Kayak Tours

Half Day Tours  |  Full Day Tours  |  Multi-day Kayak Excursions
    Groups And Families  |  Overnight In A Treehouse

Immerse Yourself in Natural Beauty
Join a naturalist-led tour and immerse yourself in natural beauty and in dynamic habitats shared by dolphins, Bald Eagles, Loggerhead Sea Turtles, manatees, alligators and a host of other participants in the, "All you can eat 24 hour seafood buffet."

Kayak Expeditions Photo Gallery

Half Day Tours. 3 hours    Top
Including basic instruction, our half-day tours take 3 hours but feel like a vacation. Our guides lead you through winding salt marsh creeks rich in bird life and natural beauty.

Shem Creek / Charleston Harbor
Paddle this salt marsh creek past Mt. Pleasant's scenic fleet of shrimp boats. Launch from our private dock and explore historic Charleston Harbor and Crab Bank Island, a bird nesting sanctuary.

Folly Creek
This beautiful creek is part of a vast system of waterways located behind Folly Beach. Untouched by the hands of development, this area is rich in natural splendor. Leave society behind as we guide you through the rivers, bays, creeks and tidal flats of this estuary ecosystem, home to dolphins, osprey, oystercatchers, and a multitude of marine creatures.

Morgan Creek
Located behind Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms, Morgan Creek meanders through rich salt marsh estuary dotted with small verdant hammock islands.

"We went to the Pelican Rookery in Charleston Harbor and had a fantastic time. Our guide made our trip one that I shall always remember."
        - Shaun Gagan

"It was a great afternoon adventure. You have such radiant energy and spirit. I look forward to paddling with your group again!"
         - Kelly Fornes, Eagles Nest Beach Resort Outfitter

Full day tours. 6 hours    Top
Remote areas, Class I Wilderness and protected sanctuaries are incredible environments within an easy drive of Charleston and then accessible by sea kayak. Depending on your choice and availability, visit spectacular undeveloped barrier islands, glimpse history in nature along ancient cypress-tupelo swamps, or enjoy panoramic views of freshwater fields of wildflowers.

Spectacular Undeveloped Barrier Islands
Called Hunting Islands by the coastal natives, our barrier islands are separated from the mainland by calm creeks and shallow bays...a rich transition zone where the land ends and the Atlantic begins, where fish breed and shore birds abound. Here we have the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline on the eastern seaboard. Along our 187-mile shoreline we have 180,000 miles of waterway. Even we may never explore them all. Those we know, however, we know well.

Historic Plantations & Abandoned Rice Fields
As the richest colony in the nation and the seat of Civil and Revolutionary war unrest, Charleston was home for 100 years to the wealthiest plantations in the world. Paddling through abandoned rice canals and along rivers rich in natural and cultural history from pre-Columbian eras to the present, your guide will connect you with the flow of time in areas both beautiful and remote from today's civilization.

Ace Basin & Francis Marion National Forest
Charleston is surrounded by an abundance of protected Low Country wilderness. Discover soaring Bald Cypress and Tupelo Gum trees that still exist along lazy black water creeks and rivers. Paddle and explore this natural paradise and isolate yourself from everyday civilization.

Salt Water Estuary & Hammock Islands
Wind through a marsh ecosystem, one of the most dynamic environments on the planet. Experience all the abundance and splendor of the estuary behind Folly Beach, lunch on a remote hammock island, and paddle amongst the oysters and crabs that live and breed here. This tour departs and returns from our James Island location.

Morris Island Lighthouse
The Morris Island Lighthouse has been a fixture in Charleston history and has survived the ravages of war, erosion, hurricanes, and time. There is no better way to view it than to paddle by and feel its towering presence. Departing from the north end of Folly Beach we will parallel the lighthouse and then wind through the estuary back to our James Island outpost. Combining history, architectural achievement, and sublime natural beauty, this trip can only be described as awe-inspiring.

Rimini Swamp
Spring and fall are when towering cypress and tupelo trees cast a grand reflection on the calm surface of the 32 square mile Rimini Swamp, South Carolina's hidden black water oasis. Treat yourself to a beautiful and truly magical day as we weave through this majestic landscape.

"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and found our guide to be most professional, experienced and all around extremely likeable."
         - William Seals, Lawyer

"Our kayaking experience was the highlight of our visit to Charleston!"
         - Elizabeth Walker, Architect

"What a knowledge-filled, interesting and fun day on Saturday! Kayaking is definitely my newest obsession."
         - Tony & Robert Andrews

"Our popular twice-yearly tours fill up quickly. We have the perfect partnership because Coastal Expeditions handles everything from lunches and onshore training to an excellent experience on the water. The outings are great member team-builders!"
         - Katherine Carey, Membership Coordinator, S.C. Coastal Conservation League

Multi-day Sea Kayak Excursions    Top
-Minimum 4 people
-Group rates available
*meals can be provided for an extra fee

Capers Island
Capers Island is a state wildlife refuge, a 3-mile long undeveloped barrier island. It is the perfect place for an overnight adventure. During the days we explore the creeks, play in the surf, and stroll the island's interior. At night our tents overlook the Atlantic Ocean as we enjoy a sampling of the island's delicious and abundant seafood.

Rimini Swamp
If there ever was a fairy tale land of magic and wonder, surely this is it. Ancient cypress and tupelo trees create a labyrinth of weaving channels that transport you far from the modern world. Follow your guide through the twisting waterways to a secluded area of high ground revealing a campers' paradise. It's a good thing we know where we're going! Tour offered Oct.-May only.

Folly Hammock Retreat
Behind Folly Beach there lies an extensive network of estuarine waterways perfect for exploring. Prehistoric sand ridges called "hammock islands" are ideal for camping under the stars. Activities include gathering oysters, crabbing, fishing and howling at the moon.

Groups and Families    Top
Our experienced and well trained guide/naturalists take excellent care of you and your group or family wherever you choose to explore. We customize the tour to meet your needs. We also offer corporate team building tours. Please call to schedule your half, full, or multi-day excursion.

Student/Scout rates are available

"The students are still talking enthusiastically about all they did on that tour. 'It was the best thing we did all trip.' 'Seeing those dolphins while paddling back was something I'll remember forever.' It was a truly memorable day."
         - Oneonta College Outdoor Program

"What a great time our group had on our overnight to Capers Island. It turned out to be one of the best adventures our Wilderness Program has undertaken. Guaranteed we'll do it again!"
         - Chuck Stjern, Pinewood Preparatory School

Overnight In A Treehouse    Top
...a fantasy come true. These comfortable wooden treehouses with tiny kitchens and cozy sleeping lofts sit 16 feet above the riverbank in a private refuge on the Edisto River. Paddle a leisurely 12 miles, stopping at sandbars to swim and picnic, then step across a rope swing bridge to your secluded porched treehouse with songbirds and owls your only neighbors. Also take advantage of your own private 140 acre refuge, a perfect getaway for 2 to 12 people.

$125.00 per person. Includes treehouse, shuttle and 2 day canoe rental.

For this getaway we ask you to call our sister company, Carolina Heritage Outfitters, at (843)563-5051

"Carolina Heritage is making paradise on the Edisto River and they're making it for you."
         - Sandlapper Magazine

Directions to 514-B Mill Street
Coastal Expeditions

Traveling on Interstate 26 East Bound:
Merge onto US 17 N via EXIT 221B toward MT. PLEASANT. Go over Cooper River Bridge, at the base of bridge merge onto W. COLEMAN BLVD / SC 703. Go FIVE traffic lights and take a left at fifth light onto Mill St. 514 MILL STREET is at the end of Mill St.

Traveling US 17 South Bound from Georgetown:
When you reach Mt. Pleasant take I-526 E/CHUCK DAWLEY BLVD ramp toward SC 703. When you reach SC 703 take a right and go THREE traffic lights. The third light will be Mill St. Take a right on Mill St. and 514 MILL STREET is at the end.

Traveling US 17 North Bound from Hilton Head:
Stay on US 17 and take W. COLEMAN BLVD / SC 703 at the base of the Cooper River Bridge. Go FIVE traffic lights and take a left at fifth light onto Mill St. 514 MILL STREET is at the end of Mill St.