UPCOMING 2024 DATES
February 15 – 8:30am-2:30pm
March 15 – 8:30am-2:30pm
April 12 – 9am-3pm
October 11 – 11:30am-5:30pm
November 22 – 8:30am-2:30pm

The Bulls Island Paddle and Hike is an immersive adventure unlike any other in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

For centuries, the waterways of what we now call Cape Romain, have been traversed by self-powered vessels. As early as the 1500’s, the Sewee Native American tribe hunted and fished this vast saltmarsh estuary and the emergent islands. Since that time, it has remained virtually unchanged by man and is protected from development as crucial wildlife habitat.

The adventure begins with a professionally guided kayak tour through the salty, serpentine creeks of Cape Romain that wind their way through fields of Spartina. This ecosystem is full of diverse and charismatic wildlife like bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, sea turtles, and masses of migratory birds. Each day is different in a wild place like Cape Romain!

We’ll make landfall on Bulls Island, pull our kayaks to high ground, and set off for a hike through the maritime forest and wilderness beach. Your Naturalist Guides will share their passion and knowledge as they spot wildlife and expound upon barrier island ecology and the rich history of the area.

We should call this one the Paddle, Hike, & Cruise! After a full day of active exploration, we will enjoy a leisurely powerboat ride back to Garris Landing as we soak in the day and reflect on the adventure.

You can book the Bulls Island Paddle and Hike as a private tour for groups of 10 or more. Just give us a call at (843)884-7684.

Guide tip:  Stop at the Sewee Outpost in Awendaw, South Carolina before your adventure to get what you need for a picnic lunch!   Grab a homemade biscuit from the back of the store before you go.

INCLUDES

• Gear (Sit-in sea kayak, PFD, paddle, dry bag, spray skirt)
• Professional guide service (paddle instruction, naturalist interpretation, trip planning)
• Powerboat transportation

TOUR DURATION
6 hours (includes on-land prep & instruction, kayak tour, island hike, picnic, and boat ride return to the mainland)

WEATHER ALERT
If it is too windy the day of the tour, the itinerary will change to a more protected location nearby.  If you have questions about this, please call before you book.  

If conditions are unsafe (winds too high for alternate location, thunderstorms, etc.), Coastal Expeditions will cancel the excursion at no cost to you. If we decide to cancel the trip, we will contact you as soon as possible and help you reschedule or credit/refund the cost of your trip.

ACTIVITY LEVEL
This is an intermediate-level tour for anyone with a moderate level of fitness. Participants will kayak 5-6 miles on an outgoing tide with an ACA-certified kayak guide. Participants should be prepared to paddle at a moderate pace for approximately 2 hours with a few breaks. The outgoing tide will help with efficiency during the paddle, but other conditions such as wind speed and direction will affect the difficulty of each trip and cannot be predicted as far in advance as the tide. Participants will hike 5-7 miles on the island at an easy to moderate pace with a lunch break and sightseeing stops throughout the day.

WHAT TO WEAR
We recommend wearing comfortable, breathable layers, and shoes that will stay on your feet. Long pants, long sleeves, and a hat will help protect you from the sun and bugs.

WHAT TO BRING
Drinking water, sun protection, insect repellent, bagged lunch and snacks, rain gear if applicable

GRATUITY
Gratuity is not included in your tour price. Our guides go above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic time out on the water! Average gratuity ranges from 15%–25% of your tour cost based on your experience. It is not required, but always greatly appreciated!

NEED TO CANCEL?
You’ll need to cancel prior to 72-hours or you will not be eligible for a refund for the tour.

SIMILAR TOURS
We only offer this tour in the Fall & Spring due to the weather conditions. If you are looking for a similar tour in the summertime:
Awendaw Creek Paddle+Hike |  Kiawah River Paddle+Hike

Adventurous, Birding, Dolphins & Wildlife

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