May River Excursions in Bluffton offers immersive water trips along South Carolina’s scenic May River. From sunset cruises to shark tooth hunts, this local favorite combines wildlife, history, and hands-on coastal adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most physical fitness levels; minimal exertion required as trips are mostly boat-based.
Wildlife
History
The May River played a key role in Bluffton’s development as a port town with deep ties to early Lowcountry culture.
Conservation
May River Excursions emphasizes sustainable practices to preserve the delicate estuary habitats and minimize footprint on wildlife.
May River Excursions
May River Excursions in Bluffton offers immersive water trips along South Carolina’s scenic May River. From sunset cruises to shark tooth hunts, this local favorite combines wildlife, history, and hands-on coastal adventure.
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.
Bring Binoculars for Wildlife Spotting
Dolphins, shorebirds, and raptors are common sights; binoculars help you catch distant action.
Book Early for Sunset Cruises
Sunset trips fill quickly, especially in spring and fall, so reserve your spot in advance.
Wear Sun Protection
Even on cloudy days, UV exposure on open water is strong—bring sunscreen and a hat.
Prepare for Variable Tides
Some excursions depend on tide levels for accessing sandbars and fishing spots; check tide charts beforehand.
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
Protects against spring showers and wind on the water.
spring
Sunscreen
Vital for skin protection during exposed daytime excursions.
summer
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife observation from a distance.
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key, especially during longer afternoon trips.