Overview
Come out on an adventure to see young Eastern Brown Pelicans and other seabirds as we visit two rookery islands in Charleston Harbor. Coastal Expeditions naturalists will weave together stories of the natural and human history of this region while we take in the sights and sounds of a raucous nesting pelican colony at Castle Pinckney,
This tour is a summer favorite! Private charters are available.
Why We Love It
Departing from our Shem Creek dock in Mount Pleasant, this is a great way see wildlife and the Charleston skyline by water. Our pelican colony trip is perfect for multi-generational groups and families with younger kids.
Rates & Details
$85 Adults | $65 12 & under
3 hours
Offered in the summer months. Sign up here to get a notification before booking opens.
Private charters are available.
Seasonal
Coastal Expeditions led the coalition to make the Eastern Brown Pelican South Carolina’s official State Seabird in 2024
Castle Pinckney in Charleston Harbor has become a thriving pelican rookery each summer.
Departure Point
COASTAL EXPEDITIONS AT SHEM CREEK
514-B MILL STREET
MOUNT PLEASANT, SC 29464
Things to Know
- This excursion is suited for all ages and abilities and our custom-built vessel is fully covered for added comfort.
- The boat will leave at the schedule departure time. Please arrive 15-20 minutes early to give yourself time to park and check in.
FAQ’s
Activity Level
This tour is a boat cruise and is suitable for most ages and abilities.
What To Bring & Wear
For this tour, you’ll want to bring drinking water. You may also want to bring optics like binoculars or a camera.
Dress for the weather. A light windbreaker jacket is often welcome, even on warm days.
Guide Safety & Training
All Coastal Expeditions guides hold certifications in first aid, CPR and lifeguarding. Lead guides hold ACA Level 1 or higher sea kayaking certifications.
Our captains hold 100-ton master captain licenses from the USCG. Coastal Expeditions boats are custom-built vessels that receive yearly inspections from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Cancellation & Weather Policy
This tour is non-refundable within 72-hours of the tour date.
If we have to cancel for weather, we will issue a full refund or reschedule you to a different tour.
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.
Protecting the Places We Explore
Protecting and conserving seabird rookery islands has become a cornerstone of the Coastal Expeditions Foundation. Through ecotours to places like Crab Bank and Castle Pinckney, we are able to share information about these critical nesting grounds with you. A portion of this proceeds of this tour supports the work of the Coastal Expeditions Foundation for seabird nesting island protection.
