishing Charters are for you. You can even go fishing en masse with a party fishing charter aboard Captain Hook, a 70-foot party fishing boat.
Events
For the past decade, locals and guests have been flocking to Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina on Thursday nights for live music, fresh food and drink, and a whole lot of fun. Music & Taste on the Harbour runs every Spring and Fall on Thursday nights from 6:00–9:00 p.m. and features the fun musical stylings of favorite local bands like Deas Guyz, The Headliners, and Stee & the Ear Candy Band.
Nothing signals summer in Hilton Head Island like HarbourFest. This event, now in its 33rd year, kicks off on Memorial Day weekend and provides fun for the whole family all summer long, with face painting and entertainment from Cappy the Clown, arts and crafts, live music from Shannon Tanner, and of course, a spectacular fireworks show every Tuesday night.
What’s your favorite thing to do at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina? Tell us in the comments! And don’t forget to share your Shelter Cove photos with us on Instagram and Facebook. Believe it or not, Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina wasn’t always here! Learn about the creation of Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina over on our 50th Anniversary blog. We’ll see you down at the marina!