GUIDEPOSTS
Ethical Dolphin Encounters: How Coastal Expeditions Partners with the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network
As a proud partner of the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN), we incorporate the lessons of the W.A.V.E. program into every tour to make sure that our guests learn how to interact with dolphins ethically and responsibly.

Our Partnership with the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network
The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network is dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals through education, outreach, and research. By working closely with LMMN, our guides stay up to date on best practices for observing dolphins in the wild. This collaboration allows us to educate paddlers about the importance of protecting them while still enjoying their presence in a respectful way.
The W.A.V.E. Program: A Guide for Ethical Wildlife Encounters
W.A.V.E. (Watch, Awareness, View, Educate) is a program designed to promote ethical wildlife viewing, and its principles are at the core of how we lead our kayak tours. When encountering dolphins, we:
- Watch from a distance to allow them to move freely and naturally.
- Stay aware of our surroundings and avoid disturbing their behaviors, such as feeding or socializing.
- View responsibly by never chasing, approaching, or attempting to touch the dolphins.
- Educate our guests about the importance of protecting marine mammals and how their actions can make a difference.
By following these guidelines, we help ensure that dolphins remain wild and undisturbed.
Join Us for Dolphin Week: A Special Kayak Tour Experience
In celebration of Dolphin Week, we are hosting a special Dolphin Week Sunset Kayak Tour, where paddlers will have the opportunity to explore the rich estuarine habitats of the Lowcountry while learning about the bottlenose dolphins that inhabit these waters. Led by our experienced naturalist guides, this tour will highlight the importance of ethical wildlife encounters and provide guests with an unforgettable experience on the water.
Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
Location: Shem Creek Outpost
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
What to Expect: A guided paddle through the estuary, opportunities to observe dolphins in their natural environment, and insights into their behavior and conservation.
By participating in this tour, you’ll not only enjoy an incredible outdoor adventure but also support efforts to protect and conserve the dolphins of the Lowcountry. Twenty percent (20%) of the proceeds from this tour will be donated to the LMMN.
Paddle with Purpose
At Coastal Expeditions, we believe that responsible ecotourism plays a vital role in conservation. By partnering with organizations like LMMN and implementing the W.A.V.E. program, we ensure that our tours provide both awe-inspiring experiences and a positive impact on the environment.

Seeing Dolphins On Tour
As naturally curious animals, bottlenose dolphins often come up to our boats and kayaks when we are leading tours- and it is always exciting!
Our guides and captains are trained to give the dolphins space and not do anything that would change their course or behavior. That means that if we’re kayaking and dolphins approach, we instruct everyone to put their paddles on the decks of their kayaks and watch the dolphins until they pass.