Adventure Brief
Gather your friends or family for a private fishing adventure in Bluffton, SC. Catch sharks, stingrays, and more with all gear provided—perfect for beginners and groups alike!
3–5 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Gather your friends or family for a private fishing adventure in Bluffton, SC. Catch sharks, stingrays, and more with all gear provided—perfect for beginners and groups alike!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels since the activity primarily involves sitting or standing while fishing.
Wildlife
History
Bluffton has a rich coastal history and was once a hub for rice plantations, influencing the region's cultural heritage.
Conservation
May River Excursions practices catch-and-release on many species to help sustain local fish populations and protect delicate ecosystems.
May River Excursions
Gather your friends or family for a private fishing adventure in Bluffton, SC. Catch sharks, stingrays, and more with all gear provided—perfect for beginners and groups alike!
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.
Location
Bluffton, SC
Launches on the May River
Tours Offered
9 Tours
Fishing, wildlife, history, more
Common Duration
1.5 hours
Several tours run 1.5 hours
Family Friendly
All Ages
Interactive trips for every age
Reserve seats for dolphin watching, fishing charters, shelling, or sunset cruises departing from Bluffton, SC.
Wear Non-Slip Shoes
Boat decks can get slippery, so sturdy non-slip footwear helps keep you safe during your fishing trip.
Bring Sunscreen and a Hat
Protect your skin from South Carolina’s strong sun with high SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Stay Hydrated
Pack plenty of water to stay refreshed during the outing, especially in warmer months.
Listen to Your Guide
Following your guide’s instructions ensures a safe experience and improves your chances of a great catch.
Polarized Sunglasses
Helps reduce glare off the water, improving visibility and protecting your eyes.
summer
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Keeps you dry during unexpected showers without adding bulk.
spring
Reusable Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the trip, reducing waste from disposable bottles.
Comfortable, Non-Slip Shoes
Ensures grip and stability on wet boat decks during the fishing excursion.