BABY PELICAN CRUISE
Overview
Boat Ecotour
Two Launch Locations. One Amazing Season.
Join us for one of our favorite wildlife events of the year—when hundreds of brown pelican chicks hatch on protected nesting islands just off the coast of Charleston.
This limited-time cruise sets off from two locations:
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Shem Creek to explore Castle Pinckney and Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary in Charleston Harbor
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Kiawah River to cruise out to Bird Key Stono, one of South Carolina’s most vital nesting sites for pelicans and shorebirds
Led by our expert naturalists, this is your chance to witness newly hatched pelicans in their natural habitat, learn about the incredible comeback of these iconic birds, and support ongoing seabird conservation. These trips are timed to see the colonies during peak nesting season—when the islands are alive with activity.
Perfect for birders, families, photographers, and nature lovers of all ages.
This tour is a summer favorite! Private charters are available.
Why We Love It
Our pelican colony trip is perfect for multi-generational groups and families with younger kids. This is an educational adventure that forms a life-long imprint.
Rates & Details
$85 Adults | $65 12 & under
2.5 hours
Offered in the summer months. Sign up here to get a notification before booking opens.
Private charters are available.
Seasonal
Coastal Expeditions led the coalition to make the Eastern Brown Pelican South Carolina’s official State Seabird in 2024
Castle Pinckney in Charleston Harbor has become a thriving pelican rookery each summer.
MEETING PLACE
This tour is offered from two departure points
Coastal Expedition at Shem Creek
514 Mill Street
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Coastal Expeditions at Kiawah River
3050 Southerly Way
Johns Island, SC 29455
THINGS TO KNOW
- This excursion is suited for all ages and abilities and our custom-built vessel is fully covered for added comfort.
- The boat will leave at the schedule departure time. Please arrive 15-20 minutes early to give yourself time to park and check in.
Our Commitment to Ethical Birding
Coastal Expeditions is very sensitive to the impact that unethical human disturbance represents on fragile populations of shorebirds, seabirds and other wildlife. With guidance from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the boat will keep a respectful distance from the shore to avoid disturbance.
Coastal Expeditions Guides & Captains
- receive training from Shorebird Specialists at the SCDNR each Spring
- participate in active conservation in Cape Romain NWR and Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary
- several are trained as Shorebird Stewards through Audubon SC
Activity Level
This tour is a boat cruise and is suitable for most ages and abilities.
What To Bring & Wear
For this tour, you’ll want to bring drinking water. You may also want to bring optics like binoculars or a camera.
Dress for the weather. A light windbreaker jacket is often welcome, even on warm days.
Guide Safety & Training
All Coastal Expeditions guides hold certifications in first aid, CPR and lifeguarding. Lead guides hold ACA Level 1 or higher sea kayaking certifications.
Our captains hold 100-ton master captain licenses from the USCG. Coastal Expeditions boats are custom-built vessels that receive yearly inspections from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Cancellation & Weather Policy
This tour is non-refundable within 7-days of the tour date.
If we have to cancel for weather, we will issue a full refund or reschedule you to a different tour.
Gratuity
Gratuity is not included in your tour price. Our guides go above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic time out on the water! Average gratuity ranges from 15%–25% of your tour cost based on your experience. It is not required, but always greatly appreciated.
