Charleston: Eco Boat Cruise & Morris Island Lighthouse Stop

Summary

Saltwater creeks, dolphins playing, wild beaches and old lighthouses in Charleston

You’ll ride through Charleston’s tidal creeks with a local naturalist captain, spotting dolphins and wading birds along the way. Explore Morris Island’s wild beach for an hour—searching for shells or shark teeth—and get close-up views of the historic lighthouse before heading back by boat. It’s salty air, real stories, and space to wander—something you’ll remember after your shoes are dry.

What’s the experience like?

Hands wrapped around the rail, I could feel the vibration of the boat before we even left Bowens Island Road. The captain — Mike, who wore a sun-faded hat and called out greetings like everyone was an old friend — steered us out into those tangled tidal creeks. There was this faint briny smell, mixed with something green and alive. You know how marshes just have that sound? A kind of hush with distant bird calls and the slap of water against the hull. Mike started pointing out oyster beds I’d never have noticed — apparently they’re everywhere if you know what to look for. He grinned when someone asked about alligators (nope, not here), but then a pelican swooped so low it made a kid squeal.

The ride out to Morris Island felt both quick and slow — quick because there’s always something to see (dolphins! Actual dolphins right beside us, their backs smooth and grey in the sun), but slow because you can’t help but watch everything twice. When we landed on Morris Island, sand crunching under my shoes, I realized I’d forgotten my bag for shells. Not that it mattered; I spent most of the hour just walking near the waterline, looking for shark teeth and listening to waves hit old driftwood. The lighthouse stands off in the distance — not exactly looming, but stubborn somehow. There’s no one living on this island now except birds and whatever else hides in those dunes.

I tried skipping shells (badly) while Mike explained how storms keep reshaping this place every year. Some folks wandered off alone; others compared their best finds or pointed at ghost crabs scuttling sideways. It was hot but breezy — sunscreen definitely needed — and there’s nowhere to buy a drink or anything like that once you’re on Morris Island. Just open sky and salt wind and time moving differently than back in Charleston proper. On the way back someone spotted a sea turtle head poking up; everyone got quiet for a second before laughing again about who saw it first.

I didn’t expect to care so much about a patch of sand with an old lighthouse at one end, but I still think about that hour sometimes when things get noisy at home. If you go, bring water and maybe don’t worry too much about finding perfect shells — just watch for dolphins instead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Charleston boat cruise and island exploration

• Check in at Bowens Island dock
• Depart on boat through saltwater estuaries
• Explore Morris Island beach and lighthouse
• Observe coastal wildlife and dolphins
• Return to Bowens Island dock

Top questions

How long is the Charleston eco boat cruise?

The tour lasts 2.5 hours total, including about 1 hour on Morris Island.

Is there a restroom on Morris Island?

No, restrooms are only available at the departure dock before boarding.

Can I bring small children or infants?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller but must sit on an adult’s lap during the cruise.

Is this Charleston boat tour wheelchair accessible?

The boat is accessible, but exploring Morris Island may be difficult for wheelchairs due to sand; guests can stay onboard during this stop if needed.

What wildlife might I see during this eco cruise?

You may spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, wading birds like pelicans, sea turtles, oyster beds, and more coastal wildlife.

Where does the tour depart from?

The cruise departs from 1871 Bowens Island Road in Charleston.

Do I need to bring anything special?

Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable clothes/shoes for beach walking, and optionally a bag for shell collecting.

Is lunch included on this Charleston eco tour?

No meals are included; it’s best to eat beforehand or bring snacks if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes live narration from a naturalist captain as you cruise through Charleston’s tidal creeks by boat with fuel covered; there’s an hour-long stop on wild Morris Island for shell collecting or exploring near the lighthouse before returning to Bowens Island Road—all with plenty of chances to spot dolphins and coastal wildlife along the way.