*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.

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.

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.

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