Kayak Hilton Head

South Carolina law does not set a numeric minimum age to operate a rented motorboat or personal watercraft. Under S.C. Code Section 50-21-95, a person born after July 1, 2007, must meet one of the law's qualifications before operating a vessel powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft. For a rental, a valid boat rental safety certificate issued in the operator's name qualifies. SCDNR says the rental certificate is valid for 30 days. The rental operator sets its own minimum age, so confirm it when booking.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (dnr.sc.gov)

Yes, some recreational operators need a South Carolina boating safety certificate rather than a traditional boating license. Anyone born after July 1, 2007 must have one before operating a vessel with an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft. The rule states no separate minimum operator age; an uncertified person may operate when accompanied by a qualified adult at least 18.

Exemptions include people born on or before the cutoff, nonresidents with another state's equivalent certificate, and holders of qualifying Coast Guard credentials. Renters may use an SCDNR approved rental safety certificate, valid for 30 days and only on rented craft. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources administers the program.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (dnr.sc.gov)

From Hilton Head Island, you can follow connected tidal waters through Broad Creek, Calibogue Sound and Skull Creek to Port Royal Sound. Broad Creek is the calm inland choice, with Cross Island Boat Landing as a public put-in. Calibogue Sound opens beyond the creek; its seaward entrance has shifting shoals and crooked channels. Skull Creek is the Intracoastal Waterway route toward Port Royal Sound, where the waterway makes an open-water crossing. Another public start is C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing on Mackay Creek; NOAA says Mackay also connects the two sounds, but is narrow, erratic and best used with local knowledge.

Source: Beaufort County Public Works (beaufortcountysc.gov)

Boaters from Hilton Head Island commonly make day trips to Daufuskie Island, the May River Sandbar and Savannah’s River Street. Daufuskie draws visitors with beaches, historic landmarks and artists’ studios reached by boat from Hilton Head Island. The May River Sandbar appears as the tide recedes, creating a temporary spot for picnics, games and swimming. Savannah’s River Street offers a historic waterfront destination reached from Hilton Head through the Intracoastal Waterway.

Source: Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau (hiltonheadisland.org)