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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as the trip involves mostly seated boat time with light physical activity during fishing or crabbing.
Wildlife
History
The Lowcountry backwaters have been vital to local communities for centuries, supporting traditional fishing and crabbing livelihoods.
Conservation
May River Excursions practices responsible boating to minimize disturbance and supports local efforts to protect fragile marsh ecosystems.
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.
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.
Location
Bluffton, SC
Launches on the May River
Tours Offered
9 Tours
Fishing, wildlife, history, more
Common Duration
1.5 hours
Several tours run 1.5 hours
Family Friendly
All Ages
Interactive trips for every age
Reserve seats for dolphin watching, fishing charters, shelling, or sunset cruises departing from Bluffton, SC.
Bring Sunscreen and Bug Spray
Protect yourself from sun exposure and mosquitos common around the marshes during your adventure.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear
Choose shoes with good grip for safety while boarding and moving around the boat.
Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water especially during warmer months as the sun and saltwater can quickly dehydrate you.
Respect Wildlife
Maintain a safe distance from dolphins and birds to avoid disturbing their natural behavior.
Wide-Brimmed Hat
Provides necessary shade to protect your face from strong sun rays during summer outings.
summer
Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirt
Protects skin from sun and insects while keeping you cool during spring trips.
spring
Waterproof Camera or Phone Case
Keeps your electronics safe while capturing stunning wildlife and scenic views on the water.
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated throughout the adventure is important no matter the season.