2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Charleston
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Charleston
By Charleston Outdoor Adventures
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About
This kayaking tour of Folly Creek from Charleston is an ideal way to get out of the city and explore Lowcountry marshes. See the area’s famous sweetgrass and pluff mud as you leisurely maneuver through a saltwater estuary, home to wildlife such as dolphins, pelicans, and loggerhead turtles. Your guide helps you spot the animals and leads you on a safe, fun, and easy route through tidal creeks.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Bowens Island tidal marshes tour introduces you to Lowcountry wildlife
- Kayaking tour is good for all levels and uses foot-driven steering
- Ideal way to get out of Charleston for a few hours
- Small-group tour for more personalized attention from your guide
- 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Eco Tour in Charleston
- Kayaking Equipment (Kayak, Paddles, Personal Floatation Device)
- Dry Bag to keep phone or other personal belongings dry
- Professional Guide
- See wildlife including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and assorted waterfowl
What's not included- Gratuities
- After you arrive at your private launching area on Bowens Island, your guide reviews tips for a safe and fun kayaking trip through Charleston’s tidal marshes and gets you comfortable with the equipment. The foot-driven steering system on these kayaks is easy to use. Then, head out on the water. Paddle through quiet creeks and Lowcountry marshes, looking out for wildlife such as dolphins, aquatic birds, and other animals that call this saltwater estuary home. Your guide helps you find the wildlife and answers any questions you have about the area. Because this is a small-group tour, your guide can give every member of the group attention with ease. Must be 13 to operate a single kayak. Your tour concludes back at the dock.
- Start:
- 1871 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, USAFollow Bowens Island Road to the end and park in the gravel parking lot located to your right. Make your way to the water and check in with the COA office located on the dock.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 50458P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and shoes that can get wet.
- Dress for the weather.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
- The minimum age requirement for a single kayak is 13 years old. Contact for tandem.
- Our captains and guides work very hard to ensure that a memorable experience is had by all of our guests. Gratuity, as you feel so inclined, is always appreciated.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- Do I get my own kayak during the 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Eco Tour in Charleston?
- You may choose between a Single or Tandem Kayak. Please note: Participants 12 years old and under must ride in a tandem kayak with an adult.Answered Mar 2021
- What should I bring with me for the 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Eco Tour in Charleston?
- We recommend bringing water, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, comfortable shoes (that can get wet,) and a camera to document your adventure.Answered Mar 2021
- What should I wear during the 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Eco Tour in Charleston?
- Wear clothes or a bathing suit that can get wet – synthetic material is best, no cotton or jeans. Please wear water shoes, sandals or tennis shoes that can get wet.Answered Mar 2021
- Is there parking near the departure point for the 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Eco Tour in Charleston?
- Yes, there is complimentary parking available onsite.Answered Mar 2021
The tour operator has provided the following answers to customers’ questions.- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 50458P1
From
$54.00
per adult
Select date and travelers
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Itinerary
- 1871 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, USAFollow Bowens Island Road to the end and park in the gravel parking lot located to your right. Make your way to the water and check in with the COA office located on the dock.
- 1Before departing from our private launching area on Bowens Island, your group will participate in a brief instructional session, safety discussion, and an explanation on how to use the foot driven steering system on your kayaks. During your 2-hour guided eco-tour, you will explore Charleston’s iconic tidal creeks and saltmarsh. While paddling through the estuarine waters behind Folly Beach, your local guide will introduce you to the area's wide variety of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins gracefully playing and feeding, wading birds exploring the shallows, crabs and invertebrates crawling on mudflats, and pelicans diving! Your guide will also discuss the value and functions of the area's major ecosystems.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- AndreaN7900 contributionsAmazingly beautiful, fun, & informative trip on the water!Such a great tour for so many reasons! Dallas was extremely knowledgeable & had a super fun personality! From birds (he was on it!), to finding PLENTY of dolphins, the ride out to Morris Island, great combination of information & fun! Kept thinking we need to come back w/our kids! Such a beautiful area and this was the BEST way to see & learn even more!Written September 30, 2024
- SandandSnow0 contributionsLots to see with a great captain as wellGreat experience from start to finish. Everyone was super friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. We went out on a nice and clean Carolina Skiff with a great captain. Lots of dolphins and other wildlife along the way and ended at Morris Island with the decommissioned lighthouse off the coast to see. Had an hour or so to walk the beach, look at shells and explore. Our tour had maybe 15 people ranging in age from a baby to seniors and it was perfect for all.Written September 30, 2024
- 965jaciew0 contributionsThe BEST experienceMy husband and I did this on our last day if our honeymoon. It was honestly my favorite part of our whole trip. Captain Craig was super knowledgeable and I loved learning about the unique ecosystem. The boat ride was beautiful and we got to see a ton of dolphins. The island was breathtaking and we found a ton of awesome shells. This is a must!!!Written September 21, 2024
- Cruiser4288510 contributionsHighly recommend! Make sure you wear shoes that can get wet because of the tide coming in,What a great day!! We saw many dolphins. The highlight was seeing a mama and baby. Morris Island was beautiful and Captain Dallas was entertaining and informative.Written September 15, 2024
- alexanderdB6098PD0 contributionsAn unforgettable experienceHad a great time! Captain Jacob was a wonderful guide who was knowledgeable and full of humor. I took my two teenage boys and they really enjoyed themselves. We saw dolphins surfacing near our boat, as well as egrets, herons, and pelicans in their natural environment. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for an authentic Charleston experience.Written September 7, 2024
- Theresa E0 contributionsWorth every penny!I took several tours on this trip to Charleston and this was by far my favorite. The check-in process was very easy. The office is in a trailer at the end of a fairly rutted road, But it’s easy to find and to staff was very friendly! They have a dock with chairs that you can wait on and it’s a beautiful and relaxing view that you barely notice time passing. The tour started on time and Our tour guide, Dallas was great! He knows his birds and he knows where to find dolphins! We were lucky and saw at least 20 dolphins on our way to the island and even got to experience two dolphins impact feeding off shoot the waterway. We spent about an hour on the island, but had to leave a little early due to a thunderstorm however, our stay on the island was spectacular. There are millions of seashells and even a beached sailboat to explore I can’t say enough good things about my experience and I will be booking something else with them on my next trip to CharlestonWritten September 2, 2024
- Psychpr0 contributionsKayaking is good!Kayaking in Charleston… something you must do at least once . Carr , the kayak guide was very friendly and exlained all the points before touching the water while once there, she asked us for animals we were expecting to see. Through the tour , she kept our interest with topics of the respective charactteristics of soils and animals in the area -no matter the animals were shy today-. One couple saw a baby shark and we saw different birds.Written September 2, 2024
- eyl0np0 contributionsCharleston dolphin excursion.Excellent and very interesting tour. The captain was amazingly knowledgeable and gave us a wonderful time. We saw many wildlife animals including packs of dolphins with cubs.Written August 30, 2024
- 994ashleyl0 contributionsPerfect for little onesWonderful experience with my family including my 18mon old. Captain George was vey patient and made sure she had a life jacket her size. We loved exploring the island and my daughter got to run all around and play in the sand and in the water. Would definitely come back.Written August 29, 2024
- Relax474100 contributionsGreat experience!This was a great experience from beginning to end! Captain Craig did an awesome job. Everyone at Charleston Outdoor Adventure was friendly and helpful and the experience was well worth the money. We had four people in our travel group and all four gave it two thumbs up!!Written August 29, 2024
- dtfamily20160 contributionsVery interesting and Unique tourIt was very interesting learning about all the marine life. We did see some dolphins which was pretty cool. We enjoyed our time on the island collecting shells, especially looing for sand dollars!Written August 27, 2024
- LightPacker1141630 contributionsCaptain CraigCaptain Craig is awesome!! Our family had a great time seeing dolphins and visiting Morris Island. This was the second time my husband and I had done this but it was a first for our kids and grandkids. We all loved it and would recommend it to anyone. We will definitely be doing this again.Written August 21, 2024
- micheletR6529YU0 contributionsFamily FunThe tour was very informative as well as fun. It was just our group of 4. We saw a lot of dolphins and learned about the lighthouse and the ecosystem. Out guide Trip made it fun and entertaining as well as educational. Can’t wait to take other people with us.Written August 13, 2024
- christinal5280 contributionsFamily of 4… July 24We had an amazing time here we saw dolphins…so relaxing…great weather our narrator was awesome. We spent about an hour on the island with a view of the Lighthouse… It was seashells galore.Written August 10, 2024
- Serettig160 contributionsWorthwhile ExperienceGreat experience! Captain Josh was easy going and informative. Very cool visit to the island and a great view of the lighthouse. We saw several dolphins, and a beautiful sunset on the 5:30 pm tour. Definitely recommend!Written August 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
545 reviews
Excellent
505
Very good
31
Average
5
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3
Terrible
1
tomkreider
Cranberry Township, PA151 contributions
Feb 2020
We had a great time on our Kayak tour of the estuary. We saw seven dolphins, osprey, egrets, multiple bird families, and our guide Cade was excellent explaining the role of nature and the importance of the low country to the area. We felt safe, Cade was knowledgeable, and answered any questions that we had about the islands and waters around Charleston. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to know about the low country and the biological community that supports the eco system.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ddmelch
Jerusalem, Israel115 contributions
Oct 2019
We joined a small group and were given a double seated kayak (a bit limited in size for my height, but equipment in good condition).
The main benefit is the guide who not only improvised the route based on actual conditions, but spoke almost non-stop for the 2 hours, giving detailed explanations and answering questions all along (who knew that mud could be so interesting?).
The rowing isn't a real effort (so don't go expecting a real workout) as it is mostly low paced, and the added value is the great scenery and wildlife, coupled with a wonderful and knowledgeable guide.
The main benefit is the guide who not only improvised the route based on actual conditions, but spoke almost non-stop for the 2 hours, giving detailed explanations and answering questions all along (who knew that mud could be so interesting?).
The rowing isn't a real effort (so don't go expecting a real workout) as it is mostly low paced, and the added value is the great scenery and wildlife, coupled with a wonderful and knowledgeable guide.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kreviews1212
125 contributions
We did see 1 dolphin, lots of birds, a small shipwreck and finished near sunset. This is a slow relaxing tour. Our tour guide Michael was very knowledgeable and we learned a ton about the estuary. Very enjoyable. Bowen’s island restaurant which is on site is a great dinner or lunch spot depending on your timing
Written April 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
msginalyn
13 contributions
Aug 2021
Sunrise Kayak tour turned out to be a private adventure. Apparently no one wants to wake up at 4:00AM to travel across several Islands, through a pitch black wood/gravel road, and embark on a sunrise kayak tour. It was welllll worth it. Our guide, Michael, was SO knowledgeable about everything we came across. We were so lucky to see a small pod of mommie dolphins and their babies eating the shrimp and bait fish in the early morning. They came pretty close to our kayaks and even winked up at us. Honestly such a serene way to enjoy the nature here.
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CMoore
Pensacola, FL6 contributions
Took my wife on an evening kayak tour for her birthday. She’d never been on a kayak, and I hadn’t been on one in nearly 20 years. After a quick intro and safety brief, our tour guide Cade had us on the water and proficient enough to get us where we were going. He was extremely knowledgeable about the estuarial ecosystem, and was able to tell us all about each species of animal and plant we saw along the way. He even got us interested in the seemingly-mundane yet important aspects of the marshes such as the grasses and mud. We tasted the most delicious oysters we’d ever eaten, which he plucked right from the water, and served us à la paddle. As if he had planned it, we got to paddle alongside a couple of dolphins as we rounded our final bend on the way back to shore.
Definitely got our money’s worth and then some. We will be back next time we’re in Charleston.
Definitely got our money’s worth and then some. We will be back next time we’re in Charleston.
Written December 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
netchix
Arlington, TX27 contributions
Apr 2021
My husband and I took the two hour kayak tour and it was a highlight of our Charleston experience! JB was an excellent tour guide pointing out the different varieties of birds and wildlife with humor and knowledge. We even saw the Oystercatcher bird hard at work. Sliding along the ocean with a cool breeze and brilliant sunshine was a great break from the city and a much needed reprise from Covid life. We were even blessed to experience several dolphins making their way through the marsh as if to give us a private show. Thank you JB for a wonderful afternoon!
Written April 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori H
Charleston, SC22 contributions
Aug 2020
This was a fantastic tour. Loved our guide, he was very informative. I can't believe I have lived here for 15+ years and never done this tour that is only two miles down the street from us. It was me and my sister and four kids aged 7 to 12 and they all loved it. I think it was just long enough for them and it surely was for me and my sister. It was a beautiful day and I learned a lot about the Low Country. And the perfect ending, I fell in getting out of the kayak, of course the only one who didn't have her bathing suit on. I would highly recommend Charleston Outdoor Adventures. It was a perfect day!
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joel S
Wyndmoor, PA1 contribution
Apr 2022
We had a wondful and worthwhile time during our Kayak tour. Our tour guide Alley was very knowledgeable and I left with a far greater understanding and appreciation of the ecological system that supports the environment around Charleston. I would highly recommend taking the tour. I was very happy that we did it in early April before the heat and humidity would have made the experience less presence. We did the twilight tour and once on the water we were mostly not impacted by mosquitos.
Written April 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave
25 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This is worth the drive to James Island. The day was gray with a fair amount of wind and an unusually high tide because of the full moon. We're frequent kayakers and as we were the only two on the tour were able to move at a fast pace and squeeze in a few extra stops. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about both the flora and fauna in the region and gave us an excellent tutorial on the ecology of the area. Only the two hour tour was available at the time we were able to go but I highly recommend the three hour tour.
Written November 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carla B
Centerville, IN76 contributions
Wanted to either SUP or kayak on vacation, but aren’t super experienced at either. A Charleston resident suggested the Charleston Outdoor Adventure company, and we’re glad they did! It was one of the highlights of our Charleston stay!
We chose the 2-hour kayak tour. Alex was our guide, and she was informative and helpful on the water. She even adjusted one person’s kayak while out and made everyone feel comfortable on the water. We went for the 9am trip to beat the heat, but would love to go back for a longer trip next time!! Everyone was very professional and the online booking was easy to do.
We chose the 2-hour kayak tour. Alex was our guide, and she was informative and helpful on the water. She even adjusted one person’s kayak while out and made everyone feel comfortable on the water. We went for the 9am trip to beat the heat, but would love to go back for a longer trip next time!! Everyone was very professional and the online booking was easy to do.
Written June 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Kayaks they use are pretty good with rudders and petals. My guess is prob no because of liability issues but really not sure of the answer I would shoot them an email. However we did notice that in the area where the business is located, there are many places to put in if you are a bit more adventurous Saying that the area is really open Thinking you might find a park near
Written February 11, 2022
I don't believe they do but best to contact the company directly.
Written September 8, 2021
Where are you located I booked a trip for tomorrow and see no address
Written June 18, 2021
Can an adult go with a child 6years old and other adult go with an 11year old?
Written December 21, 2020
Very safe kayak leaders but 6 year old who is not a strong swimmer - I would not recommend. That is my personal opinion but great for teens and above.
Written December 21, 2020
I need to cancel my kayaking trip, on Wed., Sept. 22nd.
at 1:00. Had 4 people going, already paid.
Teresa Silvey
Written September 22, 2020
Is that possible to get 2 adults and 1 kids (6 years old daughter) stay on one kayaks?
Written February 21, 2020
Do you have student rates? My daughter is a student at College of Charleston and would love to do this but she’s on a budget. It would be nice if you had off peak hours for students to go.
Written October 8, 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
