Overview
Available languages
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
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.
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!
Options
Kayak With Dolphins in Historic Shem Creek
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)
Our guides are passionate naturalists who bring these wild places to life. If your trip was meaningful, tips are a great way to say thank you. You will be given the option to add gratuity at the end.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
443 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Well done!
aarona371,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a cool time seeing the sights and wildlife. Super friendly staff got us in the water safely and efficiently. I will use them again when I am back in town.
Outstanding dolphins watching!
marksK7596LA,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic outing. Our captain, Bo, was terrific. We saw roughly twenty dolphins in at least two pods. They were playful, swam along with the boat and even jumped out of the water! There were two newborns as well. Outstanding experience!
Great times in the harbour
361Tony,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00MC was an amazing guide - so knowledgeable and personable. It was everything we hoped for and more. What a beautiful way to experience nature in Charleston.
Shem Creek kayak tour.
johnsC3703RA,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Jacob, was knowledgeable and personable. He was always mindful of where we were on the water and the traffic around us and kept us clear of all obstacles. He was well-versed on the history, flora, and fauna of Shem Creek and the Crab Bank and was able to tell us where to look and what we were seeing. The kayaks themselves were well-maintained and in good condition, and the instructions on how to get the most out of them were clear and complete. We saw many interesting birds and other wildlife. An altogether wonderful experience. Would definitely do it again.
First timer or seasoned kayaker, just do this for a unique experience!
Alice S,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Peaceful relaxing unique experience seeing Shem Creek and the Harbor by kayak. Very knowledgeable guide, Bo. Wildlife including dolphins and explanations of their roles in the ecosystem around Charleston.
Surpassed all expectations!
Experience256684,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend Coastal Expectations for a kayak trip on Shem Creek. Their facility and equipment are well kept, and clean. While it was a team effort to get all 9 of us situated, Miles, as our tour leader, was absolutely fantastic. He made all of us (especially my 7 year old granddaughter) feel safe and well cared for. His knowledge and passion for the coastal environment and wildlife are incredible. And yes, he made sure we had a few dolphin sightings!
Holy City Rollers May ‘26
448neils,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a fun time! Our guides; Madison and Jackie were the absolute BEST! Highly recommended for all- we came with the whole gang (friends, kiddos; ages 3.5-9.5)..everyone had a great time.
Highlight of Our Vacation
Jenny A,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was one of the most fun activities I’ve ever done on vacation! My fiancé had no prior kayaking experience, but the guides were incredibly helpful, patient, and encouraging throughout the tour. They even provided dry bags for our belongings, which was a great touch. We were lucky enough to see a dolphin along with lots of other wildlife. Overall, it was such a memorable experience and I would absolutely recommend it!
Amazing, fun experience for a unique view of Charleston!
Tanja A,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our first time kayaking and it was an amazing experience! Our guide Miles was so knowledgeable and made the trip fun and interesting!! He and all the staff were so kind and helpful in our first kayaking trip. We highly recommend this experience!!
Very scenic and relaxing
Masonm0921,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing time kayaking and observing the scenery and dolphins
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Operated by Coastal Expeditions