THE LIFE AQUATIC
Commune with nature and get an up-close view of local wildlife via paddle, sail, or power boat
Paddles Up
Experience Lowcountry salt marshes and the resident wildlife from a new perspective. Seasoned guides at Charleston Outdoor Adventures lead two-hour tours of the saltwater estuary behind Folly Beach. Hop in a kayak (single or tandem available) or SUP on Bowens Island and navigate the Folly River into the maze of creeks and tidal mud flats. During your paddle, you’ll learn about the flora and fauna, from tiny periwinkles climbing the spartina grass to wading birds such as herons fishing for lunch, and perhaps see a pod of dolphin splashing nearby. 1871 Bowens Island Rd., James Island. Kayaks: $47, $27 for ages 12 and under; must be 13 to operate a single kayak. SUP: $47; ages 13 plus, those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. charlestonoutdooradventures.com (opens in a new tab)
On the East Cooper side, Coastal Expeditions outfits and leads two-hour kayak and paddleboard excursions from its home base at Shem Creek. After you gear up and get pre-paddle instruction, you’ll pass the creek’s shrimp trawlers and pleasure boats and venture into the harbor, likely seeing dolphin and manatees, as well as brown pelicans, egrets, and herons, along the way. 514 Mill St., Mount Pleasant. Kayak: $52, $40 child. SUP: $60. coastalexpeditions.com (opens in a new tab)
With the Wind
Always wanted to try sailing but not sure where to start? Charleston Community Sailing, the area’s largest junior-sailing program, also offers classes to adults. Its Women on the Water weekly evening sailing sessions cover the basics of wind/weather and the boat, as well as knot-tying, rigging, and steering. The First Sail initiative gets interested newbies aboard fixed-keel J/24s, stable and comfortable for a ride on the Charleston Harbor, so they can get their sea legs. Charleston City Marina, 17 Lockwood Dr., K Dock. Days & times vary. Women on Water: $30 per class; First Sail: $80. charlestoncommunitysailing.org (opens in a new tab)
If you’d rather just ride along with a drink in hand, Charleston Sailing Adventures sets sail daily from the Charleston Maritime Center for its sunset harbor cruises. Board the 40-foot catamaran Double Fun, bring your own beverage, and take in amazing views of the city, as well as dolphins, pelicans, and more. Due to COVID, boats are limited to 12 people per trip. Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside St. Daily, 6:30 or 7 p.m. From $59, $49 teens, $39 child. charlestonsailingadventures.com (opens in a new tab)
Fossil Finds
Love looking for shark’s teeth or have a budding paleontologist in the family? Jump aboard Charleston Outdoor Adventures’ Carolina Skiff or Sea Hunt Bay Boat for its popular Fossil Finding Tour. Your captain will anchor at an uninhabited beach where the hunt will begin. During the five-mile round trip hike, you might unearth an assortment of vertebrate fossils from marine mammals or even older Ice Age remnants from animals such as the tapir, sloth, llama, bison, saber-toothed cat, mammoth, and Megalodon. Bring drinks and snacks for the four-hour trip, as well as a bag to carry home all your finds. 1871 Bowens Island Rd. $75, $50 age 12 and under. charlestonoutdooradventures.com (opens in a new tab)
Trot Through the Surf
Head to Seabrook Island for a different kind of day at the beach. The resort island has one of the only area beaches that permits horseback riding, offering advanced riders the chance to roam the North Beach shoreline. To participate in the beach outing, riders must have three years of equestrian experience and be able to maintain control at a walk, trot, and canter. Neophytes can opt for a walking ride along the surf or on trails through the serene marsh, where alligators, turtles, osprey, and other creatures might be seen. Seabrook Island Equestrian Center, 2313 Seabrook Island Rd., John’s Island. Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $150, advance reservations required. seabrookisland.com (opens in a new tab)