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Kayak With Dolphins in Historic Shem Creek

Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Mount Pleasant, USA
Popular pick
Booked 10+ times last week!
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

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.
  • An eco-friendly way to explore a historic corner of Charleston
  • Paddle with a guide to learn about the sights and wildlife
  • All equipment plus a waterproof bag for your valuables provided
  • Break up your sightseeing and enjoy views of the city from the water

What's Included

  • 2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour
  • Kayaking Gear (Sea Kayak, Paddle, Personal Flotation Device)
  • Dry Bag (to keep phone & personal belongings from getting wet)
  • Professional Guide with storytelling & safety skills
  • Gratuities
    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.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 514 Mill St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA

    Coastal Expeditions is located at the end of Mill Street on the left. Parking is available in the private lot. If the lot is full, public parking is available on Mill or Scott Streets. Check in upstairs in the Coastal Expeditions office.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

1

Coastal Expeditions on Shem Creek

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

2

Shem Creek Park

1 hour 40 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Kerry_M
Morgan was a great guide. Very knowledgeable and radiated with excitement to share her passion with the group.

Reviews

4.9
based on 430 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great time on the water

Kerry_M, Apr 2026
Morgan was a great guide. Very knowledgeable and radiated with excitement to share her passion with the group.

Best family fun

Jean_O, Apr 2026
Great fun! The guides were excellent . We could have just rented a kayak but having the guide lead us was much better with the added narrative and safety.

Shem Creek Is Magical!

philippa_a, Dec 2025
Morgan was a lovely tour guide! Had a great day on the water with our family-everyone had a great time!

Beautiful landscape great...

Brian_S, Feb 2025
Beautiful landscape great wild life Logan our guide was great he is so informative of all the wildlife u see and knows all about the area

Delightful

Debbie_D, Nov 2024
All of it. Our guide Gracie was fun and knowledgeable. The sights were enjoyable and the staff were professional

Great Eco/History tour from the water

Katie_B, Oct 2024
We enjoyed our kayak trip down Shem Creek learning about the low country eco system. Our guide was friendly and knowledgable. I was traveling with my kids 13 & 11 and it was a great way to be active in nature while learning history at the same time!

Wonderful day on the water!

Kirsten_R, May 2024
Taut was a fantastic guide. We were able to see lots of wildlife on our tour. Lucky enough to see dolphins and a manatee!

Definitely worth it!!

Mary_A, May 2024
We had a wonderful time! Abby and Nick were great tour guides and very knowledgeable about the area and ecosystem. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would definitely recommend it to others. A+
Likely to Sell Out

From $55.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 18 days in advance.

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