About Coastal Expeditions
Learn about Coastal Expeditions, meet our team and hear our story – in our own words.
Coastal Expeditions Foundation
Turning Passion Into Action
Above: The Coastal Expeditions Foundation coordinated the Save Crab Bank Paddle that brought together other outfitters, conservation groups and local paddlers to halo Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary. Nearly 200 people raised their paddles in a grand show of support!
Making It Official
Since Coastal Expeditions was created in 1992, it has operated with the sensibilities of a small business and the heartbeat of a philanthropist organization. When we make decisions to add a new trip, introduce a new program or partner with another group, we always ask if it fits our mission. And if we find that we're trying to justify our decision, we move on.
So it was a natural step to make it official and start a foundation. It's the same work we've been doing of over 25 years. Only now, instead of making donations, raising funds and advocating for environmental education and the protection of places through Coastal Expeditions, Inc., we're expanding our vision and becoming more deliberate.
What you focus on expands. And with the Coastal Expeditions Foundation, we're ready to focus.
Here’s what we are doing in the community now - with your help.
Interested in becoming a community partner?
Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge Sea Turtle Project
We're committed to raising the funds needed to support the Sea Turtle Program in Cape Romain NWR. Through fundraisers, grants and donations, we aim to supply the program with $40,000 in 2019. You can donate directly to this program to help us meet our goal through the donation button on this page.
Veterans Programs
In 2017, Coastal Expeditions created the Veterans Sea Kayak Resiliency Program, giving veterans the skills they need to prevent suicide by connecting them to their environment and each other. Once they finish the program, they are invited to participate in environmental service projects through the Coastal Warriors Council to maintain their community and give back. Scroll down to read more about veterans programs and donate.
Restoration of Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary
Located at the mouth of Shem Creek in the Charleston Harbor, we helped to raise over 1.4 million dollars to secure the funds of to rebuild this island. As one of only 5 islands of its kind on the coast of South Carolina, it is critical to the future survival of birds like pelicans, skimmers, terns and 12 other avian species.
Educational Field Trips
We get students into nature through two programs: South Carolina Outdoor Education Program (SCOEP) and Island Quest (IQ). Through funding from donations, we are able to take students kayaking on Shem Creek and the Black River, and hiking on Bulls Island at no charge to schools. Since program creation, over 20,000 students have been reached.
Supporting Local Non-Profits
Charleston is fortunate that there are several groups working to protect the wild places in the Lowcountry, and we want to help them fulfill their missions. Through in-kind services and donations, we give generously to organizations like Center for Birds of Prey, The Nature Conservancy, Audubon South Carolina, South Carolina Aquarium, Coastal Conservation League, Friends of Coastal SC and Lowcountry Land Trust.
Coastal Expeditions Foundation Mission
The Coastal Expeditions Foundation (CEF) came to fruition after more than 25 years of environmental service through high integrity natural immersion produced and orchestrated by Coastal Expeditions, Inc. est. 1992.
The CEF is a philanthropic organization governed by a small group of naturalists dedicated to promoting an holistic culture of environmental awareness, stewardship and service.
The CEF mission is based on servicing the landscapes, creatures, cultures and humans through distributing financial as well as in kind support and assistance to causes and organizations chosen by the CEF Board of Trustees.
Our mission is not limited to any geographic boundary; We feel the mission of the Coastal Expeditions Foundation is global.
The Coastal Expeditions Foundation was created in 2018 and retains as an advisory board of Trustees:
- Chris Crolley, Executive Director
- Kari Crolley, Public Relations & Social Media
- Ashley Woody, Donor Relations
- Henry Brandt, Program Coordinator
Explore. Chat. Visit. And come on back, y’all.
@coastalexpeditions
Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant Rentals
Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards
Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.
Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.
Outpost Location
Need A Guide?
If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.
Check out our Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant tours.
Isle of Palms Rentals
Offering Kayaks
Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.
Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.
Outpost Location
Need A Guide?
If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.
Check out our Isle of Palms tours.