A five-day Immersive Coastal Ecology Adventure in the South Carolina Lowcountry for High School Students
Spend a week exploring some of the most dynamic and ecologically-rich environments along the South Carolina coast. Experience a hands-on, field-based program designed for high school students interested in marine science, conservation and outdoor adventure.
Over five full days, students travel by kayak, trails and boat through coastal ecosystems to gain firsthand insight in to the flora, fauna and ongoing research that shapes our region.
Price: $1,150
Monday-Wednesday: Daily 9 a.m- 5 p.m.
Thursday-Friday: Overnight Expedition on Bulls Island
DAILY EXCURSIONS INCLUDE:
Kiawah River & Captain Sam’s Spit
Study dynamic coastal ecosystems while observing seabird populations and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Analyze barrier island formation, shoreline change, and predator-prey behavior, including strand feeding.
Seabird Conservation: Bird Key & Crab Bank
Examine active bird sanctuaries and nesting colonies. Learn principles of wildlife management, habitat protection, and ethical field observation techniques during critical breeding seasons.
Black River Swamp Traverse
Paddle through a cypress-tupelo ecosystem while investigating freshwater ecology, biodiversity, and hydrology. Explore how these ancient systems function and their role in regional watershed health.
Sea Turtle Conservation in Cape Romain
Engage with field technicians and interns working in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Gain insight into long-term conservation efforts, including nest monitoring, data collection, and species protection strategies for loggerhead sea turtles.
Service Learning: Habitat Restoration
Participate in a hands-on restoration project alongside students from Windwood Farm Home for Children. Contribute to marsh or oyster habitat initiatives while exploring the connection between community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Bulls Island Overnight Expedition
Immerse in a protected coastal wilderness within Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge during a two-day field study experience:
- Stay overnight at the historic Dominick House
- Explore maritime forests and undeveloped beaches
- Walk the iconic Boneyard Beach
- Study barrier island ecology, resilience, and coastal processes
- Observe and discuss ongoing conservation and research efforts
Experience
What Students Gain
• Field-based experience in coastal and marine ecology
• Exposure to real-world conservation and research efforts
• Identification of regional plant and animal species
• Understanding of human impact and coastal preservation strategies
• Increased confidence through physically active outdoor exploration
Program Experience
This is an active, week-long program for motivated students. Days are spent kayaking, hiking and biking across a variety of coastal environments. Students should be prepared for long, rewarding days outdoors in changing conditions.
Academic Relevance (Service & Resume Builder)
• Participation in hands-on service projects, including marsh restoration with Windwood Farms.
• Letter of recommendation provided upon request for students who demonstrate exceptional engagement and performance
• Awarded a Certificate of Coastal Leadership & Environmental Stewardship upon successful completion of the program
MEETING PLACE
Coastal Expeditions at Shem Creek
514 Mill Street
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
What To Pack & Wear
Once you are registered, you’ll receive an email with additional information about how to prepare and what to pack each day.
Coastal Expeditions provides the guide service, kayaks (and related gear), daily transportation by boat and van.
For the overnight trip on Bulls Island, Coastal Expeditions will provide all food, boat transportation and guide service.
Guide Safety & Training
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
There is a 30-day cancellation policy for week-long programs at Coastal Expeditions.
This is a rain-or-shine program, but certain weather conditions (i.e. hurricanes or tropical storms) may cause us to cancel. We will adjust daily itineraries based on the weather.