Field Trips

Charleston Harbor Nature Quest

Coastal Expeditions’ knowledge of barrier islands is unmatched.

— Southern Living

Boat Tour to a Barrier Island

Take the Coastal Expeditions School Boat to Drum Island from either our private Shem Creek campus in Mount Pleasant, SC, or our Daniel Island Waterfront Park location.

Departure Locations:
Shem Creek: 514 Mill Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Daniel Island: 101 River Landing Drive, Daniel Island, SC 29492

The adventure begins as you board the school boat and head out in the Harbor and towards Drum Island. As we navigate through the fields of Spartina that edge the estuary creeks to the island, the captain and naturalist share their knowledge and passion about the ecosystem, the wildlife, and the regional history.

The Drum Island ecotour to the island takes about 35 minutes, and it is not uncommon for us to see pods of gregarious bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, resting and nesting birds on Crab Bank bird Sanctuary. As well as, historical landmarks such as Castle Pinckney, Fort Sumter, and Fort Moultrie. While onboard, you’ll be able to move around to take in the pristine views and once the boat arrives to Drum Island the group will embark on a nature hike looking for shells and fossils that the guide will teach about along the way.

This trip is adjusted to cover the science curriculum standard based with the idea that we will be introducing vocabulary and concepts that students will see again on standardized testing. This program is aimed at setting students up for success.

Things to Know

  • Designed for elementary and middle school students
  • Field trip duration is 2 hours
  • $25/student, 2 teachers free, minimum of 15
  • Kids should dress for the weather, wear hats and bring sunscreen/water bottle

Find Out More

If you'd like to know more or schedule a field trip, just fill out this brief form. We'll get back to you quickly.

Safety

  • Coastal Expeditions vessels hold annual certificates of inspection from the US Coast Guard
  • Captains are 50-100 ton Master Captains
  • Naturalist educators are trained in first aid, CPR, life guarding and sea kayaking
  • Coastal Expeditions has nearly 30 years of experience leading school groups in the Carolina Lowcountry by kayak and boat
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@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.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text

Isle of Palms 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 Isle of Palms tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text