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GUIDEPOSTS
Paddleboard Tours on Shem Creek: A Peaceful Way to Explore Charleston’s Coastal Beauty
Looking for a unique way to explore the Lowcountry during your Charleston or Mount Pleasant vacation? Coastal Expeditions’ stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tours on Shem Creek offer the perfect combination of outdoor adventure, wildlife watching, and local history—all with no experience needed.
Whether you’re staying in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, or nearby beach towns like Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms, our guided paddleboard tours are an unforgettable way to experience the coast from a different vantage point.
Before the tour, Coastal Expeditions guides get you familiar with the gear and go over the basics. No experience needed– this is a fun sport for everyone!
Paddleboard with Dolphins, Manatees & More
Shem Creek is a calm, protected waterway that flows into Charleston Harbor that is teeming with life. Our paddleboard tours are a favorite for nature lovers hoping to see dolphins in Charleston. These curious creatures often surface near our boards, offering an up-close view that’s both magical and non-disruptive to their natural behavior.
During warmer months, manatees also cruise through the creek, and it’s not uncommon to see pelicans diving for fish or herons stalking the shoreline. With every paddle stroke, you’ll be immersed in the rhythm of the tide and the sights and sounds of the South Carolina coast.
No Experience? No Problem.
Never paddleboarded before? That’s what our expert guides are here for. Coastal Expeditions’ SUP tours are beginner-friendly and designed to be fun and safe for all skill levels. After a short land-based lesson, you’ll launch from our private dock at the quiet end of Shem Creek, away from the crowds and boat traffic. From there, we paddle at a relaxed pace, giving you time to find your balance, soak in the scenery, and learn about the area from your guide.
A Glimpse Into Shem Creek’s Past
Shem Creek isn’t just beautiful—it’s historic. Once a hub for the Lowcountry’s shrimping industry, the creek still hosts a small fleet of working shrimp boats. As you paddle past the docks, your guide will share stories of the fishermen and creekside characters who’ve shaped this coastal community. It’s a unique way to learn about the region’s history while enjoying the fresh air and saltwater breeze.
The Best Paddleboard Launch Spot on Shem Creek
While much of Shem Creek can be busy with boat tours and waterfront restaurants, Coastal Expeditions launches from a private dock tucked away at the peaceful end of the creek. This hidden gem gives you a quieter, more nature-focused experience—ideal for families, couples, solo travelers, or small groups looking for something off the beaten path.
Book Your Charleston Paddleboard Tour Today
Our Shem Creek paddleboard tours are offered year-round by public tour and private outings. It’s one of the most relaxing and rewarding outdoor activities in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, and a perfect addition to your Lowcountry itinerary.
Book Online or call us at (843) 884-7684 to learn more.
Fun Outer Banks Trivia:
Coastal Expeditions guides and captains worked extensively with Outer Banks during filming in the Charleston area. In addition to chartering our boats as film boats, they rented paddleboards and other gear. In the opening credits, Kiara is shown paddleboarding on Shem Creek on a Coastal Expeditions board.
If you want to see the places that Outer Banks filmed on Shem Creek, just ask your guide!
