Are the tours suitable for children?

Yes, the Backwater Eco Tour is family-friendly and educational for all ages.

Is prior boating experience required?

No experience is needed; all tours are guided with a professional captain.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

Common sightings include dolphins, herons, osprey, and occasionally sea turtles.

What should I bring on the tour?

Bring sun protection, water, comfortable clothing, and optionally snacks and a camera.

Can I reschedule if the tour is cancelled?

Yes, if minimum group size isn't met, you will be notified to reschedule or receive a refund.

Are restrooms available at the launch site?

Yes, restrooms are available near the Shem Creek Public Day Dock before boarding.

Backwater Eco Tour with Shem Creek Ecotours in SC

Shem Creek Ecotours LLC offers a distinctive passage into South Carolina’s Lowcountry, a region defined by winding tidal creeks and expansive salt marshes just outside Charleston. Their Backwater Eco Tour serves as an accessible gateway to the area's quieter aquatic wilds, where nature’s rhythms are on full display. This two-hour guided boat journey commands attention not only for its immersive wildlife encounters but also for its focus on education and conservation.

Starting from the Shem Creek Public Day Dock in Mount Pleasant, participants glide through serene waterways bordered by towering spartina grass and live oaks draped with Spanish moss. The landscape is sculpted by the tides, creating dynamic habitats that nurture diverse creatures. Look closely to spot sleek bottlenose dolphins surfacing nearby or catch the sharp gaze of a great blue heron poised along the water's edge.

What sets this trip apart is its deliberate pace and emphasis on environmental literacy. Guides share in-depth insights into the fragile ecosystems of salt marshes and their critical role in coastal resilience, fisheries, and carbon sequestration. The tour balances leisure and learning, making it ideal for families and nature enthusiasts seeking a meaningful connection without demanding physical exertion.

Shem Creek Ecotours’ backwater cruises open a window on an often overlooked side of coastal South Carolina. Here, visitors witness rare glimpses of sea turtles, osprey nests, and marsh grasses that have thrived for centuries amid shifting tides. By championing sustainable tourism and local ecology, Shem Creek Ecotours invites guests to appreciate a living landscape vital to the region’s heritage—and its future.

About Shem Creek Ecotours LLC

Shem Creek Ecotours LLC is a Mount Pleasant, South Carolina based boating and nature tour operator specializing in guided Lowcountry experiences. The company offers a range of trips from educational backwater eco tours through tidal creeks and salt marshes to scenic Charleston harbor cruises and beach escapes. Trips include the Backwater Eco Tour, Charleston Harbor Cruise, Charleston Harbor & Beach Escape, Shem Creek Sundown Boil Cruise, and a specialized Outer Banks Films Location Tour guided by captains with production experience.
Each excursion is led by seasoned local captains who provide regional history, wildlife interpretation, and safe navigation of coastal waters. The fleet departs from Mount Pleasant and focuses on low-impact, educational experiences that highlight dolphins, herons, and other coastal wildlife while explaining the ecology of the Lowcountry estuary. On the Shem Creek Sundown Boil Cruise guests enjoy a locally sourced Lowcountry boil served on a quiet beach at sunset. The Outer Banks Films Location Tour offers fans guided viewing of iconic filming sites with behind-the-scenes commentary from captains familiar with production logistics. Shem Creek Ecotours LLC emphasizes small-group guiding, hands-on interpretation, and accessible itineraries suitable for families and nature enthusiasts. Safety protocols, local knowledge, and a commitment to responsible wildlife viewing underpin each tour. Visitors can expect a combination of sightseeing, wildlife encounters, and regional cuisine presented in a relaxed, informative format that showcases the natural and cultural assets of the Charleston coastal region. Tours depart from Mount Pleasant and serve families, couples, groups seeking Lowcountry experiences on the water.