Drifter Excursions, Hilton Head
A 60-foot party fishing boat plus private inshore and nearshore charters, all leaving from Palmetto Bay Marina on the south end.
Book a Drifter Excursions Trip
Party-boat and private fishing trips from Palmetto Bay Marina, with live availability.
Booked through FareHarbor, the island operators’ own booking system. HHI.com may earn a commission.
- Dock: Palmetto Bay Marina, 86 Helmsman Way
- Party boat: The Drifter, 60 feet
- Private boats: Hobo, Boomerang, Ricochet
- Run out: 15 to 20 minutes from the marina
Drifter Excursions is a family-owned fishing outfit at Palmetto Bay Marina, on the south end of Hilton Head. Its flagship is The Drifter, a 60-foot boat that takes a crowd out for deep sea fishing, and it runs smaller boats for private groups. Google lists it as the party fishing charter boat at the marina, and its online booking runs under the hiltonheadboattours name. Crews are Coast Guard certified, and the boats carry modern electronics and a restroom aboard, with snacks and drinks to buy.
Party Boat and Private Charters
The Drifter: the 60-foot party boat. Book the 4.5-hour deep sea trip, or charter the boat for a family or group fishing trip. A shark trip runs on the same boat in season.
Hobo: a 27-foot Coast Guard-inspected Carolina Skiff for private inshore fishing.
Boomerang: a 28-foot Parker center console for private charters.
Ricochet: a private charter fishing boat, booked the same way.
Seasonal cruises: a July 4th fireworks cruise is also on its booking page in season.
Finding the Dock
Palmetto Bay Marina is at 86 Helmsman Way on the south end. The marina is a short ride from the water that holds the fish: guests describe being on the fishing grounds in 15 to 20 minutes, which leaves most of the trip for fishing. For other captains, see the Hilton Head fishing charters guide or the directory of Hilton Head activity companies; Palmetto Bay Marina has the rest of the dock.
More Fishing Charters
Palmetto Bay Marina, 86 Helmsman Way: the island's deepest marina, with fuel, boat clubs, fishing charters and four waterfront restaurants.
Sweet Pea Fishing runs private inshore, nearshore and offshore charters from Hudson's dock on Skull Creek. See trip lengths, rates and book online.
Black and Blue Charters fishes nearshore, offshore and for sharks from a 30-foot Blackfin out of Skull Creek. Meet Captain Stratton and book online.
Book charter fishing on Hilton Head Island: inshore, offshore and shark trips, with every captain listed by dock at the island's four marinas.
Hilton Head fishing, season by season: inshore redfish, deep sea trips, surf fishing, free piers and crabbing, plus licenses, bait shops and charters.
Every Hilton Head tour company, A to Z: fishing charters, boat tours, jet skis, parasailing, kayak and bike rentals, with ratings and where each leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Drifter Excursions leave from?
Palmetto Bay Marina, 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, on the south end of the island.
What boats does Drifter Excursions run?
The Drifter, a 60-foot party fishing boat, plus the Hobo (27-foot Carolina Skiff), the Boomerang (28-foot Parker center console) and the Ricochet for private charters.
How long is the deep sea trip on the Drifter?
The listed deep sea trip is 4.5 hours. Private trips on the smaller boats are booked by the charter and vary by boat.
Is there a restroom on board?
Yes. The boats have a restroom, and snacks and drinks are sold aboard.
How do I book Drifter Excursions?
Book online on this page with live availability, or call (843) 363-2900.
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