Shem Creek shrimp walking tour: Cast net demonstration
Mary Street to the boardwalk: shrimp fleet history and a cast net lesson
This 90-minute walking tour of Shem Creek in Charleston traces the shrimping industry from the early 1700s to today, led by Captain Bryan. You'll walk about 1.5 miles past the Hibben House, the Captain Peter Lewis House, and the original shrimp shacks, then finish on the boardwalk watching the trawlers work and learning to cast a net yourself. Children from age 3 are welcome.
Step-by-step itinerary
Historic and shrimping tour of Shem Creek
- Overview of Charleston Harbor from Mary Street
- Pass by first commercial shrimper's home and shrimp shacks
- Walk by Captain Peter Lewis House and discuss ferry system
- View Hibben House and learn shrimping origins
- See local seafood facility and discuss fishery decline
- Traverse boardwalk to see shrimp trawlers
- Cast net demonstration to catch shrimp
- Shem Creek 10m
- Shem Creek Park 15m
What’s included
- 90-minute guided walking tour with Captain Bryan.
- viewing of working shrimp trawlers on the boardwalk.
- cast net demonstration where you can try catching shrimp.
- small prize at the end of the tour.
- Wednesday to Sunday 10:00
Information
Walk Shem Creek with Captain Bryan to see working shrimp trawlers and learn the history of Charleston's fleet.
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The experience
Captain Bryan starts on Mary Street with an overview of Charleston Harbor and the conflicts, disasters and infestations that shaped this seaside community. From there the route moves through the neighborhood where the first commercial shrimpers lived, past the Captain Peter Lewis House (built in 1855) where you'll learn about the ferry system that once operated here, and to the Hibben House: the oldest standing structure in town, dating to the mid-1700s. These stops set up how commercial shrimping took root in the area.
The second half shifts to the industry itself. You'll see locally sourced seafood at a generational family facility and hear how the fleet collapsed from nearly 100 trawlers down to 4 by 1998. Then you walk the boardwalk to watch the shrimp trawlers operate, and Captain Bryan finishes with a cast net demonstration. You get to try catching shrimp yourself. A small prize comes at the end of the tour.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (3 to 9 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What's the walking distance on this Shem Creek tour?
The tour covers around 1.5 miles total. Captain Bryan recommends being able to walk this distance comfortably, especially during summer heat.
When did commercial shrimping start on Shem Creek?
The Hibben House, dating to the mid-1700s, marks the period when commercial shrimping began in the area. The tour traces how the industry grew from there through the early 1800s.
Do I get to try catching shrimp on this tour?
Yes, the tour ends with a cast net demonstration where you learn how to catch shrimp yourself using a cast net on the boardwalk.
How many shrimp trawlers are still operating on Shem Creek today?
The fleet has declined dramatically, from nearly 100 trawlers down to 4 by 1998. You'll see the remaining working trawlers on the boardwalk during the second half of the tour.
Operated by Charleston Historic Tours LLC. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
Shem Creek shrimp walking tour: Cast net demonstration
1h 30m · EN
from US$ 26.10 per person
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