easy
2–4 hours
Suitable for beginners to moderately active individuals comfortable with light paddling or boating
Experience Charleston’s coastal wilds with guided kayaking, boat tours, and fossil hunts. Discover dolphins, lighthouses, and local legends with Charleston Outdoor Adventures.
Charleston Outdoor Adventures offers a diverse range of water-based excursions and rentals that unlock the unique ecosystems and coastal heritage around Charleston, South Carolina. Situated on the southeastern Atlantic coast, Charleston’s lowcountry marshlands, barrier islands, and open water combine to create a living classroom for wildlife and history buffs alike.
Visitors can engage with the environment through an array of activities including marsh kayaking tours that range from two to three hours, full and half-day kayak or paddleboard rentals, and guided boat cruises to iconic local landmarks. The Morris Island Lighthouse Eco-tour invites guests to see one of the region’s historic maritime structures up close, complemented by birdwatching opportunities and coastal flora discovery. For those focused on marine life, the Dolphin Eco-Charters offer a front-row seat to pods of playful dolphins and other native species like stingrays, ospreys, and snowy egrets, showcasing Charleston’s vibrant aquatic biodiversity.
The Outer Banks Boat Tour further expands the horizon with a unique filming locations cruise that ties together the region’s pop culture and natural assets, delighting families and fans with familiar sights. Fossil hunting tours provide an intriguing connection to the ancient history locked in Charleston’s shoreline.
Anglers will appreciate dedicated fishing charters that include local insights on catching native species, while full moon kayak tours add a magical, quieter dimension to paddling the waterways under starlit skies.
Affectionately praised for knowledgeable and friendly guides who offer detailed commentary on local ecology and history, Charleston Outdoor Adventures ranks as a premier outfitter for those seeking an authentic hands-on experience in South Carolina’s distinctive coastal environment. Whether visitors aim to paddle serene marshes, hunt fossils on sandy beaches, or cruise toward lighthouses, this operation provides accessible, engaging ways to engage with Charleston’s outdoor landscape.
Tours like the Full Moon Kayak and Morris Island Lighthouse Eco-tour fill up quickly, especially in peak seasons.
Charleston’s coastal sun can be intense; pack ample water and reef-safe sunscreen for paddling and cruises.
Footwear that can get wet and protect from sharp shells or rocks enhances comfort on kayak trips and beach stops.
Tides affect wildlife visibility and beach access, especially on fossil hunting tours and lighthouse excursions.
Morris Island Lighthouse was first lit in 1876 and historically guided mariners through Charleston Harbor approaches.
Tours emphasize low-impact practices, protecting fragile marsh habitats and promoting awareness of marine pollution challenges.
Protects skin and sensitive marine ecosystems during prolonged sun exposure.
summer specific
Provides traction and foot protection when entering/exiting watercraft or walking on rocky beaches.
Useful for sudden coastal showers during spring paddle or boat tours.
spring specific
Keeps paddlers hydrated during multi-hour excursions.