Hunting Island State Park, Coastal Expeditions, Dolphin Boat Tour, Beaufort, Fripp Island, Dawtaw

Kayak. Hike. Explore Cape Romain.

This full-day adventure includes a one way, five-mile guided paddle through the quiet creeks of Cape Romain, where dolphins and coastal birds are often part of the journey. After landing on Bulls Island, we’ll hike up to 6-miles through wilderness beach and maritime forest with a boat cruise to complete the round trip. Return to the mainland tired, happy, and full of stories.

6 hours | $145
Includes gear, guides and ferry
Ages 16 and up

2026 Fall Dates

OCTOBER 12:
Oneiscau: People, Place & Tides
An Indigenous Peoples’ Day Paddle + Hike

OCTOBER 31
Ghost Forests & Wild Things
A Halloween Paddle + Hike

TOUR DETAILS BELOW
Private tours available- just give us a call and gather our gear!

 

 

OCTOBER 12

Bulls Island, salt marsh estuary, Tom Blagden, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

Oneiscau: People, Place & Tides
An Indigenous Peoples’ Day Paddle + Hike

Before it became known as Bulls Island, this place was called Oneiscau by the Sewee people, who lived, traveled, fished and gathered food throughout the creeks and islands of what is now Cape Romain.

On this special Indigenous Peoples’ Day expedition, we’ll paddle with the tide and explore the island on foot while considering a deeper human history of the landscape. Along the way, guides will share what is known about the Sewee, the significance of the island’s shell middens and the enduring relationship between people and this abundant coastal ecosystem.

 It is an opportunity to experience a remarkable place while recognizing that its human story began long before it was called Bulls Island.

OCTOBER 31

Bulls Island, Sunrise Expedition, Tom Blagdon, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

Ghost Forests & Wild Things
A Halloween Paddle + Hike

This Halloween, trade haunted houses for the haunting beauty of Bulls Island.

Paddle five miles through winding tidal creeks before entering a wilderness of maritime forest, hidden wildlife and salt-bleached trees. As we cross the island, guides will uncover the real stories behind some of the Lowcountry’s eeriest sights—from skulls, tracks and owl calls to alligators slipping silently through dark water.

The journey leads toward Boneyard Beach, where the Atlantic is reclaiming the forest and fallen trees stand like pale skeletons along the shore. It’s strange, beautiful and entirely created by nature.

No jump scares or invented ghost stories—just a wild island, a changing coast and the creatures that thrive there.

MEETING PLACE

Garris Landing
498 Bull Island Road
Awendaw, SC 29429

Please park in the designated “Bulls Island Ferry” area.

THINGS TO KNOW

  • This tour leaves on time because it is tidal
  • Participants will be in tandem expedition-style sea kayaks.
  • You do not need any prior kayaking experience to join this tour! We’ll provide all the gear and provide a thorough lesson before we start.
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Activity Level

This is an intermediate level tour for anyone with a moderate level of fitness.  No prior paddling experience is needed.

Expect to sea kayak with the tide five miles, followed by a 5-6 mile hike on flat ground.

What To Pack & Wear

Dress in quick-dry layers appropriate for the weather, hat, and shoes that stay on your feet (not flip flops).

Small daypack with drinking water, sunscreen, insect repellent, bagged lunch and snacks. Binoculars if you have them!

Cancellation & Weather Policy

This tour is non-refundable within 7 days of the scheduled tour.

NOTE:  If it is too windy the day of the tour, the itinerary will change to a more protected location nearby.  If you have questions about this, please call (843)884-7684 before you book.

Weather may impact this excursion. If our expert guides determine it is potentially unsafe or unwise to venture out due to thunderstorms or high winds, we will reschedule your group or credit/refund the full cost of your trip. Coastal weather changes quickly and often. To avoid premature and unnecessary trip cancellations, weather calls are typically made close to departure time.

 

Guide Safety & Training

All Coastal Expeditions guides hold certifications in first aid, CPR and lifeguarding. Throughout the year, they participate in continuing education and training to ensure that they are proficient paddlers, and all lead guides hold sea kayaking certifications from the American Canoe Association of Level 1 or higher.

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.

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.

ONE OF THE TOP THIRTY TRIPS TO TAKE WORLDWIDE

-Outside Magazine