Scenes of Shem Creek History and Shrimp Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This walking tour led by Captain Bryan is not your average "sit there and shut up" tour where the guide won't even remember you. Rather, after brief introduction, Captain Bryan will lead you on a historic journey of how Shem Creek came to prominence with its famous shrimping fleet and much more. Unlike any other tour in the area, guests have a chance to see the industry at work. The first half of the tour will contain history of the area and discuss events back to the early 1700's, the second half of the tour will specifically cover the Shrimp Industry. This is not a tour, it is an experience to immerse yourself in the Shem Culture. Take back history, culture, language, but most of all guests will take from this experience an underlying appreciation for our local shrimpers and the history behind these hard working men and women.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Walking distance is around 1.5 miles. Please note especially with summer heat that guests should be able to walk this distance.
What To Expect
Guests will take Mary Street to get a overview of the Charleston Harbor and the changes this seaside community would endure due to conflict, natural disasters, and insect infestations.
Guest will pass by the home of the first commercial shrimper on Shem Creek and see the "shrimp shacks." Where the original shrimpers used to live in this historic neighborhood.
Options
Scenes of Shem Creek History and Shrimp Walking Tour
What‘s Included
Small prize at end of the tour
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
185 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Captain Bryan was very...
Suzanne C,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Bryan was very well versed in the history of Charleston & shrimp industry. Extremely passionate, knowledgeable and engaging. Highly recommend.
Shrimpin’ and Smiling
358madelinew,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Capt Bryan is engaging, well educated and full of energy. He has great stories that bring to life all the interesting history of Charleston. He ties in the economics of the Shrimping industry and shows you where to enjoy local shrimp! A real pro! We loved our time with him.
Pirates, Fires, Shrimp Boats… and One Fantastic Tour
JimBennett,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Shem Creek History & Shrimp Walking Tour was hands-down the highlight of our long weekend in Charleston — and this is coming from someone who did not expect to become emotionally invested in shrimp logistics. Capt. Bryan walked us through the historic neighborhood where we learned that Charleston’s early residents apparently could not catch a break: Spanish and French attacks in the 17th and 18th centuries, pirates kidnapping locals, and the whole place getting burned to the ground more than once. Honestly, the city has survived enough drama for at least three Netflix series. Bonus fun fact: the area was colonized in 1680, which made me feel very young and very bad at history trivia. Then we crossed over to the shrimping side and got a fascinating crash course in the shrimp industry — including what fueled its growth (modern refrigeration, the interstate system, and WWII…because apparently shrimp needed infrastructure). We visited one of the few remaining shrimp processing plants and got a sobering but interesting look at how global competition has dramatically changed what was once a booming local industry. We also went dockside to view a shrimp trawler where Capt. Bryan explained the entire shrimp-catching process, right down to the escape device that lets larger sea creatures avoid becoming accidental dinner guests. We wrapped up the tour learning how to throw a shrimp net, which is much harder than it looks and gave me a newfound respect for people who do this for a living. If “history and shrimp tour” sounds boring, trust me — it isn’t. Capt. Bryan is funny, charming, and teaches in a way that keeps you completely engaged (even when the subject is, technically, shrimp economics). When we return to Charleston, we’ll absolutely look him up for one of his other tours.
This tour will make you love Shem Creek even more
cabtah,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fun walking tour. Capt. Bryan is very knowledgable about Charleston history, shrimping, and current trends. He was accommodating and flexible, ensuring a good experience. It was sad to learn that so few local restaurants actually serve local shrimp. The walking tour showed some historic homes, beautiful flora, and how to catch shrimp with a net. Bryan was a great guy and the tour is highly recommended. A treat at the end was very nice!
Cap’n Bryan was the best!
587leslief,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Bryan was our guide for our morning tour. He was excellent! He has a wealth of knowledge that he shared in an informative, yet entertaining way that taught us so much about the history of Mount Pleasant and its development.
Take Capt. Bryan’s Shem Creek Shrimp Tour!
carolgC6687KO,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Bryan Blalock’s Shem Creek Shrimp Tour is excellent and filled with fascinating facts. I’m a Charleston resident who learned previously unknown information about Mount Pleasant’s history and shrimp culture. Bryan is very engaging with tour guests and delivers a fun, fact packed walk around Mount Pleasant’s Shem Creek area. I highly recommend taking this tour!
Don’t Miss This Amazing Tour!
E3036VWdonnaf,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Bryan was amazing! He not only had a wealth of interesting facts, he presented them in such an engaging way that history truly came alive. I’ve been on many wonderful tours but I have never learned so much and enjoyed doing so as much as I did on this tour. I can’t recommend this tour enough and not just for visitors but for anyone living in the area. Thank you, Captain Bryan - you are truly a gifted teacher!
Shrimp tour
Dean P,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Brian was very knowledgeable about the history of the area and we learnt a lot in the 2 hours we were on the tour.
Captain B
Tania C,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great time! Great history lesson. Can’t wait for the shrimp boil and the other amazing history tours.
Shem Creek Tour
Trip58301116340,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour of Mount Pleasant. Nice mix of early history of the town and the rise and decline of the shrimping industry. Captain Bryan is knowledgeable and informative. This is a great tour to learn about the Shem Creek area across the harbor from downtown Charleston.
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Operated by Charleston Historic Tours LLC