5.0(487)· Mount Pleasant· By Coastal Expeditions Free cancellation
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.
- ✓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.
- 1
Preparation and Launch
Upon checking in at Coastal Expeditions, your guides will equip your group for the adventure.
You'll receive your gear and a brief safety and instruction session on how to sea kayak.
Once on the water, we'll take a moment to find your balance before paddling towards the historic section of Shem Creek and Charleston Harbor.
We will return to this starting point at the conclusion of the tour.
· 20 min
- 2
Shem Creek Park
Historic Shem Creek is a quintessential Charleston location, renowned for its shrimp boats, seafood eateries, and abundant wildlife.
Bottlenose dolphins frequently visit this creek, often surfacing just feet from your kayak.
During the summer, Shem Creek is home to manatees, and loggerhead turtles may occasionally be seen.
As you navigate past shrimp boats and oyster-lined marshes, you'll get views of Charleston Harbor and the Holy City skyline.
The popular Netflix series 'Outer Banks' is filmed on Shem Creek, and your guide can point out familiar filming locations where the Pogues gather!
· 1 h 40 min
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Coastal Expeditions is situated at the end of Mill Street on the left.
Parking is available in the private lot.
Should the private lot be full, public parking can be found on Mill or Scott Streets.
Please check in upstairs in the Coastal Expeditions office.
Coastal Expeditions is situated at the end of Mill Street on the left.
Parking is available in the private lot.
Should the private lot be full, public parking can be found on Mill or Scott Streets.
Please check in upstairs in the Coastal Expeditions office.
Ascend the stairs and check in at the desk.
Your guide will greet you on the deck overlooking Shem Creek.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
- 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
Kayak With Dolphins in Historic Shem Creek
- Arrive at Coastal Expeditions at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
- Wear comfortable clothing that can get wet and closed-toe shoes.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- A waterproof bag is provided for essentials like your phone and keys.
- Listen carefully to your guide's safety instructions.
- Be prepared for potential wildlife sightings, including dolphins, pelicans, and egrets.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 32868P2
Activity offered by Coastal Expeditions via Viator.
- Families
- Nature enthusiasts
- History buffs
- Beginner kayakers
- Experienced paddlers
- Fans of the 'Outer Banks' series
- Encounter bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
- Explore the historic and wildlife-rich Shem Creek.
- Learn about local history and ecology from a naturalist guide.
- Suitable for all skill levels with stable kayaks and expert instruction.
- Enjoy scenic views of Charleston Harbor and the city skyline.
- Discover filming locations from the popular series 'Outer Banks'.
- Population
- 90,801 (2020)
- Elevation
- 3 m
- Currency
- United States dollar
- Driving
- on the right
- Power plugs
- A, B · 120 V
- Emergency number
- 911
- Capital city
- Washington, D.C.
Average temperatures- 9°Jan
- 11°Feb
- 14°Mar
- 19°Apr
- 23°May
- 27°Jun
- 28°Jul
- 27°Aug
- 25°Sept
- 20°Oct
- 14°Nov
- 11°Dec
Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the kayak tour?+
The guided kayak eco-tour lasts for 2 hours.
What should I bring on the tour?+
You should bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. A dry bag will be provided to keep your phone and personal belongings dry.
Is this tour suitable for beginners?+
Yes, stable kayaks and expert instruction make this tour safe and enjoyable for all ages and skill levels, including first-time paddlers.
What wildlife can I expect to see?+
You can expect to see bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, egrets, and potentially manatees and sea turtles during the summer months.
Where is the meeting point?+
You will meet at Coastal Expeditions, located at the end of Mill Street. Check in upstairs in the office.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★Viator review
This was my first time...
Michele_M, October 2026
This was my first time kayaking and Jackie made it a great experience. She made it enjoyable on the water and had a good eye for spotting different fish and birds. We actually did see dolphins which made it even better. We would definitely do it again.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Best experience ever!
871moniqueh, October 2026
We kayaked down Shem creek with Jackie. It was amazing an easy paddle for my husband and I who are in our 60s. We saw pelicans which flew super close to us, two groups of dolphins that were very close and possibly mating. Kayaked by shrimp boats and beautiful restaurants . Jackie was a perfect guide. She was a great mix of facts , funny and kind. Very knowledgeable about all the wildlife, nature , history and outer banks ties to the area. This was my favorite part my trip .i
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Great experience
971raep, October 2026
Amazing experience with a very knowledge guide. The entire staff was so kind and helpful. Highly recommend booking anything they offer.
★★★★★Viator review
Must do while in Charleston!
Tim_H, September 2026
Great way to spend 2-3 hours exploring Shem Creek. Claire, our guide, was fantastic and very knowledgeable about the environment and just made it a very fun time. Highly recommended!!
★★★★★Viator review
Morgan was a fabulous...
Annemarie_R, September 2026
Morgan was a fabulous guide who brought us to many different spots along the way. She was very informative and knowledgeable about all the wildlife in the area. I would highly recommend this excursion.
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