Boating
Kayak through isolated marshes and estuaries to outlying islands, or explore Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Rates vary depending on your departure point and whether you go it alone or join a guided tour. Rentals are about $20 per hour, and a two-hour guided tour will run you about $50. The nearby resort islands, especially Kiawah and Wild Dunes, tend to have higher rates.
The boating options are incredibly varied, from a small johnboat with an outboard motor to a chartered sailboat. If you’re a newcomer to sailing, arranging lessons is no problem.
AquaSafaris. If you want a sailboat or yacht charter, a cruise to a private beach barbecue, or just a day of offshore fishing, AquaSafaris offers it all. Captain John Borden takes veteran and would-be sailors out daily on Serena, a 50-foot sloop, leaving from Shem Creek and Isle of Palms. A sunset cruise on the Palmetto Breeze catamaran offers panoramic views of Charleston Harbor set to a soundtrack of Jimmy Buffett tunes. Enjoy beer and cocktails as you cruise on one of the smoothest sails in the Lowcountry. A-Dock, 24 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, 29464. 843/886–8133; www.aqua-safaris.com.
Charleston Kayak Company. Guided kayak tours with Charleston Kayak Company depart from the grounds of the Inn at Middleton Place. You'll glide down the Ashley River and through brackish creeks in a designated State Scenic River Corridor. Naturalists tell you about the wetlands and the river's cultural history. It's not uncommon to spot an alligator, but thankfully they take no interest in kayakers. Tours last two hours (reservations essential) and start at $55 per adult. There are private tours available, as well as trips through an adjacent swamp and to the marshes behind Folly Beach. For self-guided trips, both single and tandem kayak rentals are available starting at $25, including all safety gear. Middleton Place Plantation, 4290 Ashley River Rd., West Ashley, Charleston, South Carolina, 29414. 843/628–2879; www.charlestonkayakcompany.com.
Coastal Expeditions. Coastal Expeditions owner Chris Crolley is the Lowcountry's preeminent naturalist, and his guides reflect that reputation. A kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tour with a naturalist guide starts at $65 per adult, and kayak rentals start at $45 for a half day. The company provides exclusive access to the Cape Romain Wilderness Area on Bulls Island via the Bulls Island Ferry. The ferry departs from Garris Landing in Awendaw and runs Tuesday, and Thursday to Saturday, from April through November. It costs $40 round-trip. Bulls Island has rare natural beauty, a "boneyard beach," shells galore, and nearly 300 species of migrating and native birds. Coastal Expeditions has additional outlets at Crosby's Seafood on Folly Beach, at Isle of Palms Marina, on Kiawah Island, and in Beaufort at St. Phillips Island. Shem Creek Maritime Center, 514B Mill St., Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, 29464. 843/884–7684; www.coastalexpeditions.com.
Ocean Sailing Academy. Learn how to command your own 26-foot sailboat on Charleston's beautiful harbor with the guidance of an instructor. This academy can teach you and your family how to sail comfortably on any size sailboat and can take you from coastal navigation to ocean proficiency. Instructors are fun and experienced U.S. Sailing–certified professionals. Skippered charters and laid-back sunset cruises are also available. 24 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, 29464. 843/971–0700; www.osasail.com.
Pegasus Charters. This company has a three-boat fleet that includes a 40-foot pleasure yacht and an 80-passenger pontoon catamaran. Groups can book the 36-passenger Inlet Scout pontoon boat for a celebratory reunion. This is a good alternative for large groups, or those who don't want to be corralled in by a set tour schedule. Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. www.pegasuscharters.com.
St. John's Kayaks. Located on Johns Island near the entrance to Kiawah and Seabrook islands, St. John's Kayaks offers guided eco-tours by kayak, fishing expeditions, and powerboat excursions. Safe and stable, easy-boarding kayaks are ideal for everyone from kids to seniors. Local owners share their love and passion for the barrier sea islands. They welcome groups and offer discounted rates. 4460 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy., Johns Island, South Carolina, 29455. 843/330–9777; www.stjohnskayaks.com.
