Backcountry Adventures in Beaufort, SC

So Much to See in the Lowcountry!

Beaufort County claims more inland saltwater waterways and marshes than the rest of South Carolina combined. While we keep our 14 passenger boat at the Port Royal Landing Marina for trips on the Beaufort River, we also have a six passenger boat on a trailer that allows us to meet you at various landings in the area. This gives us easy access to the more remote parts of Beaufort County. 

Remote Beach Adventure 

Destination - Bull Island Beach

Meeting Point - Station Creek Landing 

Highlights - Beach Exploring, Nature, Dolphins, History and views of St Philips Island, Pritchards Island, Fripp Island, Bay Point, and the Atlantic Ocean (we do not go into the ocean).

Description - Take a trip through beautiful Station Creek and Truckards Inlet to our favorite beach for finding sea shells, taking a relaxing walk, or just chilling in peace. The vast marshes surrounding this area are stunning and roll right up to a long and low sand dune island that separates the marsh from the Atlantic Ocean. Bull Island is only accessible by boat so it doesn’t get the nearly the volume of visitors that other beaches get so you never know what you’ll find on the beach there. 

Notes - Feet and lower legs will likely get wet getting on and off the boat. Shells may be kept but we ask that large quantities are not removed from the beach. Travel time is typically 30 minutes to get to the beach and thirty minutes to return. All additional time can be spent at the beach or you can choose to explore the area on the boat more.

Lower ACE Basin Adventure 

Destination - St Helena Sound

Meeting Point - Eddings Point

Highlights - Nature, Dolphins, History and views of St Helena Sound, Monkey Island (monkeys are not always visible), Coosaw Island, etc. 

Description - The vastness of the St. Helena sound has captured the imagination of adventurers and inspired artist for hundred of years. Join us to see it’s beauty and wonder! A unique attraction of this trip is the possibility of seeing the wild rhesus monkeys on Monkey Island. Yes, approximately 3500 rhesus monkeys live on an island in the middle of the St. Helena Sound. While they frequently visit the edges of the island where they can be seen there are plenty of times they are not out as well so know that there is not a guarantee of seeing the monkeys.

Notes - There is not a garetee that the monkeys will come out where they can be seen. There is not an area to get off the boat on this trip unless the trip is planned around low tide when tidal sandbars can be explored. 

Upper Ace Basin Adventure 

Where - Wimbahee Creek, Cumbahee Creek

Meeting Point - Wimbahee Creek Landing

Highlights - Nature, Dolphins, History and views of the old Rice Plantations, wiliman Islands and the ACE Basin. 

Description - A true back country experience! Most of the land surrounding the A.C.E. Basin is under conservation easements so there is very little development in this area making it some of the most remote waters in South Carolina. Pre Civil War this area was heavily developed for rice cultivation and post civil war it was mined for phosphate but time and tides have reclaimed its wild, natural beauty. 

Notes - There are not places to get off the boat in this area. 

Broad River Adventure 

Where - Bull Island

Meeting Point - Station Creek Landing 

Highlights - St Helena Sound, Monkey Island, 

Description - At the heart of Beaufort County is the Broad River. This “river” is actually a deep ocean inlet with very little fresh water flowing into it. 

Custom Adventures

Do you have an area of Beaufort County that you're interested in exploring? We would love to take you there! View our Beaufort Tours

Dolphin In Beaufort River South Carolina

FAQ’s

  • Each trip is led by a professional, licensed/insured captain. Bottled water, and all required safety gear is also included. Passengers 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket (life jackets are provided).

  • We are located at the Port Royal Landing Marina. The Address is:

    1 Port Royal Landing Dr, Port Royal, SC 29935

  • If the weather is bad we will refund or reschedule your trip.

  • Click the “book now” button to view our calendar, and book your trip in minutes.

    For Custom Adventures, special request, or questions, please send us an email or give us a call.

  • Our trips can take 1-6 people. Our trips are private experiences meaning the boat is not shared with anyone that is not part of your crew.

  • Your booking covers the entire cost of the trip with the exception of any gratuity for the captains. Typical gratuity for a guided trip is 15-25%.

  • We have a large population of wild dolphins that are active throughout the day. Because they move freely around, a large area, what we see can very greatly from trip to trip. However, it would be extremely rare to not see dolphins at any time of the day.

  • We have a wide array of herons, pelicans, shore birds, seagulls, terns, etc that frequent our area. While there are always birds around we would recommend that groups with the primary goal of birding giving us a call to schedule a low tide trip time.

  • Sunglasses, hat, non-spray sun protection (aerosol is harmful to the boats deck and cushions), an extra layer to block the wind when it is cool out. If you would like to do beach combing on our three and five hour trips we recommend closed toe shoes that can get wet as well as a few towels.

  • Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages. Beer, wine, and champagne are permitted for guests over 21. Coolers are also welcome.

  • Our boat has comfortable, cushioned seating and a large T-top for shade. There is no restroom onboard.

  • Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

Bird Catching Food - Nature Boat Tour Beaufort SC
Otters in the Beaufort River - Nature Boat Tour

  • This was an experience my family & I will cherish forever! We saw dolphins immediately. Our friendly guide John is from Beaufort and very knowledgeable about the history and environment. I highly recommend this tour.

    Matthew L

  • Our family went on a dolphin cruise with Captain Rob. Very knowledgeable about the local wildlife and fauna in Beaufort. He made sure that we would be able to see the dolphins swimming in the area. It was a fantastic experience for us. Would definitely recommend this company and Captain Rob as your guide.

    Roam

  • Captain John was both incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining. We greatly enjoyed learning the history of the area and seeing several dolphins as well as learning about them and their behaviors. We also saw and learned about 20 different bird species. The trip was everything we expected and MORE.

    Amy C

  • We absolutely loved the sunset dolphin cruise! John was very informative & knowledgeable about the area & history. If you get the opportunity we highly recommend doing this. Absolutely stunning views! You won't be disappointed 😊

    Loretta Garland