Lowcountry’s hidden wilderness
Our blackwater tours take you into the hidden heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry—through cypress swamps, winding creeks, and flooded forests rich with life and mystery. From the Santee Delta to Francis Marion and the ACE Basin, each paddle invites you to slow down and listen.
With tannin-stained water, birdsong in the air, and bank-side wildlflowers in bloom, these ecosystems feel untouched and timeless. Guided by naturalists and timed with the tides, it’s a rare chance to experience the quiet power of the wild.
Francis Marion National Forest Kayak Tour
Glide under a canopy of tupelo and cypress in one of the most biodiverse forests in the Southeast.
ACE Basin Kayak Tour
Paddle through the ACE Basin, one of the East Coast’s last wild places—rich with birds and history.
Awendaw Creek Paddle+Hike
Explore where water meets woods—kayak Awendaw Creek, then hike into the Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail.
Black River Kayak Tour
Explore SC’s newest state park by kayak: blackwater, bald cypress, and untouched Lowcountry beauty.
Santee Delta to Hampton Plantation
Explore the Santee Delta by boat, then step ashore to wander the grounds of Hampton Plantation.
Santee to Sea Camping+Kayaking
Kayak the Santee River from cypress swamps to tidal marsh, camping along the way in true Lowcountry wild.
No Outpost. Just Wild.
Our blackwater tours don’t launch from a storefront—they launch from the edges of the map.
Because each trip is timed with tides, seasons, and the best wildlife viewing, your meeting location will vary. Once you book, we’ll send detailed directions to the exact spot (and we’ll be there to greet you).
Trust us—it’s always worth the drive.
The Give Back
A percentage of every Coastal Expeditions adventure- and 100% of retail proceeds- supports the work of the Coastal Expeditions Foundation, with a focus on environmental education, loggerhead sea turtles, seabird nesting islands and veterans.
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Hidden Ecosystems.
Winding through ancient swamps and tidal forests, our blackwater tours reveal a side of the Lowcountry few ever get to see—where wildlife, wildflowers, and history thrive in the stillness.
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Led by Naturalists, Not Scripts.
Our guides are seasoned naturalists who bring these waterways to life. They’ll share the stories of the land, spot the wildlife, and help you experience the magic of the blackwater at water level.
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Peaceful. Wild. Unforgettable.
Whether by boat or kayak, these slow-moving rivers offer an immersive way to explore the quiet heart of the South Carolina coast—where alligators, owls, and ancient trees stand sentinel.
FEATURED TOUR
Santee to Sea Kayaking+Camping
Blackwater to Barrier Island
Move through some of the most breathtaking wilderness in the South—tracing inky creeks through Francis Marion National Forest, across the Santee Delta, and into the saltwater estuaries of Cape Romain. Along the way, you’ll camp beneath cypress, spot owls and otters, paddle with dolphins, and explore Bulls Island on foot—an unforgettable journey through federally protected wilds.