Embark on a guided, eco-based kayaking adventure through the saltwater estuaries of Folly Creek, navigating a network of tidal creeks that wind around uninhabited hammock islands. This 2-hour marsh kayaking excursion is designed for intermediate to novice, and young adult paddlers, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience for all skill levels.
You and a small group of paddlers will explore the unspoiled coastal marshes of Charleston's estuaries, immersing yourselves in the area's tranquil ambiance and breathtaking natural beauty. As you paddle through these pristine waters, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this habitat home. Encounter Atlantic bottlenose dolphins playfully surfacing, catch glimpses of loggerhead sea turtles gliding by, and observe a variety of waterfowl in their natural environment. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and witness the vibrant ecosystem of Charleston's coastal marshes.
Tour Options
Guided Kayak Tour
Itinerary
120 min
Before departing from our private launching area on Bowens Island, your group will participate in a brief instructional session, safety discussion, and an explanation on how to use the foot driven steering system on your kayaks.
During your 2-hour guided eco-tour, you will explore Charleston’s iconic tidal creeks and saltmarsh. While paddling through the estuarine waters behind Folly Beach, your local guide will introduce you to the area's wide variety of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins gracefully playing and feeding, wading birds exploring the shallows, crabs and invertebrates crawling on mudflats, and pelicans diving! Your guide will also discuss the value and functions of the area's major ecosystems.
Highlights
See wildlife including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and assorted waterfowl
Kayaking Equipment (Kayak, Paddles, Personal Floatation Device)
2-Hour Guided Kayaking Eco Tour in Charleston
Professional Guide
Dry Bag to keep phone or other personal belongings dry
What's included
Included
See wildlife including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and assorted waterfowl
Kayaking Equipment (Kayak, Paddles, Personal Floatation Device)
2-Hour Guided Kayaking Eco Tour in Charleston
Professional Guide
Dry Bag to keep phone or other personal belongings dry
Not included
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
4.9
1,019 reviews
5
938
4
60
3
15
2
4
1
2
Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and shoes that can get wet.
Dress for the weather.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult in a tandem kayak. Please contact to arrange for a tandem kayak.
Our captains and guides work very hard to ensure that a memorable experience is had by all of our guests. Gratuity, as you feel so inclined, is always appreciated.
Reviews(1,019)
V
V5814CYbrandyg
August 30, 2026
Beautiful, informative,,Peaceful
Such a wonderful tour of the salt marsh! Loved our guide! She was so so kind and knowledgeable of the area. The wildlife was beautiful and was lucky enough to see dolphins so close to the kayak! Highly recommend 💯💯💯💯
Operator response
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed exploring the salt marsh and that your guide made such a positive impression. Our guides love sharing their knowledge of the Lowcountry ecosystem, so it’s wonderful to hear that her kindness and expertise helped make the experience special.
And getting to see dolphins that close to the kayak is always an unforgettable part of being out on the water! We’re so glad you were able to experience that along with the beautiful wildlife.
Thank you again for the 💯 recommendation and for choosing Charleston Outdoor Adventures. We truly appreciate it and hope to see you back on the water for another adventure!
D
Donna_B
August 23, 2026
A must do!
This is something you must do, whether you’re experienced or first time kayaker. Max our guide was so interesting to listen to as he explained the marshes and the history that went along with it. I would recommend going earlier in the day before the heat hits. Loved it!!
Operator response
Thank you for your review, Donna! We appreciate you recommending us as a "must do" adventure in Charleston! Max will love to hear that you found him interesting and informative! We look forward to seeing you back again!
L
Lanilife
August 22, 2026
Tour guide made the difference!
What an experience! Seeing dolphins up close was really nice, but the tour guide set this experience apart. So much interesting knowledge about the area and wildlife. Also a really enjoyable pace and route. So glad we picked this tour and had this memorable experience!
Operator response
Thanks for your great review! We are so happy you got the chance to see dolphins up close, and that your tour guide was able to exceed expectations! We hope to welcome you out for another memorable experience in the future!
C
chietpas4
August 6, 2026
Charleston Outdoor Adventures
Great customer service! They were very helpful in communicating with us about storms in the area.
Operator response
Thank you so much for the kind review! We’re glad to hear our team was helpful and kept you informed about the storms in the area.
Weather can change quickly here in the Lowcountry, so we always want to make sure our guests have clear communication and feel confident about their plans. We truly appreciate you recognizing our team’s efforts!
Thank you for choosing Charleston Outdoor Adventures. We hope to have you back on the water with us again soon!
J
jessV3392QO
August 2, 2026
A Fun Kayaking Adventure
This was such a fun experience! Our tour guide Margo was great, kept us safe, and had a lot of fun facts as we were going along. We got to see some dolphins and birds, and it was a relaxing kayak adventure.
Operator response
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you had such a fun and relaxing kayaking adventure.
Margo will be so happy to hear your kind words. We're glad she kept everyone safe while also sharing fun facts and helping you discover more about the Lowcountry ecosystem along the way.
Seeing dolphins and birds while quietly paddling through the marsh is such a special experience, and we're happy you were able to enjoy some great wildlife sightings during your trip.
Thank you for choosing Charleston Outdoor Adventures! We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another peaceful paddle through the Lowcountry soon!
5
597cassiem
August 2, 2026
Thanks!
Kelly was an excellent kayak guide on our Eco tour.
Operator response
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear Kelly was an excellent guide for your Eco Kayak Tour.
Kelly will be so happy to hear your kind words. Her knowledge of the Lowcountry ecosystem and friendly approach help make exploring the marsh both fun and educational.
Thank you for choosing Charleston Outdoor Adventures, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure on the water soon!
F
F5159ZHannieb
July 31, 2026
All-around great Lowlands experience
Our family of six had a great time, despite varying levels of experience/skill kayaking. The marsh was beautiful, and the tour was super relaxing but also a decent workout. It was cool to check out so much local wildlife. Our guide Kelly was super friendly and knowledgeable. We have been to the area several times and would count this as one of our top all-time experiences. Highly recommend.
Operator response
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear your family of six had such a great time on the water together.
One of the things we love most about our kayak tours is that they're enjoyable for paddlers of all experience levels, so we're happy everyone felt comfortable while still getting to enjoy a relaxing adventure—and a bit of a workout! The beauty of the marsh and the opportunity to see the incredible local wildlife make every trip unique.
Kelly will be so happy to hear your kind words. Her friendly personality and knowledge of the Lowcountry help create memorable experiences for guests of all ages.
Hearing that, after several visits to the Charleston area, you would rank this as one of your all-time favorite experiences is one of the highest compliments we could receive.
Thank you for your recommendation and for choosing Charleston Outdoor Adventures. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome your family back for another unforgettable paddle through the beautiful Lowcountry marshes!
2
201kylaf
July 17, 2026
Great water adventure!
So awesome and fun! Super friendly and knowledgeable staff!
Operator response
Thank you for the awesome review! We're so glad you had such a fun experience with us.
We truly appreciate your kind words about our team. Our guides love sharing the beauty, wildlife, and history of the Lowcountry, and we're thrilled to hear their friendliness and knowledge helped make your adventure special.
Thank you for choosing Charleston Outdoor Adventures. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience on the water soon!
A
Andrea_S
July 16, 2026
Mads was a wonderful...
Mads was a wonderful guide and we were able to see several dolphins as soon as we left the dock!! She knew so much about the area and the wildlife we saw. Definitely recommend this tour!!
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so glad you had such a great experience with us.
Mads will be thrilled to hear your kind words. Her passion for the Lowcountry, knowledge of the local wildlife, and excitement for sharing the area with guests help make every tour special.
What a perfect way to start the adventure—seeing dolphins right as you leave the dock is always an exciting surprise! We're so happy you were able to enjoy those sightings while also learning more about the incredible ecosystem around Charleston.
Thank you for recommending Charleston Outdoor Adventures. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure on the water soon!
B
Bennett_K
July 14, 2026
Great Tour by Allen
Great kayaking trip in the marsh with plenty of pretty sights. At times can be a good bit of paddling against the current but well worth it.
Operator response
Thank you for the great review! We're so glad you enjoyed your kayaking adventure through the beautiful Lowcountry marshes.
The winding creeks and reed-lined waterways offer some incredible scenery, and we're happy to hear the views made the trip worthwhile. You're absolutely right that the tides and currents can add a little extra workout at times—that's one of the things that makes paddling in a real tidal marsh feel like an authentic adventure!
We appreciate you mentioning that the effort was worth it. Many guests enjoy the combination of peaceful scenery, wildlife sightings, and a bit of exercise along the way.
Thank you for choosing Charleston Outdoor Adventures. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable paddle through the marsh soon!
