Join a 3-hour boat tour from Charleston to Morgan Island, also known as 'Monkey Island,' to see wild rhesus macaques roaming freely in their natural habitat. An unforgettable wildlife experience!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Light physical activity required; suitable for most fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Morgan Island has been a rhesus monkey colony since the 1970s, initially established for medical research before becoming a protected wildlife area.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes responsible wildlife watching, ensuring minimal disturbance and supporting local conservation efforts.
Fripp Island Paddle Shack
Join a 3-hour boat tour from Charleston to Morgan Island, also known as 'Monkey Island,' to see wild rhesus macaques roaming freely in their natural habitat. An unforgettable wildlife experience!
Fripp Island Paddle Shack is an on-water rental and tour operator located on Fripp Island, South Carolina. The business offers kayak and paddleboard rentals plus a fleet of pontoon and skiff cruises for visitors exploring Fripp Inlet, Harbor River, and Story River. Rentals include a 12-foot tandem sit-on-top kayak (35 inches wide, 400 lb capacity) and an 8'10" single sit-on-top kayak (supports up to 300 lb, 44 lb weight). Paddleboard rentals are available for up to eight hours. Boat experiences include the 42-foot Big Fripper pontoon for sunset and dolphin cruises, the intimate Lil' Fripper sunset cruise for six guests with a captain, the Big Fripper Morgan Island three-hour tour to Morgan Island ("Monkey Island") to view free-ranging rhesus monkeys, and Pledge The Pink special sunset cruises on the Big Fripper. A 20-foot skiff with a 115HP Yamaha motor accommodates up to eight people and comes with bimini top and provided safety gear. Tours highlight local waterways, wildlife viewing, and lowcountry scenery.
Fripp Island Paddle Shack emphasizes safety and adherence to local regulations, providing required flotation devices and professional captains on motorized cruises. Reservations and on-site rentals allow flexible half-day and full-day options. The operator’s clear equipment specifications and defined guest capacities make it straightforward for visitors to choose the right rental or tour. Conveniently located on Fripp Island, the Paddle Shack serves families, couples, and small groups seeking guided cruises, wildlife viewing, and self-guided paddle adventures. Seasonal promotions and gift certificates make planning trips simple for all visitors today.
Location
Fripp Island, SC
Situated on Fripp Island waterways
Maximum Guests
Up to 8 guests
Options for solo to small groups
Fleet Variety
Kayaks, SUPs, Skiffs, Pontoons
Multiple craft for every adventure
Morgan Island Tour
3-hour tour
See free-ranging rhesus monkeys
Reserve tandem or single kayaks, paddle boards, skiffs, and pontoon cruises for dolphin watching, sunset cruises, and the Morgan Island tour.
Bring binoculars
Enhance your viewing of the monkeys with a good pair of binoculars.
Wear sun protection
Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay comfortable during the sunny boat ride.
Bring a camera
Capture memorable moments or the monkeys in action with a good camera.
Respect wildlife distance
Maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the monkeys and their habitat.
Sun hat
Protects you from sun exposure during the boat ride.
summer
Sunscreen
Apply SPF to prevent sunburns while on deck.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture the wild monkeys and scenic views.
Binoculars
Improve wildlife viewing with better detail.