Is prior crabbing experience required?

No experience is needed—our guides provide all the instruction and equipment you need.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable clothes, water, snacks, a cooler for your catch, and sun protection.

Are children allowed on this excursion?

Yes, the trip is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

How many people are in a private group?

You can book a private experience tailored to your group’s size; check availability with May River Excursions.

What time of day is best to crab?

Early morning or late afternoon tends to be best when crabs are most active.

Can I keep the crabs I catch?

Yes, you can keep your catch as long as it meets local regulations.

Crabbing Adventure in Bluffton, South Carolina | Fishing | Water Activities

Experience the thrill of crabbing with May River Excursions on a private 1.5-hour outing in Bluffton, South Carolina. This interactive crab harvesting adventure is ideal for families, groups, and anyone interested in local wildlife and coastal traditions. You'll be provided with bait and equipment, making it easy and fun to catch crabs in their natural habitat along the scenic May River. Whether you're a first-timer or have crabbing experience, the guides will share helpful tips and stories that bring the experience to life. Bring your own snacks and a cooler so you can take your catch home, making your day both active and rewarding. The peaceful river setting adds charm and relaxation to the adventure, allowing you to soak in beautiful views while you wait for a bite. Crabbing here is not only about catching crabs but also about connecting with nature and creating lasting memories close to Bluffton’s unique waterways.

About 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.