CraigCat Tours with Coastal Backwater Adventures on St. Simons

St. Simons Island, part of Georgia’s Golden Isles, is a coastal playground where salt marshes meet endless waterways teeming with wildlife. Coastal Backwater Adventures offers an exhilarating way to experience this unique ecosystem through their CraigCat Afternoon and Morning Tours. What sets these trips apart is the use of CraigCat boats — agile, lightweight watercraft designed for maneuvering narrow backwaters, allowing adventurers to glide quietly through the marshes, rivers, and sounds.

Each tour offers a different window into the natural world here. Morning tours often deliver calm water and the chance to spot pink Spoonbills feeding close to shore, while afternoon tours reveal pods of playful dolphins and the occasional alligator basking at the water’s edge. Guests frequently witness striking wildlife encounters, thanks to informed guides like Brittany and Jordan who share detailed knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and the area’s rich history, including views of historic Fort Frederica from the water.

The CraigCats themselves add to the unique appeal—easy to operate, fast, and capable of reaching spots inaccessible to larger boats. This makes the experience both thrilling and personal, inviting visitors to connect directly with the marsh’s rhythm. Whether it’s spotting a rare bird or cruising past the fringe of Cumberland Island, Coastal Backwater Adventures provides a hands-on approach to an environment often overlooked by traditional tours.

This 2- to 3-hour adventure is perfect for outdoor lovers of all ages, combining fun with education and a deep appreciation for Georgia’s coastal heritage. Those planning a trip to St. Simons—or nearby Jekyll Island—will find that a CraigCat tour is a standout way to engage with everything the Golden Isles have to offer on water.