Charleston Shem Creek: Kayak Tour with Dolphins & Wildlife

Summary

Kayak shem creek charleston dolphins shrimp boats wildlife tour

You’ll paddle Shem Creek’s tidal waters from a private dock with a local guide, passing shrimp boats and oyster beds as you look for dolphins surfacing nearby. Expect real Lowcountry stories, up-close wildlife moments, and plenty of time to soak in Charleston’s marshy calm—all gear included so you can just show up ready to go.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice at Shem Creek would be the smell—briny, almost sweet, with a hint of old wood from the docks. We met our guide, Jamie, who had this sunburned grin and a way of talking that made even the safety briefing feel like part of the adventure. The kayaks were lined up by the water, bobbing gently. I fumbled with my life jacket (always takes me two tries), but nobody seemed to mind. There was this quiet energy before we pushed off—shrimp boats creaking nearby, gulls squabbling over something invisible to us.

Paddling out, I kept drifting toward the oyster beds (steering is harder than it looks), but Jamie just laughed and pointed out an egret stalking in the grass. The water was calm but alive—you could hear little pops and clicks under the surface. Then suddenly everyone got quiet because someone spotted a fin slicing through the water ahead. A bottlenose dolphin—so close you could see its breath puff out in the morning air. I swear time slowed down for a second. I tried whispering “hello” like that would mean anything to a dolphin.

We glided past these huge shrimp boats with paint peeling off in layers—one had “Charleston Belle” faded on its side—and Jamie started telling stories about how families have worked these waters for generations. He pointed out where they filmed scenes from Outer Banks (my niece would’ve lost her mind). At one point, a pelican crash-landed right next to us and startled me so much I nearly dropped my paddle. Nobody pretended not to laugh.

On the way back, my arms felt like jelly but I didn’t care—I just kept looking around at all that green marsh grass and thinking how different Charleston looks from here. There’s something about being low on the water that makes everything feel bigger and quieter at once. Still think about that dolphin sometimes when things get too noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided kayak tour on Shem Creek

• Check in at Coastal Expeditions
• Receive gear and safety instructions
• Launch kayaks and get sea legs
• Paddle towards historic Shem Creek
• Observe shrimp boats and oyster beds
• Spot dolphins, pelicans, and egrets
• View Charleston Harbor and skyline
• Learn about local history and ecology
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How long is the Shem Creek kayak tour?

The guided kayak tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Are dolphins guaranteed on this kayak tour?

Dolphins are frequently seen in Shem Creek but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is kayaking experience required for this tour?

No previous kayaking experience is needed; instruction is provided before departure.

What wildlife can you see on Shem Creek?

You may see bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, egrets, manatees in summer, and sometimes sea turtles.

Where does the kayak tour start?

The tour starts at Coastal Expeditions’ private dock on Shem Creek near Charleston.

Is equipment provided for the Shem Creek kayak tour?

Yes, all kayaking gear including sea kayak, paddle, personal flotation device, and dry bag are provided.

Can children join this kayak tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayaking gear—sea kayak, paddle, life jacket—and a dry bag for your phone or keys. You’ll get expert instruction plus stories from your professional guide during this 2-hour small group eco-tour of historic Shem Creek before returning to your starting point at Coastal Expeditions’ private dock.