Charleston Paddleboard Tours
Guided paddleboard and kayak tours through the Folly River and Shem Creek with experienced local guides.
Paddleboard & Kayak Tours
Folly River & Shem Creek
1.5 - 2 Hour Tours
Daily Tours
Based on Tides & Weather
Charleston Paddle Tour Options, Locations & Wildlife Excursions
Choose your ride:
Stand Up Paddleboard | Kayak | Tandem Kayak
Choose your Location:
Explore the calm tidal waters behind Folly Beach on a relaxed paddle through the Lowcountry. The Folly River is a great place to spot dolphins, turtles, stingrays and other coastal wildlife while getting away from the crowds. Paddle through winding tidal creeks, salt marshes and quiet stretches of river while experiencing a side of Folly Beach most visitors never get to see.
Paddle through one of Charleston’s most iconic waterways, surrounded by shrimp boats, docks and winding tidal creeks. Shem Creek combines Lowcountry wildlife with the history and character of Mount Pleasant’s working waterfront—and fans of Netflix’s The Outer Banks may recognize the creek as one of the show’s filming locations.
Details & Itinerary
Your tour starts with a quick introduction covering:
- Water entry and launching
- Paddleboarding and kayaking techniques
- Steering and maneuvering
- River rules and safety
Then it’s time to hit the water. During your guided paddle, you’ll explore:
- Local wildlife and coastal ecosystems
- Paddling and turning techniques
- Shem Creek or Folly River history
- Lowcountry culture and the surrounding environment
Where Do We Meet?
We Always Meet At The Boat Launch
- Folly River – Folly River Boat Ramp
- Shem Creek – Shem Creek Boat Landing
- Kiawah River – Kiawah River Bridge Street Parking
Schedule
- Show up 10 to 15 minutes early to park and get ready
- Start times are 100% based on tides, wind, and weather
- Typically we like to launch between 8am and 12noon
Best Times To Book This Excursion
Tour times are 100% based on tides, wind, and weather so it is best to book towards the beginning of your trip in Charleston so we can move the tour to a later date in case of inclement weather.
What You Should Bring/Wear
Show up in what you typically wear for a day in the sun on the water. We go barefoot when we paddle, but its smart to bring some footwear you don’t mind getting dirty/wet. Essential items to bring is a hat, sunglasses, a sun shirt, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Wear layers in the cooler months.
Is My Child Old Enough?
Every kid is different so its hard to put an exact age on it, but typically we see 12 as being the average age where they are strong enough to paddle for themselves. Really young kids under 50lbs or so can ride on the front of the parents paddleboard/kayak. We also have tandem kayaks which are good for 1 strong person and 1 weak/young/elderly person.
What If I Never Paddled Before?
You came to the right place, our eco paddle tours in Charleston SC will start with the basics and get you riding on top of the river in no time! if the whole group are pros we will hit the water asap!
Are There Restrooms/Lockers
There are no restrooms, changing rooms, or lockers at the boat launches. We do have a vehicle where you can lock up your items if needed.
Where Do I Park?
Arrive early in the summer months to find parking. Never park in spots designated for trailers or you will be ticketed.
Folly River has a free parking lot with limited single spot parking. Additional street parking can be found on E Indian Ave.
Shem Creek has a small parking lot with limited single spots. Additional parking can be found in the Bottles Parking Lot up the street.
Kiawah River Bridge has a small public parking Lot located on the side of the road. It is a first come first serve basis. Please arrive early to secure a spot.
Tours Led by Locals
Our local guides know these waterways and how conditions change with the tides, wind and weather. Whether it’s your first time paddling or you have years of experience, we’ll tailor the tour to your ability and the conditions that day.
All Paddle Equipment Included
Just show up ready to paddle – we provide everything you need for your tour.
What Makes Us The Best
We plan our paddle tours around nature rather than fighting against it. Start times and routes are selected based on the tides, wind, weather and water conditions to give you the best experience possible.
That means we may occasionally adjust your tour time or route as conditions change. Each route offers something different, from wildlife and tidal creeks to local history and Lowcountry culture.
Follow Us on Socials
Folly Beach, SC
31 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439
James Island, SC
1750 Signal Point Rd Ste 730, Charleston, SC 29412
Kiawah Island, SC
455 Freshfields Dr, Johns Island, SC 29455
Isle of Palms, SC
1202 B, Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
