For boaters, the ideal home isn't just about square footage or finishes—it's about location, water access, and the freedom to launch into the Lowcountry’s winding rivers, tidal creeks, and open sound. If you dream of casting off from your own dock or enjoying sunset cocktails on deck, these top boating communities in Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort offer the ultimate lifestyle on the water.
Hilton Head Island Boating Communities
Sea Pines
As Hilton Head’s original resort community, Sea Pines offers more than beaches and golf—it’s a haven for boaters. The Harbour Town Yacht Basin provides full marina services, deepwater slips, and quick access to Calibogue Sound and Daufuskie Island. Homes along the Calibogue and Braddock Cove offer private docks or marina access. View Homes for Sale in Sea Pines.
Bonus: Boat to dinner at Harbour Town or South Beach Marina, or enjoy seasonal dolphin sightings near your backyard dock.
Windmill Harbour
This private, gated community is home to the South Carolina Yacht Club and one of only a few lock-controlled harbors on the East Coast. The 260-slip marina provides boaters with direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway via the Calibogue Sound. View homes for sale in Windmill Harbour.
Why It’s a Favorite: Protected docking, elegant coastal homes, and one of the most prestigious boating addresses on Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head Plantation
Located on the island’s north end, Hilton Head Plantation stretches along Skull Creek and offers several waterfront properties with deepwater docks. Residents enjoy access to the Skull Creek Marina, complete with fuel docks and a clubhouse, and quick boat trips to Port Royal Sound. View homes for sale in Hilton Head Plantation.
Wexford
One of Hilton Head’s premier private communities, Wexford features a unique lock-controlled harbor and a 37-acre inland waterway system. Homeowners can dock their boats directly behind their properties or at the Wexford Marina, which offers 138 slips. View homes for sale in Wexford.
Luxury & Convenience: The lock system allows year-round boating access while protecting against tide fluctuations.
Long Cove Club
This exclusive, private community offers a more intimate marina experience. The Long Cove Marina is located on Broad Creek and provides deepwater access, 45 boat slips, kayak storage, and a community dock for crabbing and fishing. View homes for sale in Long Cove.
Why It Stands Out: Broad Creek’s central location puts boaters within minutes of Hilton Head’s best waterfront attractions.
Bluffton Boating Communities
Palmetto Bluff
A dream for boaters and nature lovers alike, Palmetto Bluff sits along the May, Cooper, and New Rivers. The community’s Wilson Landing Marina offers dry stack and wet slip storage, and its extensive trail system lets you walk or bike to the dock. Many homes boast private docks or access to the inland waterway. View homes for sale in Palmetto Bluff.
Explore by Water: Paddle through tidal creeks or motor over to the May River Sandbar for weekend fun.
Oldfield
Nestled along the banks of the Okatie River, Oldfield offers stunning deepwater homes and a private community dock and Outfitters Center. Residents can fish, cruise, kayak, or tie up at the dock and head into Bluffton or Beaufort for lunch. View homes for sale in Oldfield.
Perk for Boaters: Inshore fishing guides and water-based programming for all ages—Oldfield is designed around the river lifestyle.
Beaufort Boating Communities
Cat Island
Located minutes from downtown Beaufort, Cat Island combines serene marsh views with open water access. Several homes offer deepwater docks, and the community is just a short boat ride from the ICW, Parris Island, and Port Royal Sound.
Local Tip: Enjoy peaceful paddling through tidal creeks in the morning and explore the islands by boat in the afternoon.
Dataw Island
For boaters seeking peace and privacy, Dataw Island offers one of the region’s most scenic waterfront settings. The full-service marina on Jenkins Creek includes slips, fuel, ship store, and haul-out service. Many homes here sit on deepwater lots or have private dock options. View homes for sale on Dataw Island.
Nature Meets Nautical: Surrounded by marsh and open sound, Dataw is a favorite for kayakers, birdwatchers, and sailors alike.
Ready to Live Where You Launch?
Whether you’re drawn to the deepwater luxury of Windmill Harbour, the lock-controlled harbor of Wexford, or the riverfront elegance of Palmetto Bluff and Oldfield, the Lowcountry offers unmatched opportunities for waterfront living.
Explore Hilton Head homes for sale with private docks, Bluffton real estate with marina access, and Beaufort homes for sale surrounded by tidal serenity. Life here isn’t just about owning a home—it’s about launching a lifestyle.
Interested in homes with boat slips or deepwater access?
Let our team help you navigate the best boating communities across the Lowcountry. Your dream dockside lifestyle awaits.
