ABOUT THE PALMETTO DUNES LAGOON

The Hilton Head Island lagoon system was created in the 1970s to address two major issues at the resort: shallow waterways and an eroding beachfront. Due to receding tides and ground seepage of water through the then narrow dune zone, the 150-foot wide beach was too waterlogged at low tide to be of use. At high tide the 3-mile long beach would almost disappear!

The resort enlisted the help of world-renowned Danish engineer Dr. Per Bruun to find a solution to their damp dilemma. His answer was to dredge 2 million cubic yards of sand, to create the 11-mile saltwater lagoon system, and transport it to the beachfront. The sand was then sculpted into the picturesque 11-foot dunes you see today. What started out as a marshy area no one could enjoy was crafted into a stunning new beach that was 4 to 5 feet higher and 120 to 150 feet wider than before!

​

Our Hilton Head lagoon system is home to turtles and alligators, as well as over 40 species of birds. Make sure your camera or phone is waterproof so you can get some great wildlife shots while you're fishing in the lagoon! You can get a sneak peak of our three golf courses by boat too! Arthur Hills, George Fazio and Robert Trent Jones courses can all be seen as you make your way through the lagoon network.