Windmill Harbour Marina: A Deep-Water Port on Hilton Head Island

What Windmill Harbour Marina Offers

Windmill Harbour Marina is a full-service deep-water marina on Hilton Head Island's western shore, accessible year-round without tide restrictions. The facility sits on Calibogue Sound, a protected waterway between Hilton Head and Daufuskie Island, and can accommodate vessels up to 120 feet. The marina operates as a private facility with transient slips available to the public, though overnight docking requires advance notice and space is limited during peak season.

The marina's primary draw is its depth—the basin maintains 8 to 10 feet of water at mean low tide, which means larger boats can dock without waiting for high tide. This matters on the South Carolina coast, where many smaller marinas dry out or become inaccessible during low tide. Windmill Harbour also sits close to the Intracoastal Waterway, making it a natural stop for cruisers moving up and down the Atlantic coast.

Key Takeaways

• Windmill Harbour maintains deep water year-round and can dock vessels up to 120 feet, unlike many Hilton Head marinas that depend on tide.
• The marina offers transient slips for overnight guests, but availability is tight during summer months and requires calling ahead.
• On-site amenities include fuel, pump-out service, and a ship's store, though dining and lodging are not at the marina itself.
• The location on Calibogue Sound puts you near Daufuskie Island and within easy reach of the Intracoastal Waterway north and south.
• Windmill Harbour is privately operated and does not offer public day-use docking or casual walk-on access to the docks.

Docking and Slip Availability

Windmill Harbour operates transient slips for boats passing through, but the number of available spaces is small relative to the marina's permanent resident fleet. During the winter months (November through March), when cruisers migrate south along the Intracoastal, transient slips fill quickly. Summer availability is usually better, though the heat and humidity make it less popular with cruisers.

To reserve a transient slip, you must call the marina directly—there is no online booking system. The marina staff will ask your vessel's length, draft, and expected arrival time. If space is available, they will hold a slip pending your arrival. Rates vary by season and vessel size; the marina does not publish rates online, so expect to discuss pricing during your call.

The marina does not offer day-use docking for casual visitors or fishermen. If you want to tie up for a few hours, you will need to use a different facility or anchor in the sound if conditions permit.

Fuel, Water, and Mechanical Services

Windmill Harbour sells diesel and gasoline at the fuel dock, and fresh water is available at each slip. The marina also operates a pump-out station for holding tanks, which is essential for cruisers staying overnight. These services are standard at most full-service marinas, but their presence at Windmill Harbour means you do not have to leave the facility to refuel or pump out before heading north or south on the Intracoastal.

The marina maintains a small ship's store stocked with basic supplies—ice, snacks, charts, and common hardware items. For major repairs or haul-out service, Windmill Harbour does not have a boatyard on-site. The nearest full-service boatyard is Calibogue Cruising Outfitters, also on Hilton Head, about 2 miles away by water.

Nearby Attractions and Dining

Windmill Harbour's location on Calibogue Sound puts you within easy reach of Daufuskie Island, a car-free community accessible only by boat or ferry. The island has a handful of restaurants and bars, including the Marshside Mama and Daufuskie Island Rum Bar, both popular with boaters. The ferry from Hilton Head takes about 45 minutes, but many cruisers anchor in the sound and take a dinghy to the island instead.

On Hilton Head itself, the marina is on the quieter western side of the island, away from the resort and shopping areas. Shelter Cove Marina, about 4 miles away by road, sits in a more developed area with restaurants and shops within walking distance. If you want to explore Hilton Head's beaches or downtown Beaufort (about 30 minutes by car), you will need to arrange ground transportation—the marina does not offer shuttle service.

Getting to Windmill Harbour by Water

From the north on the Intracoastal Waterway, Windmill Harbour is roughly 40 nautical miles south of Beaufort and about 20 miles north of the Georgia border. The approach from the Intracoastal is straightforward: you exit the main channel at marker 21 and follow the signs into Calibogue Sound. The entrance channel is well-marked and maintains adequate depth for most cruising sailboats and powerboats.

From the south, if you are coming from Georgia or Florida, the route is the same in reverse. The sound itself is protected from ocean swells, making it a comfortable anchorage in most weather. However, Calibogue Sound can get choppy during strong winds, particularly when the tide is running hard against the wind.

Seasonal Considerations and Weather

Windmill Harbour is open year-round, but the cruising season on the South Carolina coast runs roughly October through April. Winter months bring cooler temperatures and calmer seas, making it ideal for boats heading south. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through September.

Hurricane season runs June through November, with peak activity in September and October. Windmill Harbour is in a protected sound, which offers some shelter, but the marina does not have a hurricane hole or secure anchorage for boats to ride out major storms. If a hurricane threatens, many cruisers either leave the area or haul out at a boatyard. The marina staff can advise on conditions and options if severe weather approaches.

Contact and Planning Your Visit

Windmill Harbour Marina is located at 907 Calibogue Road, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928. The marina's phone number is (843) 671-2704. Call ahead to confirm transient slip availability and to discuss rates, which depend on your vessel's size and the season.

If you are cruising the Intracoastal for the first time, allow extra time to locate the marina entrance and navigate into Calibogue Sound. The approach is safe and well-marked, but unfamiliar territory always takes longer. Arrive during daylight hours if possible, and have your vessel's draft and length ready when you call for a reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I anchor in Calibogue Sound instead of renting a slip?

Yes. Calibogue Sound is open to public anchoring, and many cruisers anchor for free rather than pay for a transient slip. The holding is generally good sand and mud. However, anchoring puts you farther from fuel and pump-out services, and you will need a dinghy to reach shore or the marina facilities.

What is the shallowest draft that can enter Windmill Harbour?

The entrance channel and basin maintain 8 to 10 feet at mean low tide, so vessels drawing 6 feet or less should have no trouble. Boats drawing 7 to 8 feet can usually enter, but you should call ahead and discuss your specific draft with the marina staff, especially if you are arriving during a neap tide (when the tidal range is smallest).

Is there a restaurant at the marina?

No. Windmill Harbour has a ship's store but no on-site dining. Daufuskie Island, accessible by boat, has several casual restaurants. For more dining options, you will need to travel to Hilton Head's developed areas or nearby Beaufort.

How far is Windmill Harbour from the open ocean?

The marina sits about 5 nautical miles from Calibogue Sound's mouth at Calibogue Pass, where the sound meets the Atlantic. The pass is navigable but can be rough during strong winds or when ocean swells are running. Most cruisers use Windmill Harbour as a stop on the Intracoastal rather than as a base for ocean cruising.

Do I need a reservation to visit the fuel dock?

No. The fuel dock is available to transient boats and visiting cruisers without a slip reservation. However, call ahead if you plan to arrive during busy times, as the fuel dock may have a wait. Pump-out service typically requires a slip reservation or prior arrangement.