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Charleston Nature Boat Tour: Explore Coastal Wildlife
4.9
77 Ratings
Charleston
Join a certified naturalist for a 2-hour boat tour in Charleston. Explore wildlife, hunt for shark teeth, and enjoy stunning ocean views.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Coastal South Carolina - On this tour of Charleston Harbor and its amazing waterways and incredible uninhabited islands, the guide will show you numerous species of shorebirds such as Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, Eastern Brown Pelicans, and Least Terns in their natural habitat. You will also see dolphins that are often at play as they demonstrate their presence in the creeks and the harbor.
The small group will also see Morris Island, an 840-acre island that lies in the outer reaches of the harbor, which was strategically built because of its location in the American Civil War. Morris Island was heavily fortified to defend Charleston harbor and now is home to a beautiful ecosystem with amazing picturesque views.
The group will also explore Barrier Island as the naturalists will continue to explore the beach with you and explain the habitats of the abundant wildlife as seen in Charleston Harbors’ estuaries.
- Fort Sumter National Monument - Pass by Fort Sumter as we make our way towards Morris Island.
What's Included
- Boat
- Guide
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
Additional Information
Join a certified naturalist for a 2-hour nature boat tour through Charleston’s waterways. This small group adventure will explore Charleston’s rich coastal wildlife, cruising through Charleston Harbor and making a stop at Morris Island, where you can walk around, search for shells, and possibly find some shark teeth. During the trip, catch sight of Bottlenose dolphins and check your crab pots to see the day’s catch. You’ll also enjoy stunning views of Charleston’s skyline and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Paid parking is available in the SC Aquarium Parking Garage (5 minute walk) or at the parking meters on Concord Street. Please keep in mind that street parking can sometimes be difficult to find. The Charleston Maritime Center (owned by the City of Charleston) sadly does not offer parking to the public. However, passengers are allowed to be dropped off. As you get closer to the water look for the blue & white Sandlapper Tours ticket booth on the left dock. Feel free to call if you have questions or need help.
Location
Charleston Maritime Center
Wharfside Street
1/2 block from the SC Aquarium
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(77 Ratings)
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Janak_f
Jul 3, 2024
Wonderful way to see the water & wildlife in Charleston - This boat tour was fantastic. There were 2 captains- 1 drove and the other was a teacher and naturalist and told us all about the history and wildlife of the area. We stopped on the beach and she helped identify shells, fossils, and shark teeth. Walking in the water was a refreshing break on a hot day! We saw tons of dolphins and got super close on the smaller boat. Our trip only had 3 groups of people, a family, a couple, and our group of 4 women. Overall a great trip for all ages and a wonderful way to see Charleston.
Review provided by Viator
Kelly_w
Jun 27, 2024
2! Hour island tour - Very informative trip to Morris Island & by Fort Sumter. Best part was finding sharks teeth on Morris Island.
Review provided by Viator
Joy_h
Jun 25, 2024
Super enjoyable and educational - Our family took this tour and loved it from start to finish. The boat captain and two mates (I am sorry I don't remember their names) were excellent guides. Learned a lot about the nature in and around the Charleston harbor area. We also spotted dolphins playing in the water and the captain took us near to see them but did not disturb them. We got out on Morris Island and had plenty of time to explore and gather shells. There was a little bit of walking on the island but very safe. This was an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon.
Review provided by Viator
Sjtravellers
Jun 1, 2024
A lovely way to spend a morning. - This was a relaxes and relaxing cruise. The weather was perfect, the water was calm, and there were indeed dolphins. I think my favorite part was beaching on the island and walking around. It was fun to collect shells and get our feet, wet, see all the beautiful bleached driftwood, and the sand was so wonderful and fine. Both kids and adults really enjoyed it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leahs957
Jul 10, 2023
Fun Family Excursion - Great time on the water learning about the city of Charleston and the wildlife native to the area. The stop on Morris Island allowed time to look for shells and shark teeth. When leaving the island we saw several dolphins. All in all a pleasant experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dirtysouth72
Jun 7, 2023
Amazing Relaxation - My favorite part of the tour was being able to get off the boat, hop off on Morris Island, and explore. For so future travelers, be prepared to enjoy the breeze, see the dolphins, and just relax.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tosatwo
May 14, 2023
An Enjoyable Tour for All Ages - A nice boat tour through the harbor to Morris Island. Our guide was very knowledgeable, sharing the history of the area and her observations of the marine animals and birds we saw during the trip. Dolphins and pelicans were active along they way to and back from Morris Island, and she explained their behaviors and seasonal activity in the context of what we witnessed. Beachcombing on Morris Island was fun with finding shells and shark teeth along the sand. A fun, interesting, and worthwhile trip for all ages.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
47curtisw
May 6, 2023
Nature Adventure in Charleston Harbor - We took a Nature trip with Sandlapper and were totally happy with the tour. Capitan Mike made the cruise smooth and relaxing.Rachel provided wonderful information about the local plants animals and fish. I highly recommend booking your Charleston Harbor Adventure with this guide service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maryellen_z
Apr 27, 2023
Perfect informative harbor cruise - This was a fascinating tour and especially so with a naturalist on board and a charming and knowledgeable captain. I did not realize when I booked this that we would have a chance to disembark at the island. Other tours seemed too long for us and this one was a perfect length - and gave us adequate time to explore the island. The boat went out even though we were not completely full so we all had plenty of room.
Review provided by Viator
860barbarau
Apr 17, 2023
Great time. - We had a great time and highly recommend! We went on a pontoon boat across the water to an island where we got off and explored .
The guide Crystal I believe was her name was very knowledgeable about not only the vessels along the shore but also history about the area. She was very good with children on the tour and pointed out the dolphins to everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
