CAPERS ISLAND KAYAKING + CAMPING
Coastal Carolina Sea Kayaking
For decades, Coastal Expeditions was the sole outfitter for REI Adventures in South Carolina and led camping excursions under their flag. In 2025, REI shuttered the adventure travel arm of the co-op, but we’re ready to get a little sand back in our tents!
Barrier Island Nights, Tidal Days
Paddle through Copahee Sound and tidal creeks by kayak, then hike the island’s unique beaches and maritime forest in solitude on a protected barrier island. Each evening’s camp us under the glow of the Milky Way, with a soundtrack of sea and surf. With gear, meals, and 30 years of guide expertise at your back—including tours for REI—you’re free to lose yourself in pure, Lowcountry wild.
$795/person
Thursday: 1-hr orientation/prep at Shem Creek
Friday-Sunday: Camping+Kayaking Trip
Upcoming Trips:
Nov 21-23
Dec. 5-7
Jan 9-11
Also offered by private reservation—just say when, and we’ll be there with paddles ready.
Want to go for a day-long kayaking tour to Capers? Find out more
Itinerary
Day 1: Gadsdenville to Capers Island
Day 2: Capers Island and the surrounding waterways
Day 3: Capers Island to Gadsdenville
Highlights:
• Maritime Forest Exploration
• Sunrise Paddles and Hikes
• Exploring Boneyard Beach
• Paddling 5 to 7 miles/day
• Wildlife viewing opportunities including bottlenose dolphin, American alligator, raptors, turtles, pelicans and more
• Camping in a State Heritage Preserve with Coastal Expeditions guides
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Where to Meet
Coastal Expeditions | Shem Creek
514 Mill Street
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
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Things to Know
What’s Included
All gear (kayaks, tents, etc.), van and ferry transportation, meals, snacks, and expert guides.
Who Can Join
This trip is designed for adults. Teens 16+ are welcome when accompanied by a parent.
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Your Guides
Skilled. Certified. Trusted.
Our guides are certified as Wilderness First Responders, Lifeguards and ACA Kayaking—and regularly lead trips for Backroads, Road Scholar, and other respected adventure companies.
ABOUT CAPERS ISLAND
Accessible only by boat or kayak, it’s one of the last remaining wild islands along South Carolina’s coast. Here, sweeping salt marshes give way to maritime forests of live oak and palmetto, freshwater ponds, and a “Boneyard Beach,”where weathered tree skeletons stand stark against the surf.
Protected as a State Heritage Preserve and managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Capers Island remains untouched by development. Its diverse habitats provide a haven for wildlife—bottlenose dolphins cruise the creeks, egrets and herons stalk the shallows, and deer, raccoons, and alligators make their home inland. For paddlers, landing on Capers is like stepping back in time to experience the Lowcountry coast in its most natural state.
“The first day we saw 20 to 30 dolphins. You talk about a kid in a candy store- that was me.”
-Capers Island camper
Activity Level
No prior kayaking experience is needed (we’ll teach you what you need to know), but it will require some endurance. We’ve timed the paddling with the tides to make the experience enjoyable, but we’ll kayaking 5-7 miles a day. We’ll take breaks along the way– you’ve got this!
What To Pack & Wear
A detailed packing list is provided upon booking.
Coastal Expeditions provides: Tandem kayaks, PFDs, spray skirts, paddles, dry bags, tents, sleeping kits (sleeping bag and pad), all meals and snacks, group cooking gear, expert guide service.
Cancellation & Weather Policy
A 50% non-refundable deposit due at booking.
If we do not meet the tour minimum of 6 people, we will offer other dates or fully refund your deposit.
Weather (thunderstorms or high winds) may impact this excursion. Cancellations usually occur due to lightning, thunder or high winds and we will make sure to reschedule your group if needed. Our general cancellation policies apply unless our experts determine it is potentially unsafe or unwise to venture out. If we have to cancel because of weather, you will receive a full refund.
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.
1-hour Orientation
On Thursday evening at 5 p.m., there is a 1-hour orientation with your guides to meet everyone and go over safety, team mentality & itinerary. You will bring your personal gear to this meeting and pack it into dry bags. This will let us get out on our adventure first thing the next morning!