From booking to checking in or planning your trip to check-out, here are a few things you should know about Palmetto Dunes Resort while you are here.
If you have any questions about Palmetto Dunes Resort or Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina please contact us at (888) 909-9566. Our hours are 7 days a week, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Palmetto Dunes Resort General Rules & Regulations
Help us ensure that your visit to our resort is safe and comfortable by complying with the following resort rules and regulations.
Please help keep the resort beautiful by depositing all debris in litter receptacles. Place garbage bags in the service yard or the disposal chute for collection. Please do not place your garbage by the curb or any secondary location.
Please do not place towels and bathing suits on railings or balconies.
Do not place hammocks/swings, signs, balloons, or other lawn ornaments on the property.
Boats and personal watercraft may not be stored in Palmetto Dunes Resort managed vacation rentals. Shelter Cove Marina space may be available and must be arranged prior to arrival.
Boats and personal watercraft cannot be deployed inside the resort for use on the lagoon system.
Personal golf carts, motorcycles, buses, RV’s, and motorhomes are prohibited in Palmetto Dunes Resort.
Cyclists and pedestrians shall use leisure paths where available. Automobiles have the right of way.
Some properties do not allow charcoal or gas grills. Please check with the front desk to confirm.
Fireworks are prohibited; burning of any kind is prohibited.
There is no smoking allowed within any vacation rentals, resort shops or restaurants.
No swimming in lakes or lagoons.
Palmetto Dunes Resort Managed Vacation Rentals
Check-in time
Begins at 4 p.m.
Early check-in is not available. Check-in process begins at 4 p.m. but not all vacation rentals will be available at 4 p.m. If you should arrive early, you are welcome to enjoy the resort amenities — this includes golf, tennis, pickleball, beach, biking, kayaking and more while you wait for your vacation rental to become available. You may also grab a bite to eat at one of our on-site restaurants including Big Jim’s Restaurant or The Dunes House Bar & Grill on the beach or head over to Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina and stroll the shops and restaurants on the water.
Late Check-in
After 7 p.m.
If you will be checking in after business hours, your check-in packet will be available just outside the Welcome Center. You will see a sign that says "After Hours Check-In Area.” A cell phone number and email address will be needed by all guests checking in to the resort. A locker will be assigned to each guest arriving after hours. A passcode will be given to access the locker. The locker will contain keys/key code for the unit, directions, and applicable car passes. For guests that know ahead of time that they will be arriving late, please email frontdesk@palmettodunes.com. Guests will need to formally check-in with the Front Desk the following day.
Check-out time
10:00 a.m.
All keys must be returned to the front desk on the day of checkout. Lost keys result in a $30 charge per each key. If departing prior to 8 a.m., please return keys to the welcome center by placing in the key slot to the left of the front door at the welcome center. After checking out of your vacation rental, feel free to continue enjoying all the amenities and experiences at Palmetto Dunes for the remainder of the day.
Deposit
50% of the total cost is due at the time of making your reservation. The balance is due 60 days prior to arrival for homes, and 30 days prior to arrival for villa/condo properties.
Fees & Taxes
The Palmetto Dunes Vacation Rental Resort Fee includes 24-hour security, one car pass, seasonal resort transportation, wi-fi hot spots around the resort and processing fees. This is a nonrefundable fee.
The current Transient Occupancy Tax (includes state, county, and local taxes) is 10% that will be applied to your Palmetto Dunes Resort Managed vacation rental and is subject to change without notice.
Internet Access
We know how important access to the internet may be to you and your family members while on vacation. All of our Palmetto Dunes Resort managed vacation rentals have internet access. Each unit’s internet access credentials are located in the blue binder.
On Hilton Head Island, and more particularly within Palmetto Dunes Resort, the internet connection is a fiber optic network. But please remember we are an island, where life not only slows down, but so does the internet. Connecting multiple devices over long periods of time in your vacation rental will be challenging. We encourage you to utilize your own unlimited data plans when you can for important Zoom meetings for school and work.
Throughout the resort at each of our golf courses, restaurants and amenities all guests have access to free wifi. But we encourage you to take the time to recharge your mind, body and soul, not your gadgets. Unplugging is a big part of what makes a vacation feel like a vacation.
Cancellation Policies
Palmetto Dunes Managed Vacation Rentals
Cancellations made 30 days or more prior to arrival by Guest for villa/condominium rentals and 60 days or more prior to arrival for private home rentals, will receive a refund of any deposit paid, less an administrative fee of $100.00. Any other cancellation on the part of the Guest will result in the forfeiture of any and all deposits or payments, which will be retained by the Agent and Owner as liquidated damages. However, cancellations made for ocean front homes (11 Armada, 18 Armada, 17 Brigantine and 9 Catboat) will be as follows:
a. cancellations made more than 60 days prior to arrival will receive a refund of any deposit paid, less an administrative fee of $250.00;
b. cancellations made 31 – 59 days prior to arrival will forfeit half any deposit paid;
c. cancellations made within 30 days of arrival will forfeit entire amount of any deposit paid;
Guest agrees that if the premises are made unavailable due to circumstances beyond Agent's control, including but not limited to damage or change of ownership, Agent shall make its best efforts to make available substitute accommodations. If for any reason substitute accommodations cannot be secured on behalf of Guest, Agent's liability shall not be greater than the amount of Guest monies and deposits held by Agent in respect to Guest's reservation set forth in this agreement. Guest may not sublet or assign this Rental Agreement without the express written consent of Agent.
Golf
In order to provide the best selection of available tee times, we require our guests to secure their tee time reservations with a credit card. Your card will not be charged when the reservation is made. However, you are subject to a payment penalty if you do not show for your tee time or if you reduce your number of players without at least 24 hours of advance notice. If you need to cancel or modify your tee time, you must call reservations at (866) 380-1778 at least 24 hours before your tee time to avoid a payment penalty.
Golf Groups
Inclement Weather is not an acceptable reason for the cancellation of an event unless the course officially closes. In the event of closure of the course, a full rain check will be issued. For those players who have completed less than 4 holes of play, a full rain check will be issued. For those players who have completed less than 13 holes of play, a ½ rain check will be issued. No rain check will be issued to those players who have completed 13 or more holes of play.
Tennis & Pickleball
For individuals and small groups, cancellations must be made at least one hour prior to any clinic, lesson, or round-robin in order to receive a refund.
For large groups that book activities and court time in advance, 48 hours is needed in order to make a cancellation.
For any information regarding cancellations please call (888) 879-2053.
Hilton Head Outfitters Bike Rentals
Hilton Head Outfitters will issue a full refund for the bike rental at any time as long as the equipment has not left the store.
Hilton Head Outfitters Kayak & Canoe Rentals
Cancellations made at least 24 hours or more before the rental time will be issued a full refund.
Hilton Head Outfitters Surf Lessons
Cancellations made at least 24 hours or more before the lesson will be issued a full refund. A cancellation made within 24 hours of the lesson will be subject to a charge of half the amount of the lesson fee to cover time paid for instructor and loss of the ability to book other people in that time slot.
Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar Reservations
As a courtesy to other guests and staff, we ask that you give us a call to make any dinner reservation cancellations.
Shelter Cove Marina Slip Rentals, Fishing Charters & Other Activities
Slip Rentals
Any cancellation outside 24 hours of the day of the slip rental reservation will receive a full refund. Except in the case an unforeseen natural disaster, severe weather or boating mechanical issues that cause you to cancel your reservation outside the cancellation window.Fishing Charters
Any cancellation outside 48 hours of the trip will receive a full refund. Cancellations within 48 hours of the start of your trip will result in a charge for the full amount of the fishing charter reservation. Weather cancellations are made by the captains only.Other Marina Activities
All other activities at Shelter Cove Marina have a 7 day to 24-hour cancellation policy. Only Captains/Operators reserve the right to cancel any trips due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Please reference each charter’s cancellation policy on the Shelter Cove website.
Resort Shops Merchandise Return Policy
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort retail operations (Golf Shops, Tennis Pro Shop, Hilton Head Outfitters and Shelter Cove Marina Ship’s Store) will accept returns and exchanges with a valid receipt for 30 days after purchase. All return merchandise must be in new and unworn condition with tags and/or original packaging. Returns with receipts will be refunded in the same form of original payment. Returns without receipts will be refunded in the form of Merchandise Credit on a Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Gift Card at the current sale price. If applicable, customers are responsible for return shipping (trackable shipping is encouraged). Merchandise exchanges that require shipping will be charged a flat $15 shipping fee. Restrictions may apply.
Resort Access, Transportation & Parking
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is a community for guests, full-time residents, and part-time residents. If you are visiting the following resort amenities, you do not need a pass and can proceed directly to your destination via our main entrance at Queen’s Folly Road.
Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
Palmetto Dunes General Store
Hilton Beachfront Resort
Palmetto Dunes Pass Office
Palmetto Dunes Welcome Center
Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center
Robert Trent Jones Golf Course and Pro Shop
Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza Restaurant
Hilton Head Outfitters
If you have a reservation at the Omni Resort, please go directly to the South Gate to pick up your pass. If you have a tee time for the Fazio or Arthur Hills Golf Course, please go directly to the South Gate to pick up your pass. Visitors to the Leamington/Hilton Head Lighthouse must check-in at the South Gate.
Car Passes
For those staying in a Palmetto Dunes Resort managed vacation rental, car passes will be issued at guest check-in and are required to enter the gates of Palmetto Dunes Resort. A surcharge will be applied to additional passes requested upon arrival. Please make sure that you have ordered the correct amount of car passes for your stay, in advance. The security gates are separate from the rental companies and will not allow access without a preordered gate pass. Please note that parking is limited within the resort so all properties will have restrictions on the total amount of passes ordered.
All other visitors must obtain a pass at the Pass Office located at 16 Queen’s Folly Road. Pass Office hours vary seasonally. All car passes must be displayed on your dashboard at all times.
Parking
Parking on the roadway is not permitted. Parking on lawns is not permitted. Park in designated parking spaces only. Any improperly parked vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense.
** Parking at Mainsail complex: Only owner vehicles with a Shelter Cove owner’s decal/pass are permitted to be parked inside of the parking garages.
Dunes Buggy
The Palmetto Dunes Buggy provides courtesy transportation seasonally within Palmetto Dunes Resort, Leamington, and Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina as well as Shelter Cove Towne Centre and the Plaza at Shelter Cove.
The 2024 Dunes Buggy season runs from March 18 through Labor Day. For the month of March it will operate from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Starting in April, the hours will change to 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
This is an on-demand service and vehicles will be dispatched on a first-come, first-served, basis as requests are received. For a pickup, call (843) 689-4222. In the event of a customer service question or comment, please phone (843) 785-1109.
Island Buggy
Explore Hilton Head in style with Island Buggy, for your island transportation! Whether cruising to the beach, exploring Palmetto Dunes, or planning a day trip, our premium transportation ensures a smooth and memorable ride. Airport and wedding transportation is also available. Book your buggy today and save with promo code DUNES at checkout, exclusively for Palmetto Dunes visitors. Dunes Buggy website.
The Breeze Trolley – Hilton Head Island Transportation
The Breeze Trolley is one of the best ways to get around the island. The green and light gray trolleys offer a vintage look and feel complete with nostalgic wood interiors, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and plenty of comfortable wood seating with additional space for standees. They are wheelchair accessible and are equipped with bicycle racks for two bikes.
All rides are FREE. The trolley service, operated by Palmetto Breeze, runs from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, making designated stops every 30 minutes along the route from Shelter Cove Towne Centre to Coligny Plaza. The Breeze is available seasonally. For more information please visit the Breeze Trolley website.
Taxi Services, Uber, Lyft and other paid transportation
Uber has a contract with the Palmetto Dunes Resort Pass Office where $2 is automatically added to the Uber fair via the Uber app. Lyft, taxies and any other paid transportation is charged a $15 entry fee.
Grocery & Food Delivery
To encourage safe practices during COVID-19, there will be no resort entry fee ($15/day) for all food delivery services for a limited time.
Package/Mail Delivery
Please have all mail sent to the Palmetto Dunes Welcome Center at 4 Queen’s Folly Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Mail/packages can not be delivered to individual residences within the resort.
Speed Limits
The speed limit within Palmetto Dunes Resort is 25 MPH, except where otherwise posted.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
There are four EV charging stations located near Palmetto Dune Resorts.
Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina, 1 Harbourside Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Omni Resort and Spa (South Parking Lot), 23 Ocean Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Omni Resort and Spa (North Parking Lot) 23 Ocean Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, 7 Trent Jones Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Memberships
Currently, we do not offer golf memberships at Palmetto Dunes. However, we invite you to explore our tennis and pickleball membership options, which provide excellent access to world-class facilities and programs. For details on memberships, including rates and benefits, please visit:
Resort Gratuity Guidelines
Gratuities for restaurant dining, housekeeping, and other service staff may be given at your discretion.
Dress Code
Some restaurants and activities call for a little more polish than others. Please keep this in mind when you’re planning and packing.
Golf
The dress code policy at all Palmetto Dunes golf courses is collared shirts. Dress for the weather. Be comfortable and a hat is advised. Our Pro Shop has a large selection of hats, gloves, and clothing. Tennis shoes are adequate. Running shoes are not designed for golf. No denim cut-offs or tank tops, please.
Tennis
Proper tennis attire and shoes are required on tennis and pickleball courts. Closed-toed athletic shoes only (not crocs), men must have shirts on, no sports bras or bikini tops.
Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
In an effort to provide an enjoyable experience for our guests and staff, we ask that you follow our dress code policy below:
No Beach Attire (including cut-off shorts)
No Athletic Wear
Men: No Sleeveless Shirts or Tank Tops
Women: No Tank Tops or Revealing Shirts
Men are prohibited from wearing hats inside the restaurant
The comfort of our guests is top priority, although we feel that the above attire is inappropriate for our venue. Any patron not adhering to these guidelines will be asked to leave and correct their errors. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Golf Pace of Play
With the average round time at Palmetto Dunes to be about four hours, 20 minutes, please keep in mind the following while golfing at Palmetto Dunes: keep up with the group in front of you, not in front of the group behind you and please heed any warnings from our rangers. Palmetto Dunes Rangers are there to help all golfers have an enjoyable experience, which means every once in a while they may urge a slower group to step up the pace.
Military Discount for Golf Policy
Discounts are offered to active and retired service members. You must mention military discount at the time of booking and present a valid military ID when checking in to receive this discount. Discounts apply only to tee times booked no more than 24 hrs in advance.
Beaches
Please note that while the Palmetto Dunes Resort is private, the beach is public and is under the jurisdiction of the Town of Hilton Head Island. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department patrols the beaches and enforces all beach regulations. Violators of beach regulations are subject to fines up to $500 per each offense.
The following are prohibited on all beaches:
Alcoholic liquor, beer, wine
Glass (bottles, containers, etc.)
Littering
Indecent exposure (nudity)
Disorderly conduct
Disturbing the peace
Unauthorized vehicles
Fires and Fireworks
Shark Fishing
Removal, harming, or harassment of any live beach fauna (sea turtles, sand dollars, conchs, starfish, etc.)
Removal, alteration, or damage to dunes, sea oats, or other dune flora
Operation, launching, or landing of unauthorized motorized watercraft
Unauthorized commercial activity
Sleeping on the beach between midnight and 6 a.m.
Unauthorized wearing of lifeguard emblems, insignias, etc.
Solicitation or distribution of handouts
Kites not under manual control
Stunt kites 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. April 1 through September 30
Sand-sailing
For questions or more information about beach regulations:
Town of Hilton Head Island: (843) 341-4600
Beach Patrol: (843) 785-3494
Pools
Several complexes have their own community pool. Guests have access to the community pool in the complex they are staying in. If the community pool is under maintenance or unexpectedly closed there is no alternate pool for your use. Sorry, there is no public resort pool for everyone to use within Palmetto Dunes Resort. Certain community pools are open seasonally and usually open on or around April 1st. Please practice safe swimming techniques, as there are no lifeguards on duty.
Noise
Loud music or excessive noise is not allowed at any time. Please be considerate of others.
Pet Policies
Pets are not permitted at any of the Palmetto Dunes Resort managed vacation rental properties unless it is during the pet-friendly season of October - March and it is designated as a pet-friendly unit. Violation of this policy will result in cancellation of the reservation and additional fines may apply.
There are a few guidelines that apply to your pet’s stay. We only allow one dog with a weight limit of no more than 40 pounds. There is a pet fee per vacation rental paid in advance. The resort, parent company, and staff will not be responsible for any liability involving your dog with respect to property damages, injuries, or any other incident.
Pets are not permitted on the beach between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Pets must always be on a leash between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. April 1 through Thursday before Memorial Day and under positive voice control at all other times. Please do not allow pets to chase or harass wildlife. Please pick up after your pets on the beach and common areas.
Service Dogs
Service dogs are permitted anywhere in the resort, including non-pet-friendly vacation rentals, restaurants and anywhere else within the resort. A service dog is a dog that is trained for and provides a specific service to the handler, such as a guide dog. Therapy dogs and emotional support animals (ESA) are not the same as service dogs and do not fall under ADA regulations.
Wildlife, Vegetation, Water Safety & the Environment
Fishing Regulations
Guests are allowed to fish in the lagoons and lakes from boats, kayaks or canoes and from land in the common areas of Palmetto Dunes and Leamington. Guests renting a property with direct access to the lagoons (or lakes) may also fish from their property rental. Fishing from bridges is not allowed due to safety concerns. S.C. Department of Natural Resources fishing regulations apply to all persons fishing in the lagoons and lakes within Palmetto Dunes, and fishermen should know and follow those regulations. For more information please visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website. Also, shark fishing is prohibited on our beaches and all fishing and surfcasting are not prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from April 1 - Sept. 30.
Wildlife
Animal lovers flock to Hilton Head Island every year because of our unique and thriving ecosystem. It's important that you never feed any wildlife of any kind. We put together a list of common critters you’ll meet while exploring Palmetto Dunes Resort and Shelter Cove Marina:
Alligators: You may encounter an alligator when walking near the water. While we do not wish to inspire fear, we do want to remind our guests to always use caution around bodies of water and to remain vigilant of their surroundings. Hilton Head Island’s alligators aren’t aggressive by nature, but they can be dangerous if attacked, provoked or during mating season (April - June). If you’re trying to snap a photo, use your zoom lens. If you are walking a pet, please use extreme caution and always walk your pet on a leash and never near the water. A safe distance from an adult alligator should be maintained at about 60 feet. If the alligator hisses or lunges at you, you are too close. Never feed, taunt, or approach an alligator. They are very quick on their feet. If you encounter an alligator that is aggressive or have a safety concern, please call (843) 785-1120.
Lizards: Most are harmless with the exception of red ones. These guys love to hang out and scurry around in the summer. Please keep your doors and windows closed when no screen is present, as these friendly guys will come in and make themselves at home. They are harmless, but are impossible to catch once they are inside.
Spiders & Snakes: We have many species both venomous & non-venomous. Please be cognizant of your surroundings and try to avoid walking in/around tall grass, bushes, or otherwise secluded areas, as these types of critters are doing their best to avoid you, as much as you are trying to avoid them.
No See Ums: Looks like a flea —best avoided by utilizing insect repellent.
Palmetto Bugs: Looks like a cockroach, these guys are “regulars” to the southeast and are most visible after rain or during a damp day. You will encounter one of these guys while visiting the Lowcountry.
Loggerhead Turtles: Lights are not permitted on or near the beach evenings from May - Oct so mothers can nest and hatchlings can find their way to the ocean. It’s certainly okay to be fascinated by these lovely creatures, but it is imperative that you follow the rules around them so they can go about their business uninterrupted. Not following the rules around them could be dire to their return.
Dolphins: It might be tempting to feed or bait a dolphin, so they come a little closer to your boat—please don’t! These clever creatures are resourceful and find their grub all on their own.
If you see injured wildlife on the island, you can call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Hotline (24 hours a day/7 days a week) at (800) 922-5431.
Water Safety
Swim with a buddy: Don't swim alone, and make sure someone knows where you are. Know your limits. Don't overestimate your swimming abilities, and stay in water that's chest deep or less.
Be aware of rip currents: Look for gaps in breaking waves to spot rip currents. Hilton Head Island Shore Beach Service raise red flags on the beach when there's “rough surf conditions” and a moderate risk of rip currents. Please review this information regarding what do if you are caught in a rip current.
Pay attention to tide times: The beach can change dramatically between high and low tide.
Avoid diving: Don't dive into unknown water or shallow breaking waves. Go feet first. This helps prevent spinal injuries.
Beach Vegetation
All beach dune vegetation is protected by Hilton Head Island Town ordinances and not allowed to be cut or removed because of their critical role in building dunes that help protect our island in storm events.
Bring your own bags
Chances are you’ll need to do some grocery shopping while you’re here, and you should know that Hilton Head Island recently banned single-use plastic bags (they’re also potentially disastrous for the marine life). For more information please visit the Hilton Head Island's website on the ban of single-use plastic bags.
Drones
The Palmetto Dunes Property Association can approve commercial use of drones through their application process, but use by guests is prohibited.
During Shelter Cove Fireworks
Flying a drone around or through a fireworks show is illegal.