Kayak With Dolphins in Historic Shem Creek

Curious dolphins often breach nearby to check you out!

Paddle down historic Shem Creek lined with shrimp boats to see dolphins, manatees and Outer Banks filming sites!

Resident dolphins are frequent visitors in Shem Creek and out into Charleston Harbor

Hidden side creeks offer different ecosystems and a little Live Oak shade!

A portion of your tour or rental supports local wildlife. Every year, the CE Foundation supports sea turtles, sea birds & kids through the funds we raise.

Before every tour, we help you get your gear ready and give some on-land instruction. No experience needed for a great time.

Our private dock on the quiet end of Shem Creek is the perfect starting point for a kayak tour

Our guides are great paddlers & storytellers. Fodor's calls owner Chris Crolley the "Lowcountry's preeminent naturalist, and his guides reflect that reputation."

Gift shop that benefits wildlife, clean bathrooms & private (free!) parking lot for your comfort.

Duration2h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 18 travelers

Overview

Paddle into the heart of Charleston’s most iconic tidal creek on this guided kayak adventure. From our private dock on Shem Creek, you’ll slip past shrimp boats and oyster beds into quiet saltmarshes alive with wildlife. Keep your eyes open for bottlenose dolphins surfacing nearby, pelicans diving for fish, and graceful egrets hunting along the banks. In summer months, even manatees and sea turtles visit these waters. Along the way, your naturalist guide shares stories of Lowcountry history and ecology, ensuring the experience is both fun and enriching. Stable kayaks, expert instruction, and small group sizes make this tour safe and enjoyable for all ages. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or seasoned adventurer, this is one of the best ways to see Charleston from the water.

What's included

Kayaking Gear (Sea Kayak, Paddle, Personal Flotation Device)
2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour
Professional Guide with storytelling & safety skills
Dry Bag (to keep phone & personal belongings from getting wet)

Our guides are passionate naturalists who bring these wild places to life. If your trip was meaningful, tips are a great way to say thank you. You will be given the option to add gratuity at the end.

What to expect

20m

Once you check in at Coastal Expeditions, your guides will prepare your group for the adventure by fitting your gear and offering a brief safety and instruction on how to sea kayak. Once we're on the water, we'll take a minute to get our "sea legs" before we paddle down towards the historic portion of Shem Creek and Charleston Harbor. We will return to this point at the end of the tour.
Shem Creek Park
1h 40m

Historic Shem Creek is one of the most iconic spots in Charleston and is known for its shrimp boats, seafood restaurants and wildlife. Bottlenose dolphins frequent this creek and will often breach just feet away from your kayak. In the summers, manatees call Shem Creek home and loggerhead turtles will occasionally pop above the surface. As you pass by the shrimp boats and oyster-lined marshes, you see Charleston Harbor and the Holy City Skyline. The Netflix show Outer Banks films on Shem Creek and your guide can show you familiar places where Pogues hang out!

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Coastal Expeditions is located at the end of Mill Street on the left. Parking is available in the private lot. If the lot is full, public parking is available on Mill or Scott Streets. Check in upstairs in the Coastal Expeditions office.

End point

Coastal Expeditions is located at the end of Mill Street on the left. Parking is available in the private lot. If the lot is full, public parking is available on Mill or Scott Streets. Check in upstairs in the Coastal Expeditions office.

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (487)