Scenes of Shem Creek History and Shrimp Walking Tour

5.0 (191 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

191 reviews

5.0

Handful of local shrimp! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Throwing the cast net at the end of the tour! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This walking tour led by Captain Bryan is not your average "sit there and shut up" tour where the guide won't even remember you. Rather, after brief introduction, Captain Bryan will lead you on a historic journey of how Shem Creek came to prominence with its famous shrimping fleet and much more. Unlike any other tour in the area, guests have a chance to see the industry at work. The first half of the tour will contain history of the area and discuss events back to the early 1700's, the second half of the tour will specifically cover the Shrimp Industry. This is not a tour, it is an experience to immerse yourself in the Shem Culture. Take back history, culture, language, but most of all guests will take from this experience an underlying appreciation for our local shrimpers and the history behind these hard working men and women.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Seasonal Excellent Quality Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Charleston Historic Tours LLC

Ages: Children (3–9 years) · Youth (10–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Small prize at end of the tour

Itinerary

Stop 1

15 min

Guests will take Mary Street to get a overview of the Charleston Harbor and the changes this seaside community would endure due to conflict, natural disasters, and insect infestations.
Stop 2

5 min

Guest will pass by the home of the first commercial shrimper on Shem Creek and see the "shrimp shacks." Where the original shrimpers used to live in this historic neighborhood.
Shem Creek

10 min

Guests will walk by the Captain Peter Lewis House (1855) and discuss the importance of the ferry system that once operated on Shem Creek.
Stop 4

10 min

Guest will view the Hibben House, the oldest structure standing in the Town and dating back to the mid 1700's. History will allow us to understand how commercial shrimping would begin in the area.
Stop 5

10 min

Guests will see an assortment of locally sourced seafood at this generational family facility and discuss the decline of this important fishery. How the town went from nearly 100 trawlers down to 4 by 1998.
Shem Creek Park

15 min

Guests will traverse the boardwalk to see the Shrimp Trawlers and learn how they operate. We will finish the tour with a cast net demonstration to learn how to catch your own shrimp!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We meet on corner of Coleman Blvd and Mill street outside of the public parking garage/office. It is the only 4 story office building in the immediate area. There is a circular flower arrangement on that corner that I will be near with a grey hat and tour guide badge on.

End point

The tour ends a short walk away from starting location on a beautiful public boardwalk that is next to the creek where guests have the opportunity to explore further.

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.

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Walking distance is around 1.5 miles. Please note especially with summer heat that guests should be able to walk this distance.