Natural Harmony

On a mission to protect Hilton Head Island’s ancient and beloved sea turtle

By Robin Sutton Anders

Amber Kuehn was “changed forever” the day she first encountered a sea turtle 16 miles offshore from Hilton Head Harbor. Working as a divemaster, Kuehn was diving down to retrieve an anchor when she spotted a large shadow in the depths of the ocean. “It was graceful in its element, it looked like a bird flying in slow motion,” she remembers. As the sea turtle swam straight toward her, she rolled back on her heels. “I laid on the ocean floor while the turtle hovered overhead like a spacecraft,” Kuehn says. “Talk about impressed!” Each summer, sea turtles return to the island’s sandy shores, lay their eggs and go back to their ocean home. Loggerhead turtles, an endangered species, are the most common turtle to nest on the beaches of Hilton Head Island. As director of Hilton Head Island’s entirely volunteer 18-member Sea Turtle Patrol, Kuehn is on a mission to protect and conserve sea turtles so these ancient creatures can continue to inspire the next generation. Part of that involves partnering with Sea Turtle Patrol's sister organization, Turtle Trackers, to educate visitors and residents, so everybody’s in it together.

“It’s important to do things like fill holes in the sand so sea turtle hatchlings don’t get trapped on their way to the ocean,” she says. More than 350 Turtle Trackers volunteers help flatten sand structures and pick up litter nightly so the turtles have a clear path. They also host educational, island-wide “Turtle Talks” for residents and visitors.

Meanwhile, Keuhn’s Sea Turtle Patrol has been trained and is permitted by the state to identify, mark and monitor nests. Through “nest dedications,” The Sea Turtle Patrol offers opportunities to sponsor a nest in exchange for updates on its hatchlings as they grow and set off on their journey to the sea.

Check back for updates on how you can get involved in efforts to help protect and preserve the island. Learn more at seaturtlepatrolhhi.org.

Amber Kuehn, Director Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island

ISLAND SUSTAINABILITY

Join us in protecting and preserving Hilton Head Island’s environment and beauty for generations to come.

Use red-beamed flashlights, sold at hardware stores, for nighttime beach strolls. You can also download a smartphone app, such as jLight, to turn your phone screen into a red flashlight.

Turn off outside lights of beachfront residences from dusk till dawn, and cover interior lights (close drapes or shutters) that can be seen from the beach.

Leave only footprints. Throw away your trash. Obstacles like broken beach chairs and sand buckets can prevent turtles from reaching their destination. Make it easier for sea turtles and their hatchlings to navigate the shoreline by flattening your sandcastles and filling in any holes you dug when you’re done with your day at the beach.

Enjoy discovering sea life like sand dollars, starfish and hermit crabs, but please leave these coastal creatures undisturbed in their natural habitat.

Please stay on the path. Walking on our beautiful sand dunes can damage or destroy the sea oats and other flora keeping our dunes from washing away.

Want to learn more about how you can help Hilton Head Island’s sea turtles? Join free weekly turtle talks held throughout the summer. Learn more at HHITurtles.org

Maintain your distance from sea turtle nests and hatchlings.

Dolphin & Sunset Cruise

Mermaid of Hilton Head offers the Dolphin Experience Boat Tour to see dolphins in their natural environment. Learn how to identify them, see a replica dolphin skull and touch a replica dolphin fin to experience what a dolphin feels like. You can also enjoy this experience at sunset with a Sunset Dolphin Cruise. All tours take place on a covered boat that sits low in the water. mermaidofhiltonhead.com 843.271.6441 F d mermaidofhiltonhead

Connect by Water

See Hilton Head Island and exciting nearby locations from the water on an Outside Hilton Head destination tour. The Daufuskie History and Artisans Excursions includes a round-trip interpretive dolphin and nature cruise to the island along with the golf cart tour of historic sites and artist studios on Daufuskie Island. Experience adventure on the May River with a tour from Outside Palmetto Bluff. Learn about Lowcountry history and explore the diverse ecosystem and wildlife of the salt marsh on a tour with a professional captain and guide. For something totally different, explore the Savannah River with Outside Savannah on a boating tour of the Georgia Port Terminal or Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Learn more and get outside today! outsidehiltonhead.com • outsidesav.com 843.686.6996 F d outsidehiltonhead

Let’s Skiff

Hop in a skiff, a unique boat that sits low in the water and promises an exhilarating ride. Island Skiff Adventure Tours provides an experienced guide for a 30-mile odyssey to explore aquatic environments close up. Enjoy exciting island history while you cruise through narrow waterways and creeks to spot elusive, unforgettable wildlife. Choose a skiff for a less traditional ride with stick steering and the occasional refreshing splash. islandskifftours.com 843.816.5976 F islandskifftours

A Vacation to Remember

MAKE MEMORIES AT THE SEA PINES RESORT

A Hilton Head Island getaway deserves a setting where you can celebrate cherished moments surrounded by natural beauty and gracious hospitality. Make it happen at one of the island’s most celebrated resorts. The Sea Pines Resort is lauded for its pristine landscape, world-class golf, abundant recreation and the iconic Harbour Town. The Inn & Club at Harbour Town was ranked No. 12 best hotel in the U.S. 2022 rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The Resort was honored in the 2022 Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Awards — Best Golf Resorts in the Carolinas. All three courses were ranked among Golfweek’s Best 2022 list of top resort golf courses in the United States. First-class hospitality is everywhere, making The Sea Pines Resort a preferred destination for a family vacation, wedding celebration or golf getaway.

Photos courtesy of The Sea Pines Resort / Rob Tipton

18th Hole at Harbour Town Golf Links

15th Hole at Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III WORLD-CLASS GOLF

Three incredible courses, each with its own character, offer players challenges and thrills. Play one or play the trifecta for an unparalleled golf experience.

As home of the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, Harbour Town Golf Links is the crown jewel of Sea Pines golf. The Pete Dye design begs players to use their imagination and finesse. A PGA TOUR pro favorite, it has some of the best par threes found on any course worldwide and a humbling par-four 18th hole.

Heron Point by Pete Dye is a striking mixture of beauty and challenge, and a perfect complement to Harbour Town. This can’t-miss track was previously named South Carolina Golf Course of the Year. The 18th hole is pure drama — a bunker shot that runs along the water.

Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III is the epitome of coastal golf, and was previously named Golf Course of the Year by the National Golf Course Owners Association. The spectacular 15th hole overlooking the Atlantic is one of only two oceanfront holes on Hilton Head Island. Showcasing these top-ranked courses is the Lighthouse Invitational, an exciting annual team event with competition for men and women amateurs.

The Golf Learning Center specializes in tailored instruction, from club fittings to the mental game. The Harbour Town Clubhouse welcomes golfers to the Pete Dye Room, signature pro shop, upscale dining at Links, an American Grill and other world-class amenities and services. Legendary golf here can be yours with one of the Resort’s golf packages. The Villa Golf Package includes play at one or all three courses, with a stay in a comfortable villa. seapines.com/golf • 843.842.8484 F d seapinesresort

RAISE A RACQUET

The Sea Pines Racquet Club in Harbour Town is a premier tennis and pickleball destination, featuring 20 clay courts and six dedicated pickleball courts along with programs, round robins and lessons for all skill levels. It’s also home of the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy for elite juniors, led by U.S. Open and Wimbledon champion Stan Smith. Pickleball newbies and aficionados can get in on the action and fun with Pickleball 101 and 102 programs for novice to experienced players. For stay-and-play packages, visit seapines.com/tennis, or call 843.785.3333.

Photo by Andrew Branning Quarterdeck

A TASTE OF SEA PINES

Destination dining shines at The Sea Pines Resort. Casual waterfront eateries, family-friendly options, sophisticated dining in a clubhouse setting — there’s something for everyone. The culinary team’s emphasis on fresh ingredients and innovative flavors is reflected in every restaurant and every dish.

The newly reopened Quarterdeck offers 270-degree views overlooking Harbour Town Yacht Basin, Calibogue Sound and the 18th hole of Harbour Town Golf Links. Choose from the expansive wraparound deck, indoor bar and dining area on the first floor, or new rooftop oyster bar. With a satisfying menu of freshly prepared seafood and classic dishes, Quarterdeck is waterfront dining at its finest.

Popular with Resort guests and day visitors alike, Coast at the Sea Pines Beach Club boasts oceanfront views. The chilled seafood tower is a crowd-pleaser for large dining parties.

The storied setting at Links, an American Grill, located in the Harbour Town Clubhouse, is an elevated dining experience with sweeping views of Harbour Town Golf Links. Dishes are prepared with farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Handcrafted cocktails,

Harbour Town Bakery & Café

Photo by Rob Tipton

Photo by Rob Tipton

craft beer and an impressive wine list round out the offerings.

The relaxed atmosphere at Fraser’s Tavern, in the Plantation Golf Club, is the perfect match for a tavern-inspired menu of house-smoked barbecue, salads and handhelds, plus craft beers on tap. Take in floor-to-ceiling views from your cozy booth, the bar area or the dining room.

Find more options for leisurely meals or a quick bite at other casual venues throughout the Resort. In season, kick back at Harbourside, located next to the famed Liberty Oak stage, where beloved local musician Gregg Russell performs his summer concerts for all ages. Start your day with a delightful breakfast and fresh-baked treats at Harbour Town Bakery & Café, across from the Gregg Russell Harbour Town Playground. The menu tempts with a variety of delicious items along with coffees, teas and specialty drinks like cappuccinos, lattes and espressos. Dine in surrounded by the bakery’s cozy charm, relax outside at an umbrella-shaded table, or pick up a meal to go using the Resort app to order ahead. seapines.com/dining • 843.785.3333 F d seapinesresort

The Inn & Club at Harbour Town

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

A romantic guest room in a boutique hotel. A spacious home for a family celebration. A secluded villa for a weeklong getaway. When it comes to accommodations, there’s no one-suite-fits-all at The Sea Pines Resort. You’ll find a range of accommodations for any group size or personal style, and all provide the comfort and amenities to make your stay relaxing and exciting. The best part? You’re never far from championship golf, excellent restaurants, Harbour Town or the natural beauty of the island.

For a plush retreat with no detail overlooked, The Inn & Club at Harbour Town offers the ultimate in luxury. How ultimate? The Inn & Club is worthy of AAA Four Diamond Award and Forbes Four Star Luxury status. The lovely Lowcountry surroundings, sumptuous guest rooms with world-class amenities, and legendary hospitality put you at ease to truly enjoy your vacation.

For your large family vacation, wedding party or group getaway, The Sea Pines Resort’s homes and villas provide ample space to relax and celebrate quality time together. Stylish two- to seven-bedroom vacation homes put you near the beach or golf courses, and many have a screened porch or deck, private pool, lush lawn and other homey touches. Secluded yet convenient, villa rentals are just right for a family vacation, with up to four bedrooms, numerous conveniences and access to golf or the beach. Find a Resort package tailored to your stay for a golf, tennis, couples getaway or family vacation. seapines.com/accommodations 843.785.3333

Sea Pines vacation rental home, 18 Bald Eagle

Photo by Rob Tipton

Family biking

Harbour Town Pier ADVENTURE FOR EVERYONE

With its iconic lighthouse as the backdrop and the Harbour Town Pier, Harbour Town is one of the most idyllic and Instagram-worthy places on Hilton Head Island. Take your time and go shopping in the unique gift shops and fashionable boutiques, and recharge with a casual lunch. A perfect evening includes dining on the waterfront. Children will have a blast at the Gregg Russell Harbour Town Playground, named for the popular local performer.

Harbour Town Yacht Basin is your starting point for exploring the waterways around Calibogue Sound. The full-service marina here welcomes guests arriving by boat, with hourly, daily, weekly and monthly dockage. Embark on a boat cruise, private fishing charter or a watersports outing and witness scenic landscapes and fascinating wildlife.

The Resort’s unspoiled beaches, maritime forests, meandering tidal creeks and lagoons invite outdoor adventure. Find contemplation along nature trails and maritime forests in the 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Saddle up for a Lowcountry exploration at Lawton Stables, its world-class equestrian center. Family-friendly eco-tours offer a glimpse of native wildlife. Get around on bikes; the Resort’s flat, smooth bike path network makes cruising around on two wheels an easy ride. Kids will find endless fun at the beach, sparkling pools and special themed activities.

The natural beauty of The Sea Pines Resort makes getting married here a momentous experience for newlyweds and guests alike. It’s no wonder many brides who grew up vacationing at the resort make it their wedding destination. Picturesque settings — the lawn adjacent to the 18th hole of Harbour Town Golf Links and Calibogue Sound, with the iconic lighthouse as a backdrop; the exquisite arch formed by the ancient Liberty Oak; the serene Sea Pines beach — are an enchanting way to begin a new life together in the company of loved ones. The Resort’s dedicated wedding specialists help couples create a flawless and extraordinary event to remember. seapines.com/weddings • 843.842.1495

Special moments and lasting memories, enhanced by natural wonder and uncompromising service at one of Hilton Head Island’s most magical resorts — The Sea Pines Resort is ready to make your vacation and celebrations a reality. seapines.com • 843.785.3333 F d seapinesresort

The Shops at Sea Pines Center

Salty Dog, Marina Harbour Town THE SHOPS AT SEA PINES CENTER

There’s a bright new look at one of Hilton Head Island’s favorite shopping and dining venues. Discover a variety of retail shops and boutiques, along with popular dining spots. The only gas station in Sea Pines is located at the east entrance, and a post office is nestled within the promenade. Every Tuesday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., check out the Farmers and Makers Market, featuring local produce, baked goods, tasty food, art and handcrafted gifts (April–November). Don’t miss the Art Market on the first Thursday of every month (April–November). theshopsatseapinescenter.com • 843.363.5699 F theshopsatseapinescenter d seapinescenter

HARBOUR TOWN

Against the backdrop of the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse, explore unique stores featuring apparel, home décor, gifts and jewelry, along with casual and family-friendly restaurants and outdoor cafés. The 114 steps to the top of the lighthouse chronicle the island’s history with memorabilia from the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. At the top, take in views of Calibogue Sound. Book charter boats for fishing, adventure cruises, dolphin-watching or watersports at the marina. Don’t miss local legend, Gregg Russell, performing popular spring, summertime and holiday concerts under the Liberty Oak. experienceharbourtown.com • 843.785.3333 F harbourtown d experienceharbourtown

SOUTH BEACH MARINA

For more than 35 years, South Beach Marina has been home to the legendary Salty Dog Café. Enjoy great food and, of course, hushpuppies on the waterfront deck. Grab a scoop (or two!) of homemade ice cream at Salty Dog Ice Cream before browsing Jake’s Cargo, Surf Shack and other shops. Explore the Lowcountry waterways with fishing excursions out of Blue Water Tackle Shop or paddleboarding, kayaking and parasailing from Island Water Sports. On land, rent bikes at South Beach Bicycle Rentals and tour the area, or stop by South Beach Racquet Club for pickleball and tennis court times, lessons and clinics. Or enjoy one of our daily pickleball round robins. saltydog.com • bluewaterhhi.com 843.671.2233 F saltydog d thesaltydogcafe

CHART your COURSE

TIME TO EXPLORE

People think of exercise as going to the gym, but being on “ Hilton Head Island’s forest preserve helps people connect with nature and discover what resonates with them.”

– DAVID CHESWORTH, PROGRAM DIRECTOR AT HILTON HEAD HEALTH