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.
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.
Boat Tours & Charters
Where water carries stories.
Our blackwater boat tours—like the Santee Delta Cruise—journey through winding creeks and swamps once traveled by the Gullah people and early rice planters, passing landmarks like Hampton Plantation. Led by Capt. Chris Crolley, he shares the rich cultural history and diverse wildlife of one of the most hauntingly beautiful ecosystems in the Lowcountry.
Santee Delta
Hampton Plantation
ACE Basin
and More
Kayak Tours
Nature’s sanctuary. History’s pathway.
Our blackwater kayak tours take you deep into the wild heart of South Carolina—from the tidal rivers of the ACE Basin to the cypress swamps of Francis Marion National Forest and beyond. Guided by naturalists, these trips blend adventure with a rare look at ecosystems few ever get to see.
Francis Marion NF
Awendaw Creek
ACE Basin
Wambaw Creek
Santee Delta
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.
Offered by private reservation—just say when, and we’ll be there with paddles ready.