Discover where coastal luxury meets nautical freedom.
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking straight from your home- or your favorite tiki bar – to your boat and cruising the Lowcountry waterways, Hilton Head is the place. With miles of deep water, world-class marinas, and an active boating community, buying a boat slip in Hilton Head, South Carolina isn’t just convenient- it’s an investment in your lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking at buying a boat slip in Hilton Head to dock your 25’ center console or a 70’ sport yacht, this guide will help you understand where to buy, what to expect, and how to choose the perfect boat slip for your vessel and your wallet.
Buying a Boat Slip in Hilton Head, SC
Hilton Head isn’t just a vacation spot – it’s a boating paradise. Buying a slip here means joining a vibrant marina community, gaining easy access to open water, and enjoying amenities that rival resort living.
- Year-round boating with mild weather and deep-water access
- Rising property and slip values due to limited inventory
- Strong rental demand during peak seasons
- Protected harbors and hurricane-rated facilities
- Proximity to Bluffton, Savannah, and Daufuskie Island
Think of it as owning waterfront real estate – but with far less lawn care and much better views.
The Top Hilton Head Marinas for Boat Slips
Each marina offers its own character, amenities, and ownership structure. Here’s a quick overview of the most desirable marinas for 2025 buyers:
1. Windmill Harbour Marina
- Ownership type: Fee simple (“dockominium”)
- Slip sizes: 25’–70’
- Amenities: Locked harbour system (no tides!), SC Yacht Club, pool, fuel dock, ship store
- Vibe: Private, gated, and ideal for boat enthusiasts and sailboats
Insider tip: Windmill Harbour Marina Hilton Head Island is one of the only marinas in the U.S. with a lock system — your boat stays at a constant water level.
View current Windmill Harbour boat slips for sale →
2. Harbour Town Marina
- Ownership type: Fee simple (“dockominium”)
- Slip sizes: Up to 110’
- Amenities: World-class resort access, dining, shopping, lighthouse views
- Vibe: Iconic, social, upscale and ideal for liveaboards
If you’ve ever seen that red-striped lighthouse on a postcard, Harbour Town Marina is your marina.
See Harbour Town boat slips for sale and marina info →
3. Safe Harbor Skull Creek Marina
- Ownership type: Long-term lease or membership
- Slip sizes: 30’–80’
- Amenities: Skull Creek Boathouse, fuel dock, repair services, 24-hour security
- Vibe: Safe Harbor Skull Creek Marina is laid-back with unbeatable sunsets
Explore Safe Harbour Skull Creek boat slips for sale →
4. Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
- Ownership type: Lease
- Slip sizes: 15’–150’
- Amenities: Restaurants, shopping, live entertainment, harbor front condos
- Vibe: Social hub for boaters and vacationers alike
View all Hilton Head boat slips for sale →
Cost of Boat Slips in Hilton Head (2025 Snapshot)
| Marina | TYPICAL PRICE RANGE | ANNUAL FEES | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windmill Harbour | $55,000–$250,000 | ~$2,000–$4,500 | Lock-protected, rare resale inventory |
| Harbour Town | $225,000–$500,000 | ~$3,000–$6,000 | Premium location and amenities |
| Skull Creek | $45,000–$150,000 | ~$2,000–$3,500 | Excellent deep-water access |
| Shelter Cove | $50,000–$200,000 | ~$3,000–$5,000 | Strong rental demand and lifestyle perks |
Ownership vs. Rental: Which Makes Sense for You?
Buying a slip makes sense if you:
- Plan to boat regularly or live locally
- Want to build long-term equity
- Prefer fixed monthly costs instead of variable rental rates
Renting a slip might be better if you:
- Visit seasonally
- Want flexibility to upgrade boat size
- Aren’t ready for HOA fees or ownership commitments
Pro tip: Many owners buy slips and rent them out when they’re not in town. Windmill Harbour and Sea Pines owners often earn solid seasonal income this way.
What to Consider Before You Buy
Here’s your quick Hilton Head Boat Slip Buyer’s Checklist:
- Verify water depth and draft for your vessel
- Review tide patterns and lock systems
- Understand slip width and overhang restrictions
- Confirm HOA fees | POA fees and insurance requirements
- Ask about fuel, power hookups, and security
- Research resale trends and historical pricing
The Lifestyle: More Than Just a Slip
Owning a boat slip on Hilton Head means becoming part of an active coastal culture. Expect dock-side happy hours, yacht club regattas, dolphin sightings, and impromptu cruises to Daufuskie or Savannah. You’re not just buying moorage — you’re buying the freedom to drop anchor whenever you please.
Boat Slip FAQ
How much does an average boat slip cost?
Boat slip prices in Hilton Head, SC typically range from $45,000 to $500,000, depending on the marina, location, and slip size.
Smaller slips in communities like Safe Harbor Skull Creek Marina may start around $45K-$90K, while Windmill Harbour or Harbour Town Yacht Basin slips with premium amenities often exceed $60K-$500K.
Expect annual HOA or MOA fee for boat slip maintenance is between $2,000 and $6,000, which cover dredging, insurance, and dock upkeep.
Always verify water depth, ownership type (fee simple vs. leasehold), and resale history before buying — these factors greatly affect long-term value.
Is buying a boat slip a good investment?
Yes- buying a boat slip in Hilton Head can be a smart investment for both lifestyle and financial reasons.
- Limited inventory and high demand make marina slips appreciate steadily, especially in gated communities like Windmill Harbour and Shelter Cove.
- Owners can also generate passive income by renting out their slips seasonally to vacationers or visiting boaters.
- Unlike traditional real estate, marina property carries low maintenance and high lifestyle value — ideal for boat owners, retirees, and investors alike.
Example: Slips purchased around five years ago at $60,000 in select Hilton Head marinas have resold for $120,000+ in today’s market.
Can you live on a boat in a slip?
In some Hilton Head marinas, yes- but it depends on the location and marina rules.
- Windmill Harbour Marina and Shelter Cove allow limited liveaboard options (two weeks at a time), often with approval from the marina or yacht club.
- Amenities like water, power hookups, showers, and 24-hour security make living aboard comfortable for seasonal or full-time residents.
Harbour Town Yacht Basin is a full time liveaboard community and is also known for short-term docking.
Always confirm marina bylaws and POA policies before purchasing if liveaboard access is important to you.
Can you buy a marina slip?
Absolutely- many Hilton Head marinas offer fee-simple ownership, meaning you can buy and own the slip just like a condo.
Windmill Harbour Marina and Harbour Town Yacht Basin feature individually deeded slips that can be bought, sold, or rented.
Others, may operate on leasehold or membership models, where you own long-term usage rights rather than the deed.
Ownership gives you full control, potential appreciation, and the option to rent it out when not in use.
In short: Yes, you can own your slice of Hilton Head’s waterfront – without having to buy the entire dock.
The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Boat Slip in Hilton Head, SC
Ready to Find Your Hilton Head Boat Slip?
Whether you’re searching for Windmill Harbour, Harbour Town Yacht Basin, or Skull Creek Marina, Simply Grand Properties can help you find the perfect boat slips for sale in Hilton Head.
Contact Bill Grand at SimplyGrandProperties.com or call (843) 212-6330 to start your search. Your next Lowcountry adventure is already waiting at the dock.
