Get behind the wheel of a CraigCat boat and navigate Georgia’s intricate waterways with Coastal Backwater Adventures. From dolphin sightings to close encounters with unique bird species, these guided tours unlock the natural wonders of St. Simons Island’s marshlands.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Basic level of fitness is sufficient; requires ability to balance while boarding and steering the boat.
Wildlife
History
Fort Frederica, visible from the waterways, served as a strategic British military post in the early 18th century.
Conservation
Coastal Backwater Adventures emphasizes low-impact boating practices to protect delicate marsh ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Coastal Backwater Adventures
Get behind the wheel of a CraigCat boat and navigate Georgia’s intricate waterways with Coastal Backwater Adventures. From dolphin sightings to close encounters with unique bird species, these guided tours unlock the natural wonders of St. Simons Island’s marshlands.
Coastal Backwater Adventures is a St. Simons Island, Georgia-based outfitter offering guided CraigCat tours through the Golden Isles. The business runs 2½-hour CraigCat tours—Morning and Afternoon—led by a knowledgeable monitor. Trips navigate the Spartina grass marsh and feature opportunities to view local wildlife, including dolphins and alligators. Tours are designed to be accessible to novice boaters and focus on hands-on experience piloting a CraigCat while observing coastal ecosystems.
Each CraigCat Morning Tour and CraigCat Afternoon Tour lasts approximately 2½ hours and follows marsh channels, tidal creeks, and open water in the Golden Isles. Monitors provide on-boat guidance during navigation and wildlife viewing. Guests may encounter dolphins and alligators and observe Spartina grass habitats and coastal scenery unique to St. Simons Island.
Coastal Backwater Adventures emphasizes clear trip information, scheduled morning and afternoon departures, and guided on-water instruction. The business operates on St. Simons Island, Georgia, serving residents and visitors to the Golden Isles. Booking is for the CraigCat tours offered.
Public descriptions of the tours highlight natural sightseeing, beginner-friendly boat handling, and wildlife viewing. Trip summaries note the 2½-hour duration, monitor guidance, and marsh environments. For visitors seeking an introductory hands-on boat experience in the Golden Isles, Coastal Backwater Adventures provides guided CraigCat departures that combine navigation practice with coastal wildlife observation.
Morning and afternoon departures run from St. Simons Island and traverse Spartina grass marshes, tidal channels, and open water. Monitors provide commentary and guidance, and bookings specify the CraigCat Morning Tour or CraigCat Afternoon Tour option, daily availability.
Location
St. Simons Island, GA
Operates in the Golden Isles
Trip Length
2½ hours
Morning and afternoon departures
Tours Offered
CraigCat Morning & Afternoon
Hands-on, monitor-guided experiences
Wildlife
Dolphins & Alligators
View coastal species in marsh habitat
Book a 2½-hour Morning or Afternoon CraigCat departure for novice-friendly wildlife and marsh navigation.
Wear Water-Resistant Footwear
CraigCat boats involve stepping into shallow water during boarding; water-resistant shoes will keep you comfortable.
Bring Binoculars
To get detailed glimpses of distant wildlife like spoonbills and dolphins, binoculars enhance the experience.
Apply Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin and the sensitive salt marsh ecosystem with a non-toxic sunscreen.
Check the Tide Schedule
Tides influence accessibility and wildlife activity; morning tours benefit from higher tides for better navigation.
Water Shoes
Protect feet during boarding and while near marsh edges.
summer
Polarized Sunglasses
Reduce glare off the water and improve visibility for spotting wildlife.
Light Waterproof Jacket
Stay dry during unexpected spring showers.
spring
Wide-Brim Hat
Shield your face and neck from intense sun exposure.
summer