On the Water
Isle of Palms (IOP)
Barrier Island Ecotours
50 41st Ave C-6
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
(843) 886-5000
nature-tours.com
Coastal Expeditions
50 41st Ave
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
(843) 884-7684
coastalexpeditions.com
Salt & Palm Tip: Coastal Expeditions has a location at the Isle Of Palms Marina and Shem Creek. Both are great places to jump in a kayak.
Isle of Palms Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruise
Get Tickets
Join us on a 2.5-hour evening adventure to discover bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles in their natural habitat! Cruise through scenic salt marshes and inlets behind the barrier islands, where your knowledgeable naturalist guides share insights into dolphin behavior, feeding patterns, and the protected life of loggerhead sea turtles—frequently spotted in summer. Enjoy up-close wildlife encounters and a serene sunset voyage. Midway, explore the unique “Bone-yard Beach” on Capers Island, where ancient tree remains wash ashore.
Family Fun Fishing Day
Get Tickets
Immerse your family in the pristine beauty of your salt marshes and barrier islands on a private boat excursion. Your naturalist guide will engage your family in learning about the marine life you encounter as you pull crab traps and throw cast nets. Spend time dolphin watching, fishing, crabbing, and exploring Capers Island. Simply charter the boat and guide by the hour; all equipment and activities are included in the hourly rate. Call to customize your times.
Capers Island Wildlife Exploration
Get Tickets
Embark on a 3.5-hour boat journey to Capers Island, a rare, undeveloped barrier island where nature thrives undisturbed. Cruise through meandering tidal creeks, home to bottlenose dolphins, osprey, pelicans, bald eagles, herons, and egrets. Marine experts will use seine nets and habitat traps to unveil the hidden marine life beneath the surface. Upon arrival, spend 90 minutes exploring Bone-yard Beach—where ancient oak stumps jut from the sand
Sullivans Island
Charleston
Cypress Gardens
3030 Cypress Gardens Rd
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
(843) 553-0515
cypressgardens.info
Salt & Palm Tip: A famous scene from The Notebook was filmed here.
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Get Tickets
Visit the site where the American Civil War began without the hassle of arranging transportation or waiting in line for tickets. This Fort Sumter package includes admission skip-the-line tickets as well as round-trip ferry transport. Take in views of Rainbow Row and the Battery as you cruise through Charleston Harbor. Then, enjoy time to explore the historic fort and museum, before the return ferry ride.
Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise
Get Tickets
See the Charleston Harbor by boat with a leisurely sightseeing tour along the Cooper River to Fort Sumter National Monument. Leave the guidebook at home, because this fully-narrated tour focuses on Charleston, South Carolina's history from Civil War sites to antebellum houses and landmarks, passes under Cooper River bridges, and explores a waterfront that’s home to bottlenose dolphins and pelicans.
Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music
Get Tickets
Take in views of some of Charleston’s top historic sights from a unique perspective with this panoramic dinner cruise through Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a three-course dinner and full-service bar as you cruise past Fort Sumter, the Battery, and Ravenel Bridge. Capture spectacular harbor views, watch the sunset (for summer cruises), and relax to live musical entertainment on board.
3 hour BYOB Morning Boat and Beach Excursion on Southern Charm
Get Tickets
Step away from the crowds and see Charleston from the water on this private boat trip. With only your group on board, you set the tone—whether you want a relaxed drift past the city's storied waterfront, a lively celebration on the open water complete with drinks and music, or a few hours sunbathing and dropping anchor at a secluded local beach.
Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise
Aquarium Wharf, 360 Concord St
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 722-1112
Mount Pleasant
Charleston/Mount Pleasant Iconic Sunset Sail - Lux Catamaran
Get Tickets
Set sail aboard the Palmetto Breeze for a spectacular sunset experience on Charleston’s harbor. During this 2-hour cruise, take in iconic sights like Fort Sumter, the Ravenel Bridge, and the Charleston Peninsula. Enjoy the ocean breeze on the open deck or relax in the comfortable shaded seating. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds as they accompany your journey, adding a touch of magic to the evening.
Palmetto Breeze
1 Shrimp Boat Ln
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 338-2930
palmettobreeze.com
Salt & Palm Tip: This is great for a group activity. You will start and end at Shem Creek so plan on grabbing dinner and drinks before or after.
Charleston Water Taxi
24 Patriots Point Rd
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 330-2989
charlestonwatertaxi.com
Salt & Palm Tip: It is a cheap way to get on the water and kids love the little boat ride. If you have kids bring their bathing suit. There is a water fountain at the downtown stop where kids can run around. You can walk to the market and several other attractions from this spot. Parking at Patriots Point is also free if you pick up a voucher from the hotel.
Charleston/Mount Pleasant Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting
Get Tickets
Explore Charleston by water taxi with this convenient harbor cruise. Utilize quick and scenic water-based transportation to reach several popular landmarks including Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and the Aquarium. Check out attractions like Joe Riley Waterfront Park and the Charleston Harbor Marina at your leisure. Keep an eye out for dolphins during the cruise.
Daytime Charleston/Mount Pleasant Harbor Sail - Lux Catamaran w/Bar
Get Tickets
Sail aboard the Palmetto Breeze for a serene and scenic Afternoon Sail through Charleston’s historic harbor. This 55-foot catamaran offers the perfect vantage point to experience the city’s charm from the water. As you cruise along, enjoy panoramic views of Charleston’s most iconic sights, including Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and the Ravenel Bridge. Spot playful dolphins, and watch coastal birds in their natural habitat.
Folly Beach
Folly Beach Dolphin Viewing Boat Excursion and Estuary Tour
Get Tickets
Explore the waters around Folly Island on this small-group bottlenose dolphin-spotting tour. Let your captain sail you through the tidal creeks behind Folly Beach in the hopes of spotting the dolphins and observing their behavior in the wild. Listen as your guide explains more about the flora and fauna you see along the way.
Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse (Bowens Island near Folly Beach)
Get Tickets
Cruise through Lowcountry tidal creeks and marshes en route to the uninhabited Morris Island on this boat cruise from the Charleston area. A private boat company launches from Bowens Island for the scenic ride through an estuary rich in biodiversity before a soft landing on Morris Island. Spend free time to taking photos of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse, combing for seashells, and looking out for birds, sea turtles, and dolphins before your return.
Folly Beach Eco Boat Excursion and Morris Island Drop Off
Get Tickets
Get off the beaten path and into Charleston's wild coastal areas on this eco boat excursion through salt marshes, estuaries, and tidal waterways. Your guide keeps an eye out for dolphins and shorebirds as you cruise toward Morris Island, a barrier island best known for its 19th-century lighthouse. Once ashore, you're free to walk the beach, collect shells, and explore at your own pace before the boat returns to collect you.
Charleston/Folly Beach Stand up Paddleboard Tour
Get Tickets
Watch for turtles, dolphins and egrets on a small-group stand-up paddleboard tour of Charleston with a local guide. Learn to steer your board, then paddle along low country coastlines that shelters a thriving population of birds and mammals. Identify pelicans and blue-winged teal with your knowledgeable guide, connect with North Carolina’s vibrant nature, and escape the city for Charleston's most perfect paddling.
Folly Beach Eco Boat Excursion and Morris Island Drop Off
Get Tickets
Get off the beaten path and into Charleston's wild coastal areas on this eco boat excursion through salt marshes, estuaries, and tidal waterways. Your guide keeps an eye out for dolphins and shorebirds as you cruise toward Morris Island, a barrier island best known for its 19th-century lighthouse. Once ashore, you're free to walk the beach, collect shells, and explore at your own pace before the boat returns to collect you.
Barrier Island Ecotours
50 41st Ave C-6
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
(843) 886-5000
nature-tours.com
Cypress Gardens
3030 Cypress Gardens Rd
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
(843) 553-0515
cypressgardens.info
Salt & Palm Tip: A famous scene from The Notebook was filmed here.
Shem Creek
Salt & Palm Tip: One of my favorite places for dinner and sunset
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Get Tickets
Visit the site where the American Civil War began without the hassle of arranging transportation or waiting in line for tickets. This Fort Sumter package includes admission skip-the-line tickets as well as round-trip ferry transport. Take in views of Rainbow Row and the Battery as you cruise through Charleston Harbor. Then, enjoy time to explore the historic fort and museum, before the return ferry ride.
Folly Beach Dolphin Viewing Boat Excursion and Estuary Tour
Get Tickets
Explore the waters around Folly Island on this small-group bottlenose dolphin-spotting tour. Let your captain sail you through the tidal creeks behind Folly Beach in the hopes of spotting the dolphins and observing their behavior in the wild. Listen as your guide explains more about the flora and fauna you see along the way.
3 hour BYOB Morning Boat and Beach Excursion on Southern Charm
Get Tickets
Step away from the crowds and see Charleston from the water on this private boat trip. With only your group on board, you set the tone—whether you want a relaxed drift past the city's storied waterfront, a lively celebration on the open water complete with drinks and music, or a few hours sunbathing and dropping anchor at a secluded local beach.
Family Fun Fishing Day
Get Tickets
Immerse your family in the pristine beauty of your salt marshes and barrier islands on a private boat excursion. Your naturalist guide will engage your family in learning about the marine life you encounter as you pull crab traps and throw cast nets. Spend time dolphin watching, fishing, crabbing, and exploring Capers Island. Simply charter the boat and guide by the hour; all equipment and activities are included in the hourly rate. Call to customize your times.
Capers Island Wildlife Exploration
Get Tickets
Embark on a 3.5-hour boat journey to Capers Island, a rare, undeveloped barrier island where nature thrives undisturbed. Cruise through meandering tidal creeks, home to bottlenose dolphins, osprey, pelicans, bald eagles, herons, and egrets. Marine experts will use seine nets and habitat traps to unveil the hidden marine life beneath the surface. Upon arrival, spend 90 minutes exploring Bone-yard Beach—where ancient oak stumps jut from the sand
Charleston/Mount Pleasant Iconic Sunset Sail - Lux Catamaran
Get Tickets
Set sail aboard the Palmetto Breeze for a spectacular sunset experience on Charleston’s harbor. During this 2-hour cruise, take in iconic sights like Fort Sumter, the Ravenel Bridge, and the Charleston Peninsula. Enjoy the ocean breeze on the open deck or relax in the comfortable shaded seating. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds as they accompany your journey, adding a touch of magic to the evening.
Coastal Expeditions
50 41st Ave
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
(843) 884-7684
coastalexpeditions.com
Salt & Palm Tip: Coastal Expeditions has a location at the Isle Of Palms Marina and Shem Creek. Both are great places to jump in a kayak.
Palmetto Breeze
1 Shrimp Boat Ln
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 338-2930
palmettobreeze.com
Salt & Palm Tip: This is great for a group activity. You will start and end at Shem Creek so plan on grabbing dinner and drinks before or after.
Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse (Bowens Island near Folly Beach)
Get Tickets
Cruise through Lowcountry tidal creeks and marshes en route to the uninhabited Morris Island on this boat cruise from the Charleston area. A private boat company launches from Bowens Island for the scenic ride through an estuary rich in biodiversity before a soft landing on Morris Island. Spend free time to taking photos of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse, combing for seashells, and looking out for birds, sea turtles, and dolphins before your return.
Folly Beach Eco Boat Excursion and Morris Island Drop Off
Get Tickets
Get off the beaten path and into Charleston's wild coastal areas on this eco boat excursion through salt marshes, estuaries, and tidal waterways. Your guide keeps an eye out for dolphins and shorebirds as you cruise toward Morris Island, a barrier island best known for its 19th-century lighthouse. Once ashore, you're free to walk the beach, collect shells, and explore at your own pace before the boat returns to collect you.
Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise
Get Tickets
See the Charleston Harbor by boat with a leisurely sightseeing tour along the Cooper River to Fort Sumter National Monument. Leave the guidebook at home, because this fully-narrated tour focuses on Charleston, South Carolina's history from Civil War sites to antebellum houses and landmarks, passes under Cooper River bridges, and explores a waterfront that’s home to bottlenose dolphins and pelicans.
Isle of Palms Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruise
Get Tickets
Join us on a 2.5-hour evening adventure to discover bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles in their natural habitat! Cruise through scenic salt marshes and inlets behind the barrier islands, where your knowledgeable naturalist guides share insights into dolphin behavior, feeding patterns, and the protected life of loggerhead sea turtles—frequently spotted in summer. Enjoy up-close wildlife encounters and a serene sunset voyage. Midway, explore the unique “Bone-yard Beach” on Capers Island, where ancient tree remains wash ashore.
Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music
Get Tickets
Take in views of some of Charleston’s top historic sights from a unique perspective with this panoramic dinner cruise through Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a three-course dinner and full-service bar as you cruise past Fort Sumter, the Battery, and Ravenel Bridge. Capture spectacular harbor views, watch the sunset (for summer cruises), and relax to live musical entertainment on board.
Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise
Aquarium Wharf, 360 Concord St
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 722-1112
Charleston Water Taxi
24 Patriots Point Rd
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 330-2989
charlestonwatertaxi.com
Salt & Palm Tip: It is a cheap way to get on the water and kids love the little boat ride. If you have kids bring their bathing suit. There is a water fountain at the downtown stop where kids can run around. You can walk to the market and several other attractions from this spot. Parking at Patriots Point is also free if you pick up a voucher from the hotel.
Charleston/Mount Pleasant Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting
Get Tickets
Explore Charleston by water taxi with this convenient harbor cruise. Utilize quick and scenic water-based transportation to reach several popular landmarks including Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and the Aquarium. Check out attractions like Joe Riley Waterfront Park and the Charleston Harbor Marina at your leisure. Keep an eye out for dolphins during the cruise.
Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor
Get Tickets
Get out on the waters of Charleston Harbor during this cruise aboard an 84-foot-tall (25-meter) classic tall ship. As the crew hoists the sails of the schooner, you glide past some of the city's historical sights and watch for dolphins in the water.
Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise
Get Tickets
Watch the sun set above Charleston, South Carolina with a 2-hour sunset harbor cruise aboard a 45-foot motorized catamaran. Find a comfortable seat on deck, spot the landmarks of downtown Charleston and the waterfront, and watch for the dolphins and sea birds that thrive along the South Carolina shoreline. Enjoy a relaxing break from the city while spending a romantic evening on the water.
Charleston/Folly Beach Stand up Paddleboard Tour
Get Tickets
Watch for turtles, dolphins and egrets on a small-group stand-up paddleboard tour of Charleston with a local guide. Learn to steer your board, then paddle along low country coastlines that shelters a thriving population of birds and mammals. Identify pelicans and blue-winged teal with your knowledgeable guide, connect with North Carolina’s vibrant nature, and escape the city for Charleston's most perfect paddling.
Daytime Charleston/Mount Pleasant Harbor Sail - Lux Catamaran w/Bar
Get Tickets
Sail aboard the Palmetto Breeze for a serene and scenic Afternoon Sail through Charleston’s historic harbor. This 55-foot catamaran offers the perfect vantage point to experience the city’s charm from the water. As you cruise along, enjoy panoramic views of Charleston’s most iconic sights, including Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and the Ravenel Bridge. Spot playful dolphins, and watch coastal birds in their natural habitat.