Hilton Head Sunday Brunch Buffet Cruise

Hilton Head Sunday Brunch Buffet Cruise: A Relaxing Way to Start Your Sunday

If you’re looking for a laid-back way to enjoy Hilton Head Island’s natural beauty, the Hilton Head Sunday Brunch Buffet Cruise might be just what you need. While we haven’t been on this cruise ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a pretty appealing picture. This experience combines a scenic waterway cruise, a hearty brunch, and the chance to spot dolphins—all wrapped up in a comfortable setting.

What we really appreciate about this cruise is its relaxed atmosphere and the quality of the food. The fact that it offers reserved seating indoors and shaded outdoor areas makes it accessible and comfortable, even if the weather isn’t perfect. Plus, the inclusion of bottomless mimosas for just $10 adds a fun, celebratory touch that can make your Sunday feel special.

One thing to consider is that transportation and parking aren’t included in the price—so you’ll want to plan ahead if you’re staying within Sea Pines Resort. Still, for anyone wanting to enjoy a peaceful cruise with good company, excellent food, and beautiful views, this experience feels like a solid choice. It particularly suits travelers who enjoy a leisurely meal combined with scenic sights rather than high-energy activities.

Key Points

• Relaxed cruise experience with panoramic views and dolphin sightings.
• Comfortable reserved seating options indoors or shaded outdoor deck.
• Delicious buffet-style brunch with southern-inspired dishes prepared by Sea Pines Resort chefs.
• Affordable refreshment options, including a full cash bar and bottomless mimosas.
• Good value for the price considering the food, scenic cruise, and personalized service.
• Ideal for those seeking a peaceful, scenic start to their Sunday in Hilton Head.

What to Expect on the Hilton Head Brunch Cruise

This brunch cruise offers a relaxed, enjoyable way to see Hilton Head’s waterways. The departure point is the iconic Harbour Town Yacht Basin, where you’ll board the Spirit of Harbour Town, a two-level yacht designed for comfort and panoramic viewing. It’s clear from reviews that the boat is well-maintained, clean, and on time, setting the stage for a smooth and enjoyable outing.

Boarding and Seating

Once aboard, you’ll be shown to your reserved seat, with options for indoor seating through large panoramic windows or outside on the shaded deck. This flexibility is great because it lets you choose your preferred viewing experience, whether you want to be close to the water or enjoy the breeze while staying shaded. The seats are set up for individual tables with steward service, making it feel like a relaxed dining experience rather than a crowded tour.

The Scenic Cruise

The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes, giving you enough time to unwind, enjoy the scenery, and look out for wildlife. The captain provides narration, pointing out local landmarks and sharing interesting tidbits about the area. But the best part? Many guests report dolphin sightings, swimming alongside the boat, which adds a magical element to the cruise.

Views and Wildlife

Travelers consistently praise the views of Calibogue Sound and the Lowcountry landscape. As Heidi_J mentioned, it’s a “peaceful boat ride,” and Lois_V noted that “while the weather wasn’t perfect, it was smooth sailing for 1 1/2 hours,” emphasizing how relaxing this experience can be. The opportunity to see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins up close is an added bonus that many reviews highlight as one of the highlights of this cruise.

The Brunch Buffet: Southern Comfort on a Plate

The star of this experience is undoubtedly the brunch buffet. Prepared by the chefs at Sea Pines Resort, it features a variety of Southern-inspired dishes that cater to different tastes. From fresh pastries and seasonal fruits to hearty options like shrimp & grits, scrambled eggs, bacon, and a French toast casserole, there’s definitely enough to satisfy most appetites.

Travelers like Stephanie_Z mention the food being “very good”, and Lois_V appreciated the “plenty of food” on offer. The buffet is designed to be indulgent and satisfying without feeling overly heavy, making it perfect for a brunch meant to start a leisurely Sunday.

Service and Extras

You’ll have your own personal steward throughout the cruise, ensuring your drink glasses are topped off and your needs are met. Camille, one of the servers, was praised for her attentiveness. If you’re a fan of mimosas, the $10 bottomless option is a popular way to add a festive touch to your morning.

Additional Drink Options

The cruise also features a full cash bar serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, plus the option to purchase coffee, tea, and sodas onboard. While the price of drinks isn’t included in your ticket, the convenience of having everything available on the boat adds to the relaxed vibe.

Who is This Cruise Ideal For?

This experience is well-suited for travelers who want a calm, scenic escape with good food and the chance to see local wildlife. It’s not a high-energy adventure, but rather a peaceful way to spend a morning, making it great for couples, friends, or even small groups celebrating a special occasion.

While families are not explicitly mentioned, the relaxed environment and scenic nature could make it a nice outing for older children or teenagers, provided they enjoy boat rides and good food. The cruise’s limited group size—max 75 travelers—keeps the atmosphere intimate and personalized, which many guests appreciate.

Practical Details and Tips

• Booking and Cancellation: You can book easily online with the reassurance of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which adds flexibility in case of weather changes or shifts in plans.
• Price and Value: At around $82.54 per person, you’re paying for a 1.5-hour scenic cruise, a hearty buffet, and personal service. When you consider the quality of the food and the chance to see dolphins, many find this a fair deal.
• Timing: The cruise departs at 11:30am, so it’s perfect for a late breakfast or an early lunch. It also leaves enough time for other activities afterward.
• Meeting Point: Located at 149 Lighthouse Rd in Harbour Town, the meeting spot is near public transportation, but most visitors will probably want to drive or use resort parking, which isn’t included.
• Weather Considerations: The cruise is weather-dependent. If weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, so keep an eye on the forecast.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic way to start your Sunday in Hilton Head, this brunch cruise offers a delightful combo of natural beauty, great food, and relaxed luxury. The panoramic views, dolphin sightings, and quality buffet make it a memorable outing, especially if you enjoy combining sightseeing with good food.

The personalized service, shaded outdoor options, and flexible booking make it accessible and comfortable. It’s a wonderful choice for those who want a slower-paced, enjoyable activity that feels both special and laid-back.

While it’s not a pulse-racing adventure, it’s an experience that offers a genuine sense of relaxation, a taste of Lowcountry hospitality, and a lovely way to see Hilton Head from the water. Suitable for anyone looking for a calm, scenic, and tasty brunch on a Sunday morning.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for children?
The tour is generally relaxed and scenic, but there’s no specific mention of children’s activities. It might be suitable for older children or teenagers who enjoy boat rides and food, but younger kids may find it less engaging.

Can I bring my own drinks?
No, outside alcohol isn’t allowed. However, there’s a full cash bar onboard serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

What if the weather is bad?
The cruise is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes, providing enough time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and spot wildlife.

Are reserved seats guaranteed?
Yes, booking includes reserved indoor or shaded outdoor seating, so you won’t have to scramble for a good spot.

Is parking included?
No, parking inside Sea Pines Resort and Harbour Town isn’t included. Plan ahead to find suitable parking nearby.

What does the buffet include?
The buffet features southern-inspired dishes, including pastries, fruits, shrimp & grits, eggs, bacon, and French toast casserole.

Can I purchase additional drinks or coffee onboard?
Yes, there is a full cash bar and options to buy coffee, tea, and sodas during the cruise.

How many people typically join this cruise?
The maximum group size is around 75 travelers, fostering a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

Is gratuity included?
Yes, the ticket price includes a 10% gratuity for the stewarding staff, with additional tips optional.

This Hilton Head Sunday Brunch Buffet Cruise offers a laid-back, scenic, and delicious way to enjoy your morning. If you appreciate good food, wildlife sightings, and gentle waterway views, it’s worth considering for your trip.