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Experience the beauty of the Lowcountry’s backwaters with a private boat tour in Bluffton, SC. Choose from fishing, crabbing, or dolphin watching on this unforgettable day with May River Excursions.
Experience the beauty of the Lowcountry’s backwaters with a private boat tour in Bluffton, SC. Choose from fishing, crabbing, or dolphin watching on this unforgettable day with May River Excursions.
Book with May River Excursions
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by May River Excursions · Bluffton, South Carolina
Discover the charm of South Carolina’s Lowcountry with May River Excursions' Backwater Adventure Day. This private boat experience offers a unique way to explore the serene backwaters and salt marshes around Bluffton, guided by a knowledgeable local captain. Whether you're casting a line for a relaxing fishing session, setting traps for crabs, or scanning the waters for playful dolphins, each activity offers a special connection to the coastal ecosystem. The calm waterways and sprawling marshland provide a peaceful escape from everyday hustle, perfect for families, friends, or anyone seeking a private outdoor adventure. Along the way, you’ll learn about the rich wildlife and local history, creating meaningful memories on and off the water. This customizable excursion blends adventure with education, ensuring an unforgettable day on the water in one of South Carolina's most scenic areas.
easy.
3–4 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels as the trip involves mostly seated boat time with light physical activity during fishing or crabbing.
Yes, the Backwater Adventure Day is family-friendly and children of all ages can enjoy the peaceful boat ride and activities.
We recommend bringing sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, water, and comfortable shoes with good traction.
Absolutely! You can choose between fishing, crabbing, or dolphin watching depending on your group’s interests.
Yes, life jackets are provided and must be worn by all participants for safety.
Common sightings include Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, great blue herons, and various marsh birds.
Trips may be rescheduled due to severe weather or unsafe boating conditions to ensure guest safety.
The Lowcountry backwaters have been vital to local communities for centuries, supporting traditional fishing and crabbing livelihoods.
May River Excursions practices responsible boating to minimize disturbance and supports local efforts to protect fragile marsh ecosystems.
May River Excursions operates out of Bluffton, South Carolina, offering a variety of guided boat trips on the May River and surrounding waterways. The company runs fishing outings, dolphin watches, ecology tours, crabbing and shelling trips, historic river excursions, sunset cruises, and customizable backwater adventures. Trips include options for small private groups and larger groups, with specific experiences tailored to families, anglers, nature observers, and history enthusiasts. Several trips run approximately 1.5 hours, including the Historic River Excursion, May River Ecology Excursion, Dolphin Excursion, Crabbing, and Sunset Excursion. Some fishing trips and the Backwater Adventure Day are offered as private charters. Many excursions provide bait and equipment; select fishing trips also include licenses and additional gear. Local captains guide trips through the May River, Hilton Head Island backwaters, Daufuskie Island creeks, and vanishing sandbars to search for shells, shark teeth, and marine wildlife. Wildlife commonly encountered on trips includes Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, oysters, shrimp, redfish, and sharks. May River Excursions emphasizes hands-on experiences suited to all ages, with interactive crabbing and shelling options and photography-friendly dolphin and sunset trips. The business markets itself to visitors and residents seeking accessible Lowcountry water experiences that combine recreation, wildlife viewing, and local history. Reservations and trip details are available through the company’s booking channels for each listed tour. Safety briefings and simple, guest-friendly instructions are provided on board to ensure comfortable participation, whether guests are fishing, crabbing, photographing wildlife, or learning about the region’s ecology and culture.
Book with May River Excursions