Kayak With Dolphins in Historic Shem Creek

5.0 (487 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

487 reviews

5.0

Curious dolphins often breach nearby to check you out! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Paddle down historic Shem Creek lined with shrimp boats to see dolphins, manatees and Outer Banks filming sites! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Private and Luxury Kayaking Tours Water Tours Excellent Quality Involves Animals Top Product Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 18 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Coastal Expeditions

Ages: Children (2–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

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

Not included

Not included: Gratuities: 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.

Itinerary

Stop 1

20 min

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

1 h 40 min

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 point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

Using your ticket

Come up the stairs and check in at the desk. Your guide will meet you on the deck overlooking Shem Creek.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.