Kayak With Dolphins in Historic Shem Creek
Overview
Paddle into the heart of Charleston’s most iconic tidal creek on this guided kayak adventure. From our private dock on Shem Creek, you’ll slip past shrimp boats and oyster beds into quiet saltmarshes alive with wildlife. Keep your eyes open for bottlenose dolphins surfacing nearby, pelicans diving for fish, and graceful egrets hunting along the banks. In summer months, even manatees and sea turtles visit these waters. Along the way, your naturalist guide shares stories of Lowcountry history and ecology, ensuring the experience is both fun and enriching. Stable kayaks, expert instruction, and small group sizes make this tour safe and enjoyable for all ages. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or seasoned adventurer, this is one of the best ways to see Charleston from the water.
What's Included
- Kayaking Gear (Sea Kayak, Paddle, Personal Flotation Device)
- Dry Bag (to keep phone & personal belongings from getting wet)
- Professional Guide with storytelling & safety skills
- 2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour
- Our guides are passionate naturalists who bring these wild places to life. If your trip was meaningful, tips are a great way to say thank you. You will be given the option to add gratuity at the end.
Meeting Location
514 Mill Street
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Coastal Expeditions on Shem Creek
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Shem Creek Park
1 hour 40 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-32868P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 464 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is City Balloon Tours’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Kayaking Gear (Sea Kayak, Paddle, Personal Flotation Device).
- Dry Bag (to keep phone & personal belongings from getting wet).
- Professional Guide with storytelling & safety skills.
- 2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour.
- Our guides are passionate naturalists who bring these wild places to life. If your trip was meaningful, tips are a great way to say thank you. You will be given the option to add gratuity at the end.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 2. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Kayak With Dolphins in Historic Shem Creek is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Kayak With Dolphins in Historic Shem Creek will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Kayaking Gear (Sea Kayak, Paddle, Personal Flotation Device)
- Dry Bag (to keep phone & personal belongings from getting wet)
- Professional Guide with storytelling & safety skills
- 2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour
- Our guides are passionate naturalists who bring these wild places to life. If your trip was meaningful, tips are a great way to say thank you. You will be given the option to add gratuity at the end.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers
