Kayak With Dolphins in Historic Shem Creek

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Paddle into the heart of Charleston’s most iconic tidal creek on this guided kayak adventure. From our private dock on Shem Creek, you’ll slip past shrimp boats and oyster beds into quiet saltmarshes alive with wildlife. Keep your eyes open for bottlenose dolphins surfacing nearby, pelicans diving for fish, and graceful egrets hunting along the banks. In summer months, even manatees and sea turtles visit these waters. Along the way, your naturalist guide shares stories of Lowcountry history and ecology, ensuring the experience is both fun and enriching. Stable kayaks, expert instruction, and small group sizes make this tour safe and enjoyable for all ages. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or seasoned adventurer, this is one of the best ways to see Charleston from the water.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Kayaking Gear (Sea Kayak, Paddle, Personal Flotation Device)

2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour

Professional Guide with storytelling & safety skills

Dry Bag (to keep phone & personal belongings from getting wet)

Gratuities

What To Expect

Once you check in at Coastal Expeditions, your guides will prepare your group for the adventure by fitting your gear and offering a brief safety and instruction on how to sea kayak. Once we're on the water, we'll take a minute to get our "sea legs" before we paddle down towards the historic portion of Shem Creek and Charleston Harbor. We will return to this point at the end of the tour.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Shem Creek Park

Historic Shem Creek is one of the most iconic spots in Charleston and is known for its shrimp boats, seafood restaurants and wildlife. Bottlenose dolphins frequent this creek and will often breach just feet away from your kayak. In the summers, manatees call Shem Creek home and loggerhead turtles will occasionally pop above the surface. As you pass by the shrimp boats and oyster-lined marshes, you see Charleston Harbor and the Holy City Skyline. The Netflix show Outer Banks films on Shem Creek and your guide can show you familiar places where Pogues hang out!

1 hour 40 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Kayak With Dolphins in Historic Shem Creek

Reviews

4.95

403 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

387

Sunset kayak adventure
stevekB2488YL,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A wonderful evening with Bo! Abby had us we could handle the tour - it was 49 degrees!! Her medical latex glove trick worked. Bo was incredibly knowledgeable of the shorebirds, marshes, tides, and history of the area. A very passionate man that obviously loves his job, but more so, the ecological mission of Coastal Expeditions. Don’t hesitate…just Go!
Great kayak trip
923terezap,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great kayaking trip on Sunday, Nov 9. The weather was warm and beautiful. The crew gave us detailed instructions before getting in the Shem creek on our kayaks. The trip was planned to make it easier to go against the tide while we were full of energy and excitement and down at the end. Jackie was a very knowledgeable and fun guide. She gave us tips on how to navigate a couple of turns with swirling along the way and was paying attention to everyone, making sure we are safe. We will be back
Beautiful sunset kayak tour
lunalovegoodpotter,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an awesome sunset kayak tour with Jackie. She’s very knowledgeable and a great historian. We learned a lot during the tour. The sunset was beautiful with views of the downtown skyline. We have done other tours with this company in the past and always have great experiences. We look forward to our next tour!
Lovely creek afternoon
NYCBK14,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wonderful afternoon kayaking up the creek. The outfitter was super professional annd everything went like clockwork. Our guide Jackie was terrific- very knowledgeable with years of experience. I even learned proper kayaking paddling. We saw lots of birds including egrets, pelicans and a bald eagle. Overall just a great experience in the water Plus drinks at the crab house right on the water next door before our flight- what could be better.
Excellent tour guide/excellent company!
E7905TZcathya,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Madison did an expert job with our tour-she is so knowledgeable and was super helpful with our kayaking skills! Coastal Expeditions also does a veterans program we are so impressed with. Happy to support a company that helps others.
Great kayak experience!
ambyerly1,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My husband and I were fortunate to be the only ones on the kayak tour. The weather was perfect and we had a great experience. We learned a lot about the area and some some amazing wildlife including a dolphin and green sea turtle! Would highly recommend.
Coastal Expedition for shark teeth!
crystalcP6476YL,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great experience on our spontaneous Coastal Expedition adventure! We drove up from Florida for the day to go out kayaking to the crab bank and then we took the ferry boat out to Morris Island. We had an absolutely fantastic time and a very pleasant laid back experience which was exactly what we went for. Stress relief and shark teeth! Everyone there from start to finish was wonderful!
You Will Not Be Disappointed
jasonsN1163IL,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
You will not be disappointed. A group of 9 of us signed up for the Kayak Safari on Shem Creek with Dolphins. Jackie and Heidi were our guides and we could not have asked for more knowledgeable and friendly guides. The weather was perfect as we made our way down Shem Creek. Jackie and Heidi took the time to explain the amazing ecosystem. It was a perfect way to get some exercise, a tan and gain some knowledge. I would highly recommend this tour.
Beautiful night on the water
tomwQ4201ON,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Went with a friend and our 2 17 year-old daughters for a birthday weekend. Included this kayak trip as part of our weekend. We had an amazing time. Beau was our tour guide and he was super knowledgeable really nice and made the trip just a joy. It was a bit of a windy day but the kayaking was moderate workout. We saw lots of different birds. Unfortunately we did not see any dolphin, but it was still amazing I would highly recommend this trip. And highly recommend Beau
Thank you Colleen!
jessicacV2005KX,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This Kayak Tour was a 10/10. Our guide, Colleen, was so knowledgeable and friendly. We laughed, learned a lot about the wildlife on Shem Creek, had the most beautiful views, and got to see Haywards and some of the film set as a fan of the Outer banks show! This is an experience that may be the highlight of your day or entire vacation in our case. Colleen is also well educated with the rescued sea turtles in SC and volunteers at the rescue center for the aquarium. This is your place for a safe and welcoming experience to see the best of Charleston!