Is this excursion suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome and the gentle pace makes it appropriate for families.

Are life jackets provided during the trip?

Yes, all guests are provided with life jackets for safety while on the water.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

You may see oysters, shrimp, sharks, Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, and other local species.

Can this excursion be booked privately?

Yes, this is a private guided excursion designed for small groups or families.

What should I bring on this trip?

We recommend water, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and optional binoculars.

Is the trip affected by weather?

Trips may be rescheduled or canceled in the event of severe weather for guest safety.

May River Ecology Excursion in Bluffton, SC

Experience the unique ecosystem of South Carolina’s May River on this 1.5-hour private ecology excursion offered by May River Excursions. This trip takes you gently through the winding waters as you uncover intriguing marine species like oysters, shrimp, and even sharks that call these waters home. Birdwatchers will be delighted to spot Great Blue Herons and Bald Eagles soaring above or perched near the riverbanks. The knowledgeable guides will share insights on the river’s habitat, conservation efforts, and the importance of preserving these delicate ecosystems. With a focus on education and connection to nature, this trip offers a peaceful way to learn while enjoying the calm and beauty of the area. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone interested in the environment, this excursion also emphasizes responsible interaction with the environment to keep the May River thriving for future generations. Whether you’re a local or visiting Bluffton, this adventure provides a rare glimpse into the intricate relationships between wildlife and their watery world in a comfortable and accessible setting.

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.