Looking for an adventure? The Lowcountry is perfect for digging up shells + shark teeth. If getting dirt under your fingernails isn’t really your thing — don’t stress — there are plenty of ways to explore while also keeping the pluff mud off your new shirt.
Keep reading to discover local groups offering ecotours that let you enjoy the great outdoors.
Charleston Outdoor Adventures | Take a boat tour and get up close to the Morris Island lighthouse, or see filming locations from Netflix’s “Outer Banks.” This tour company has a healthy mix of history, nature, shark tooth-hunting + fishing charters. So you can decide if you want to keep it casual or get active. City Editor Callie here — I’m eyeing the marsh kayak ecotour.
Barrier Island Ecotours | Sunset dolphin cruises, exploring wildlife on Capers Island, and crabbing charters are just where this group begins. It offers public and private accommodations and even hosts private gatherings + cookouts on the beach.
Schedule a tour with this group in a pinch via an online booking.
Photo by @barrierislandecotours
Flipper Finders | Nature meets history. These tours aim to be playful, yet relaxing. Spend hours searching for wildlife as you visit historical landmarks. The company touts finding dolphins in the Folly Beach and Morris Island area for 15 seasons. So, if you’re looking to spot some of our finned friends — this could be the tour for you.
Lowcountry Oyster Company | From tide to table. Experts at this working oyster farm give you an all-access tour and break down the science and sustainability of oysters. Pro tip: when you book the Premier package, you’ll enjoy all aspects of the farm, including a boat ride and oyster tasting. Check out our experience.
Coastal Expeditions | Explore Shem Creek, Daniel Island, and five other areas in the Lowcountry with this group. They offer rentals, trips, and tours by paddleboard, canoe, kayak, and boat. The Bulls Island Tour caught our eye. This is a 66,000-acre wildlife refuge where you can spot sea turtles, dolphins, wood storks, and eagles.
Charleston Fossil Adventures | A hunt for natural treasures. This company offers a variety of adventures to explore and search for shark teeth and fossils. A majority of the outings end with a session where experts help identify each finding.
Sandlapper Water Tours | Get up close to nature and enjoy what you can spot in the tides as you take in the one-of-a-kind scenery and wildlife on this nature excursion. The group also offers a tour geared towards students with extra hands-on learning opportunities.
Bonus content: This one isn’t technically a tour, but it’s too cool not to mention. The Center for Birds of Prey is a conservation center in Awendaw that’s home to ~50 species of birds. You can get up close to wild birds through flight demonstrations and the center’s educational programs.
