Top South Carolina Nature and Wildlife Tours

Embark on a 3.5-hour boat journey to Capers Island, a rare, undeveloped barrier island where nature thrives undisturbed. Cruise through meandering tidal creeks, home to bottlenose dolphins, osprey, pelicans, bald eagles, herons, and egrets. Marine experts will use seine nets and habitat traps to unveil the hidden marine life beneath the surface. Upon arrival, spend 90 minutes exploring Bone-yard Beach—where ancient oak stumps jut from the sand—and the island’s tranquil freshwater ponds. Ideal for shelling, birdwatching, and hands-on discovery, this eco-tour blends adventure with education. Encounter coastal Georgia’s pristine beauty and vibrant wildlife in their natural habitat. Perfect for nature lovers and eco-conscious adventurers.

Enjoy an immersive way to discover Hilton Head Island's aquatic scenery—and give yourself the best chance of spotting local marine life, including dolphins—on this guided boat tour. Choose a departure time that works best for you, greet your United States Coast Guard-licensed captain, and hop aboard. Learn more about the island's ecosystem along the way, and look out for wildlife as you head into nature.

Explore the beautiful cypress-lined Waccamaw River, Intracoastal Waterway, and the creeks and swamps on this guided boat tour near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Be on the lookout for birds and other wildlife that inhabit these southern waters that run along the refuge. The boat docks are located within Waccatee Zoo.

Experience Hilton Head’s wildlife-rich Broad Creek Estuary on this kayaking tour designed for all ages and experience levels—no need for prior experience or your own equipment. Glide through calm salt-marsh waters and keep an eye out for wild bottlenose dolphins, as well as manatees, sea turtles, otters, and shorebirds. Paddle past waterfront homes and learn about the local history and ecology from your guide.

Learn all about more than 300 years of history on this guided carriage tour of Charleston. See the many mansions, churches, and gardens as your horse-drawn carriage tour covers more than 2.5 miles and 30 blocks of historic Charleston. Belgian and Percheron draft horses lead you through the streets while you learn about this “Holy City” and its role in the Civil War—leave your guidebook at home, these stories are better.

Don’t let your Myrtle Beach vacay be all golf, Ferris wheeling, and seafood—with this fast-paced tour, you’ll get up close and personal with the city’s most playful residents: dolphins. Racing like a speedboat but in the comfort of a yacht, you’ll glide over the Intracoastal Waterway and into the Atlantic, surrounded by nothing but South Carolina’s best scenery…and some frolicking friends. This adventure is fun for adults and children of all ages.

Kayaking in the tidal marshes around Charleston is a must-do for wildlife lovers, but without a guide by your side, you’re likely to miss a lot. This tour gets you out on the water with a guide who knows the best spots to go for sightings. While you never know just what you’ll see, creatures that live in these waters include Loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and more.

Embark on a horse-drawn carriage tour through the heart of historic Charleston, one of the most charming cities in the US. Ride along cobblestone streets and take in the antebellum architecture, historic landmarks, and lush gardens. Your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about Charleston’s rich history and Southern culture. This is a charming introduction to this part of Charleston.

Get all the thrills of a Charleston ghost tour without any walking on this haunted horse and carriage ride. A horse and carriage takes you down twisting side streets and cobbled alleyways with ease as your guide shares spooky stories from Charleston’s past. Make your way past the Mills House, the Circular Congregational Graveyard, and and Provost Dungeon in the heart of the Holy City.

Explore the hidden beauty of the Charleston Lowcountry as the sun rises over the tidal salt marsh. Your morning ecotour boat charter takes you away from the crowds and into remote creeks, winding waterways, and untouched areas of the estuary where wildlife begins its day. While everyone else is heading into rush hour traffic, the marsh is already alive. Watch great blue herons, egrets, pelicans, ospreys, and other coastal birds begin their morning routines while dolphins move through the creeks and feed along the shoreline. The early morning hours offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities, with calm waters. Join your local captain for a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Charleston’s tidal salt marsh so special. Learn about the history, culture, and ecology of the area while exploring waterways. Join this off-the-beaten-path adventure through the Tidal Salt Marsh and experience the wildlife, incredible marsh views, and Charleston beyond the postcards.

Cruising the salt-marsh ecosystem in search of dolphins is a popular activity in Hilton Head, but unlike other similar tours, this dolphin and nature tour uses small boats so wildlife isn’t scared away easily. Sail along the water from Shelter Cove Marina, down Broad Creek, and into Calibogue Sound, while keeping a lookout for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, birds, and other animals that call the area home.

Hilton Head Island is known as one of North America’s best spots for watching dolphins in the wild. Get out on the water and take in amazing views of these intelligent, playful creatures during this private boat tour. With a Lowcountry Master Naturalist as your captain and guide, you’ll learn all about the ecology of Hilton Head while watching the dolphins along with other wildlife including rays, sharks, and sea turtles. Just your group (up to six passengers) cruising the waters, watching dolphins eating, playing, and socializing.

Sail into the vibrant Murrells Inlet sunset on a 75-minute Dolphin & Sealife Cruise. Enjoy a scenic ride as you search for playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and explore the local marine life through our interactive touch tank featuring crabs, starfish, and more. With a climate-controlled cabin, snack bar, and spacious viewing areas, this family-friendly cruise is perfect for all ages. Knowledgeable crew members provide educational insights about the area, making this a delightful experience for families, couples, and groups alike. - 75-minute scenic cruise through Murrells Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean - Interactive touch tank with local sea creatures for hands-on learning - Comfortable two-story vessel with indoor air-conditioning and snack bar - Great for families, couples, and kids of all ages—strollers welcome.

Cruise through Lowcountry tidal creeks and marshes en route to the uninhabited Morris Island on this boat cruise from the Charleston area. A private boat company launches from Bowens Island for the scenic ride through an estuary rich in biodiversity before a soft landing on Morris Island. Spend free time to taking photos of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse, combing for seashells, and looking out for birds, sea turtles, and dolphins before your return.

This tour is the best as you get everything all in one! You will see local wildlife, beautiful stately waterfront homes, breathtaking water views and end the evening with a wonderful sunset. The local wildlife you will see are Atlantic bottlenose dolphin and a variety of shorebirds. What better way to spend the evening?

Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board to explore the Waccamaw River on your own. Our guides will get you familiar with your equipment and give you instructions on which areas of the river to visit and how to get back to our Outpost. Pack a lunch and paddle down to a secluded sandy beach on the river for a fun adventure. $15/hour per person or $40 per person from 10 am - 5 pm At our 1 acre Outpost you can enjoy fun and games with unique super sized yard games: Jenga, Connect 4, Corn Hole, Domino's, Hook & Ring, and Tic Tac Toe. Other Outpost amenities includes four restrooms and hot showers, a variety of hammocks and swings, fire pit, shaded picnic table areas and propane grill. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch or burgers to cook on the grill. We also have a limited selection of drinks, snacks and ice cream for sale.

Explore the vibrant ecosystem of Murrells Inlet on a captivating Saltwater Marsh Eco Tour. This 2-hour cruise offers a unique opportunity for families and nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the lush coastal landscape. Led by an onboard marine biologist, guests can observe local wildlife, participate in live demonstrations, and enjoy a shelling adventure on a private beach accessible only by boat. The onboard experience includes interactive touch tanks teeming with marine life such as blue crabs, sea urchins, starfish, oysters and more that you can observe, hold and explore, making it an educational outing for all ages. Perfect for families, seniors, and couples looking to connect with nature and each other. - 2-hour eco-cruise through the picturesque saltwater marsh - Expert naturalists guide the tour, sharing insights on local wildlife and history - Shelling adventure on a secluded beach (~35 mins) - Family-friendly experience suitable for all ages, with onboard facilities

Start your day off on the right foot with a relaxing kayak tour through the waterways of Hilton Head. Join a small group and grab a cup of coffee to energize you before setting off. Then, explore the marshes and broad creeks of the region, learning about the local area from your guide.

The Bulls Island Ferry offers a beautiful 30-minute boat ride to explore the stunning Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Onboard, naturalists share insights about local wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and over 293 bird species. Once on the island, wander through miles of trails leading to serene beaches and unique sites like Boneyard Beach. This tour is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts eager to connect with South Carolina’s wildlife and ecosystems. Plan for a day of adventure with well-trained guides ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. - Enjoy a scenic ferry ride with naturalists guiding your journey - Explore miles of trails and beautiful beaches on Bulls Island - Ideal for families and wildlife lovers of all ages - Available Tuesday through Saturday from March to November and Saturdays December to March

Enjoy sunset views and scan the water for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins on this dolphin-watching cruise off the coast of South Carolina. The frequency of dolphin sightings makes this cruise ideal for those hoping to catch photos of the majestic sea creatures. Plus, throughout the cruise, you can learn about dolphins and your surroundings from an on-board naturalist.

Watch the sun set above Charleston, South Carolina with a 2-hour sunset harbor cruise aboard a 45-foot motorized catamaran. Find a comfortable seat on deck, spot the landmarks of downtown Charleston and the waterfront, and watch for the dolphins and sea birds that thrive along the South Carolina shoreline. Enjoy a relaxing break from the city while spending a romantic evening on the water.

See a side of Charleston that most tourists miss with this unique kayaking excursion down Shem Creek. Pick up the basics of paddling, then set off with your guide toward Charleston Harbor to spot local wildlife from bottlenose dolphins and manatees to sea turtles and marine birds. Take in views of colorful shrimp boats and city skyline plus learn about Charleston’s history and ecosystem from your guide along the way.

Step into one of America’s last old-growth forests and explore Congaree National Park at your own pace. Walk shaded boardwalk trails surrounded by giant trees, hanging vines, and wildlife calls that fill the air. The audio guide shares stories about the park’s history, swamp ecosystem, and the people who once lived and worked here. Start your tour from the visitor center and follow the boardwalk or take side trails to see Weston Lake, Bluff Trail, and the Harry Hampton Visitor Center area. Stop to listen to frogs, birds, and the flowing Congaree River. Use GPS directions that work offline, follow local tips, and revisit anytime with lifetime access. Download the tour, bring water, and enjoy a peaceful walk through one of the South’s most beautiful and wild landscapes—your time, your path, your adventure. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*