Kayak With Dolphins in Historic Shem Creek
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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!
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.
Options
Kayak With Dolphins in Historic Shem Creek
Reviews
429 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Guide and Kayaking Experience!
U9435KMjeans,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our kayaking experience was terrific. Jacob is about to graduate with a biology degree and was our guide. He and every aspect of our tour were excellent! We were given the option of solo kayaks or a tandem, which was nice. Coastal Expeditions was very professional in every way, and quite frankly appeared far superior to the other outfitter on Shem Creek, which had trash piles and an unfortunate appearance.
Highly recommend Coastal Adventures' Kayaking Adventure at Shem Creek
Deborah Seattle WA,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our kayaking adventure around Shem Creek was one of the highlights of our visit to Charleston. We saw dolphins, which was a thrill! Coastal Expeditions is well-organized and very customer-service focused. We are all experienced kayakers but they made it so easy, it would be a great experience for beginners, as well, I am sure. Our guide was outstanding in her knowledge of the area and the wildlife. Our only regret is that it didn't last longer.
Kayak w/ Dolphins
Marisol414,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Olivia was wonderful! And, we got to see dolphins!!!!
Marine ecology lessons by boat
musemeg,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I brought a group of some 20 folks from Boston to Charleston for a tour focusing on history, historic preservation, and art, and our last day I included a look at the marine ecology of the harbor. Morgan was an enthusiastic guide who provided commentary on the ecological balance between development and nature finding its way to live with and even flourish in an around the development of this fast-growing city. She introduced us to a dozen bird species, talked about the shrimp and fishing industries, and delivered on the dolphin sightings too!
Kayak Shem Creek
kikster71,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The most knowledgeable guide, small group and very accessible experience. We will return!
LOVE THIS EXPERIENCE!
megansP6314IU,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked a sunrise kayak tour with our 12 staff members and had an absolutely INCREDIBLE time! Madison and Miles were our tour guides and were so kind, fun, and helpful, and they had abundant information about the history, animals, and ecological systems of the area. And we saw dolphins!! The booking process and communication leading up to the tour was seamless, thorough and detailed. I could not recommend this tour enough!!
Fun and relaxing way to see Charleston from the water.
patriciabE8986RW,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Reasonably priced very well, organized my friend and I had a wonderful morning on the water.
Best Capt. & First Mate to Morris Island
melissarL5854IK,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience with Coastal Expeditions. Capt. Jim and First Mate, Morgan were friendly, knowledgeable and personal. They took us out to Morris Island and we found a good handful of shark teeth. It got a little chilly on the ride back and Capt Jim, gave us all sleeping bags to cover our bodies and help block the wind. Would definitely recommend anyone and I personally will come back and book with Coastal Expedition.
Wonderful Experience
181shelbieh,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Would recommend the sunset kayak tour to anyone visiting the area. Our guide, MC, was awesome and full of information about the area.
Great time on the water
Kerry M,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Morgan was a great guide. Very knowledgeable and radiated with excitement to share her passion with the group.
From US$55.00
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Operated by Coastal Expeditions