Santee Delta River Cruise + Beach Drop Book Now

*This tour is currently offered for private groups.
Please email info@coastalexpeditions.com for private bookings.

Travel through diverse ecosystems – from lush bottom land forests, through freshwater tidal marshlands and remnant rice fields, into a salt-marsh estuary where you’ll find yourself on the front beach of a barrier island looking out across the open Atlantic. 

The Santee was once a busy river teeming with commerce and human activity during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was a main corridor for Europeans, colonists, and early Americans into the interior of the region, and was one of the “rice baskets” of the Lowcountry in its tidal reaches.  Today, it is of the wildest and most scenic rivers in the South, with Audubon-grade backdrops.

“Sometimes I wonder how come everybody doesn’t know about this place,” Crolley said. “There are secrets here that people should know about, mysteries. And the clues are still here.”  – Our Secret Delta, The Post & Courier

We will follow the course of this great river as it slowly meanders and eventually opens up into the largest river delta on the East coast. Along the way we will experience the transition of wetland ecosystems as we look for birds and other wildlife in this wild and remote river delta.

The landscape will start as live oaks, cedars and blooming wildflowers and transition to salt-loving Spartina.  Your wildlife experience will begin with an ecosystem that supports alligators, kites and bald eagles and then open up to bottlenose dolphins, ospreys, gulls and terns.

Once on Cedar Island, you can self-explore this undeveloped barrier island beach or just lay the beach towels out and enjoy the sun and water! After a couple of hours on the island the captain will pick you up and take you back up the river to where we started our journey.


 

“Guides Chris Crolley and Gate Roll have deep respect and knowledge of the delta and offer their observations with refreshing lyricism.” –Our Secret Delta, The Post & Courier

Things to Know

ACTIVITY LEVEL
After a guided boat cruise, you will depart directly from the boat onto the beach on a ramp. Once on the island, its up to you whether you want to beach comb, explore or relax.  Cedar Island is a beautiful barrier island and there are no shelters or bathrooms.

WHAT TO WEAR
Shoes that you don’t mind getting wet (Tevas-style shoes are best), a hat, and synthetic clothing (it will dry faster than cotton).  During cooler weather, dress in layers.  Swimsuits optional!

WHAT TO BRING
Drinking water, sunscreen, insect repellent, bagged lunch and snacks. Binoculars if you have them!

WEATHER
Weather (thunderstorms or high winds) may impact this excursion. Cancellations usually occur due to lightning, thunder or high winds and we will make sure to reschedule your group if needed. Our general cancellation policies apply unless our experts determine it is potentially unsafe or unwise to venture out. In the event that we decide to cancel due to weather, we will make every effort to call you at least two hours before your departure and help you reschedule or credit/refund the full cost of your trip.

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!

BOAT & CAPTAIN
You’ll be on a custom-built, Coast Guard-certified vessel with the capacity to hold 18 people. Your captain is a seasoned naturalist with a 100-ton captain’s license.  Safety is paramount on our excursions, and you’ll feel confident with the condition of our vessels and training of our captains.

NEED TO CANCEL?
You’ll need to cancel 72-hours prior to the trip or you will be charged.

Santee Delta River Cruise + Beach Drop

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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.

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Check out our St. Phillips Island & Beaufort tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text

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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