Scenes of Shem Creek History and Shrimp Walking Tour
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Charleston, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Get a look behind the scenes of the historic South Carolina shrimping industry with a guided walking tour of Shem Creek. This immersive experience will give you a chance to see this nearly century-old waterfront community at work, as you learn all about the history, ecology, culture, and language of this special place.
- Walking tour of Shem Creek immerses you in the shrimping industry
- See the shrimping fleet at work and learn about its history
- The tour ends on Mount Pleasant’s charming waterfront boardwalk
- A small group means a more intimate experience
What's Included
- Small prize at end of the tour
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 111 Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
We meet on corner of Coleman Blvd and Mill street outside of the public parking garage/office. It is the only 4 story office building in the immediate area. There is a circular flower arrangement on that corner that I will be near with a grey hat and tour guide badge on.
End point
- 1313 Shrimp Boat Ln, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
The tour ends a short walk away from starting location on a beautiful public boardwalk that is next to the creek where guests have the opportunity to explore further.
Operating hours.10:00 am
Itinerary
1
Mary Street
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Magwood Drive
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Shem Creek
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Hibben Street
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Mt. Pleasant Seafood
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Shem Creek Park
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Walking distance is around 1.5 miles. Please note especially with summer heat that guests should be able to walk this distance.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 183 reviews
Dean_P, Apr 2026
Captain Brian was very knowledgeable about the history of the area and we learnt a lot in the 2 hours we were on the tour.
Tania_C, Apr 2026
Great time! Great history lesson. Can’t wait for the shrimp boil and the other amazing history tours.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
The shrimp boil! My newest experience is a blast, when y’all come back I have some seats for your on that one 🦐. For now thanks for joining on the Shem creek historic walking tour and leaving such an amazing review. Tania, you have a friend here in Charleston and I hope to see y’all again in the future. -capt B
Kristen_O, Apr 2026
Bryan was very knowledgeable and it was a great walking tour! The kids were engaged in the history as well.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kristen. Thanks for the amazing review and noting that I do try hard to make sure my younger folks on the tour stay engaged and have fun. Y’all were awesome and are welcome on any of my tours and I do hope to see y’all again on a future visit to Charleston. Safe travels- Capt B
Gertrude_M, Mar 2026
He gives a lot of really good historical facts about Mt. Pleasant and Charleston. He was very knowledgeable and presented information in an interesting format. He engaged well with the children on the tour.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much, I do try really hard to make sure the younger folks stay engaged and have an equally fun time. I recognize this tour is different in that it focuses on culture and heritage of an almost gone industry but it is well worth it for folks like yourselves that want to see a different side to Charleston and Shem creek. Safe travels !!! -Capt B
Nicholas_I, Mar 2026
Tour guide Bryan was personable,, enraging and eager to share his deep knowledge of Mount Pleasant/Charleston history plus the origin, evolution and today’s status of the local shrimping industry. We were the only two booked and Bryan gave us an intimate private tour when other tours we’ve booked in recent years have canceled without their minimum. Can’t wait to book another of his many tours when next back in Charleston. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Nick! It was such a pleasure meeting y’all. The local shrimping industry is not well advertised nor understood so it is amazing to share its valuable history to guests like yourselves. Thanks for this amazing review and I hope to see y’all again in the future. Y’all have a friend here in Charleston. Safe travels- Capt B
Lizette_J, Sept 2025
Bryan, our tour expert, is so knowledgeable and entertaining! He made this unique tour fun and educational at the same time.
John_L, Sept 2025
Great morning. Captain Bryan is very knowledgeable. He grew up in this area and knows so much history. We also learned so much about the shrimping industry and sustainability. We got a great lesson in how to toss a net which was really a blast. Highly recommend!
Michelle_M, Sept 2025
Our tour guide was fantastic but the tour did not meet the description. We were expecting more of a working shrimp boat and a seaside snack. We spent more time learning about history and homes than on the shrimp docks. We thought we would get to eat shrimp but left without a snack and had to run to lunch.
Response from Host, Sept 2025
Hi Michelle, I know we have discussed this in person but will respond publicly. Viator has had AI or as they say "copywriters" change my tour description. I have spent an hour trying to get my description changed back and This is a direct quote from my chat with Viator
" Unique product description content written by Viator's copywriters. VUC is based on your provided content, but it overrides the provided content on the product page, and is written in a way that emphasizes the value of booking the tour/activity vs. going on your own to get you more bookings."
Meaning, I am unable to control the public facing description of my own tour!!! That I designed... SMH. My own description does not include anything about a "seaside snack" or "whetting your appetite." Those have been added against my wishes. Michelle is not wrong in her review as the current description makes it seem like we get food on the tour and removes the historical component. Please note for future guests this is not a food tour but this is a historical based walking tour that starts out in a community that dates back to 1680, then we use that history to explain how shrimping begins commercially. From there we visit 2 generational shrimping family facilities to check out the catch, pass by a trawler to discuss how the boats/nets work. And we finish with a cast net demonstration to teach folks how to catch their own shrimp. This tour has been featured on the local news and a nationally syndicated American Dream TV and I have family in the shrimping industry! I hope future guests will join along to learn about the last vestiges of a bygone era with the local shrimping industry and history of this beautiful community. Michelle, thanks for making me aware of the description changed and still being such wonderful guests despite leaving hungry at the end ! If you are back in town I will be glad to have you join on any of my other walking tours for free to make up for slightly misleading description (that Viator made), just reach out you have my number. - Capt B
Elizabeth_C, Aug 2025
The best tour we had in Charleston! Captain is honest, sweet and loves his history! The tour was fun, interactive and informative!!!
Michael_S, Aug 2025
Captain Brian was GREAT! He was so very knowledgeable and FUN!!!
Not only did we learn, we laughed. A wonderful combination when you are doing a tour. He was so kind, especially to the children attending. I was impressed that he was able to remember names of so many in the group. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who is able to do the slow walk with him. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
Sherri_B, Aug 2025
Great mixture of history and humor. Learned a lot about the background of the shrimping industry in Charleston. Captain Brian was an awesome guide and held our interest with great stories.
Laray_H, Jul 2025
Capt brad was great knew a lot of history fot the small island, gave us great place to eat lunch. Over all a great experence.
Victoria_S, Jul 2025
Very fun and informational! Captain was a great tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. Cool to learn about history and shrimping in Charleston.
Scott_K, Jun 2025
Captain Bryan was very knowledgeable and informative about the local history and architecture, as well as the details of shrimping. Locally raised and grown, committed to the community.
Amanda_D, May 2025
Capt. Bryan was SO awesome! We did this tour with our kiddos ages 2 & 4 and he kept them engaged along with the adults too! There was so much history and knowledge Bryan shared about the area and we learned really cool facts about shrimp too! This was the perfect tour to get out and about to walk off breakfast and see the area. I would do this tour again once we come back and visit! Hats off to you my friend!! Great tour!
Kimberly_W, May 2025
This by far was the best tour. Captain Bryan was thorough, funny and had the most history knowledge. He taught us about war history as well as shrimping. Mount Pleasant is a beautiful town. I loved admiring the old houses on the walking tour. Money well spent. Thank you Capt. Bryan
Jack_T, May 2025
Very informative about the history of Shem Creek and how shrimping started. Highlighted the struggles and challenges of present day shrimping.
Paula_P, Mar 2025
Captain Bryan was the best! A great history lesson on the evolution of the shrimping industry in SC from the Revolutionary War to present
Amy_B, Mar 2025
Captain Brian was very knowledgeable about the history of Mount Pleasant. In addition he had a vast knowledge of the shrimping industry. He was very passionate and enthusiastic about his hometown. Not just telling you information, but he was presenting it like a story. He was able to answer your questions and took every question seriously. Recommend some local restaurants that did not disappoint!! We ate local shrimp at Arts Bar and Grill and the flounder sandwich was great!
JOHNNY_M, Mar 2025
Captain Bryan's was one of the best experiences of our vacation. Our kids enjoyed learning history of our country and shrimping.
Our group included 11, 10 and 8 year olds and all loved it even our 15-year old dog :)
Highly recommend this tour and came back w/ great recommendations for the rest of our trip.
Patti_B, Mar 2025
Great tour even for locals of Charleston! Bryan did a great job of sharing Charlestons history bridging that to the shrimping industry.
Alec_D, Feb 2025
It’s a great behind the scenes look at Shem creek and the history that has brought us to present day. Eat local seafood when you can. It helps support small independent businesses that aren’t ultimately owned by Fortune 500 corporations who don’t know or care about whatever forever chemicals are in the frozen plastic bag of food they’re selling to you.
Tara_B, Feb 2025
Having never been to Charleston we wanted to learn about the local history and current culture. Capt Bryan covered it all and more! Highly recommend this tour. You will love it!
Wyatt_K, Feb 2025
Most informative and fun experience we had on our trip. Captain Bryan is extremely knowledgeable and very easy to talk to. It was a fun time and we learnt a lot.
Louise_C, Feb 2025
Captain Bryan was knowledgeable and entertaining. We all enjoyed the tour and left with a wealth of new information. We highly recommend.
Kerry_J, Feb 2025
Outstanding and interesting. Bryan is a wonderful guide with a true passion for the area and a wealth of knowledge. You will have a wonderful time away from the crowds and chaos of the most touristy parts of Charleston.
Chelsea_M, Jan 2025
Bryan knows his history! Very personable and informative. It was a trip highlight and worth every penny.
sims1068, Nov 2024
Super informative and interesting. Bryan was fun and answered all the questions presented. Beautiful area to walk through. Just wished we could have packed some shrimp to take home.
Patricia_H, Nov 2024
I loved the history of Shem Creek…visiting the shrimp shacks gave me knowledge of best placed to buy local shrimp…very enjoyable experience
Debra_S, Oct 2024
History of the area; Mt Pleasant and Charleston. Shrimping history and how the shrimpers catch shrimp.
From $29.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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