CAPERS ISLAND KAYAKING + CAMPING
Coastal Carolina Sea Kayaking
For decades, Coastal Expeditions was the sole outfitter for REI Adventures in South Carolina and led camping excursions under their flag. In 2025, REI shuttered the adventure travel arm of the co-op, but we’re ready to get a little sand back in our tents!
Barrier Island Nights, Tidal Days
Paddle through Copahee Sound and tidal creeks by kayak, then hike the island’s unique beaches and maritime forest in solitude on a protected barrier island. Each evening’s camp us under the glow of the Milky Way, with a soundtrack of sea and surf. With gear, meals, and 30 years of guide expertise at your back—including tours for REI—you’re free to lose yourself in pure, Lowcountry wild.
$795/person
Thursday: 1-hr orientation/prep at Shem Creek
Friday-Sunday: Camping+Kayaking Trip
Upcoming Trips:
Nov 21-23: Women’s Expedition
Dec. 5-7
Jan 9-11
Also offered by private reservation—just say when, and we’ll be there with paddles ready.
Want to go for a day-long kayaking tour to Capers? Find out more
Itinerary
Day 1: Gadsdenville to Capers Island
Day 2: Capers Island and the surrounding waterways
Day 3: Capers Island to Gadsdenville
Highlights:
• Maritime Forest Exploration
• Sunrise Paddles and Hikes
• Exploring Boneyard Beach
• Paddling 5 to 7 miles/day
• Wildlife viewing opportunities including bottlenose dolphin, American alligator, raptors, turtles, pelicans and more
• Camping in a State Heritage Preserve with Coastal Expeditions guides
Where to Meet
Coastal Expeditions | Shem Creek
514 Mill Street
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Things to Know
What’s Included
All gear (kayaks, tents, etc.), van and ferry transportation, meals, snacks, and expert guides.
Who Can Join
This trip is designed for adults. Teens 16+ are welcome when accompanied by a parent.
Your Guides
Skilled. Certified. Trusted.
Our guides are certified as Wilderness First Responders, Lifeguards and ACA Kayaking—and regularly lead trips for Backroads, Road Scholar, and other respected adventure companies.
LEAD GUIDES
Jackie Kelsey, our Overnight Expeditions Coordinator, has been with Coastal Expeditions since 2019, bringing her background in Adventure Education and certifications as a Wilderness First Responder and ACA Kayak Instructor. She loves leading multi-day trips where she can share her passion for kayaking, camping under the stars, and exploring the Lowcountry’s ecosystems.
Liz Hertz has guided everywhere from Alaska’s alpine wilderness to the deserts of Utah, leading primitive expeditions and field programs across the country. Back in the Lowcountry, she brings that wealth of experience to multi-day camping trips and full-day journeys that connect people to the wild coast.
Accessible only by boat or kayak, it’s one of the last remaining wild islands along South Carolina’s coast. Here, sweeping salt marshes give way to maritime forests of live oak and palmetto, freshwater ponds, and a “Boneyard Beach,”where weathered tree skeletons stand stark against the surf.
Protected as a State Heritage Preserve and managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Capers Island remains untouched by development. Its diverse habitats provide a haven for wildlife—bottlenose dolphins cruise the creeks, egrets and herons stalk the shallows, and deer, raccoons, and alligators make their home inland. For paddlers, landing on Capers is like stepping back in time to experience the Lowcountry coast in its most natural state.
“The first day we saw 20 to 30 dolphins. You talk about a kid in a candy store- that was me.”
-Capers Island camper
Amazing
Beautiful
Organized
Coastal Expeditions did an amazing job arranging a customized four day camp/kayak trip on Capers Island for our small group from Ohio. We brought our own camp/kayak gear and Coastal Expeditions provided guides, food, water, skiff support and handled all cooking and logistics. The price was extremely reasonable and our guides Caroline and Kevin were absolutely amazing. They had a wealth of knowledge about the environment, local history, kayak techniques, fire making, even yoga! Plus, they were just wonderful people to sit around the campfire with. We will be back next year!
-Jeff M., TripAdvisor
Had an awesome time on the trip (an REI Adventures trip with the team from Coastal Expeditions). Fantastic beach camping, great paddling, amazing food, beautiful scenery and wildlife, all brought to us by our guides Geoff and Henry. Two awesome guys who clearly love what they do and want to share all the great history of the Charleston area and all the great natural history too. Highly recommended trip and outfitter. Met and exceeded my expectations. Will come back for sure.
-Cezswartz, TripAdvisor
Had a great time kayaking with Coastal Expeditions on their “Swamp to Sea” trip. We signed up through REI Adventures, but CE was the outfitter. The guides (Olivia and Greg) were extremely knowledgeable and did everything they could to make sure that everyone on the trip had a great experience. I was very appreciative of the trouble they took to point out birds to me after I told them that I was there for the birds. I saw 25 to 30 different kinds I hadn’t seen before, so it was a great weekend from that perspective. CE is very well organized and I was impressed with the operation.
-saragwyn, TripAdvisor
Activity Level
No prior kayaking experience is needed (we’ll teach you what you need to know), but it will require some endurance. We’ve timed the paddling with the tides to make the experience enjoyable, but we’ll kayaking 5-7 miles a day. We’ll take breaks along the way– you’ve got this!
What To Pack & Wear
A detailed packing list is provided upon booking.
Coastal Expeditions provides: Tandem kayaks, PFDs, spray skirts, paddles, dry bags, tents, sleeping kits (sleeping bag and pad), all meals and snacks, group cooking gear, expert guide service.
Cancellation & Weather Policy
A 50% non-refundable deposit due at booking.
If we do not meet the tour minimum of 6 people, we will offer other dates or fully refund your deposit.
Weather (thunderstorms or high winds) may impact this excursion. Cancellations usually occur due to lightning, thunder or high winds and we will make sure to reschedule your group if needed. Our general cancellation policies apply unless our experts determine it is potentially unsafe or unwise to venture out. If we have to cancel because of weather, you will receive a full refund.
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.
1-hour Orientation
On Thursday evening at 5 p.m., there is a 1-hour orientation with your guides to meet everyone and go over safety, team mentality & itinerary. You will bring your personal gear to this meeting and pack it into dry bags. This will let us get out on our adventure first thing the next morning!