FIELD TRIPS
Overview
Sea Kayaking
Grades 6-12
Paddle from Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant to Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary in Charleston Harbor, one of South Carolina’s five seabird rookery islands.
This field trip combines the excitement of learning to sea kayak with a comprehensive overview of local history, geology, biology and botany.
Students learn from Outdoor School leaders who, as part of the Coastal Expeditions Foundation, helped save Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary in 2018. Coastal Expeditions advocates for South Carolina’s seabirds as educators and are trained as Audubon South Carolina-trained Shorebird Stewards.
Students do not need any prior kayaking or swimming experience.
Why We Love It
Crab Banks Seabird Sanctuary is the reason that we created the Coastal Expeditions Foundation in 2018! After paddling around this raucous rookery for nearly 30 years, we knew that it is critical to the South Carolina seabird population. We’re always excited to get students invested in paddles-in-the-water conservation on a Shem Creek field trip.
Options & Rates
2 hours
$45/student
(20 student minimum)
DEPARTURE POINT
Coastal Expeditions at Shem Creek
514 Mill Street
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
THINGS TO KNOW
- For middle and high school students
- No prior kayaking or swimming experience necessary.
- Field trip duration, including on-water instruction is 2 hours
- Two chaperones free; $45/additional adult (space is limited)
Guide Training & Safety
Outdoor School educators and guides receive year-round training and hold current certifications in sea kayak instruction (ACA Level 1 and higher), first aid, CPR and life guarding. Over the last 30 years, Coastal Expeditions guides have led over 100,000 students on field trips, camps, after school programs and internships.
Prior to each field trip, students receive instruction on how to properly paddle a sea kayak and are individually fitted to their PFDs and kayaks.
Our Kayak Fleet
Our sea kayaks are top of the line and are selected for stability and ease of use. Each sea kayak is equipped with a rudder system to assist with turning. Students and teachers use 2-person tandem kayaks and our tours are timed with the tides to make the experience enjoyable.
Year Round Availability
We offer this Shem Creek field trip year round. Dates in the spring and fall fill first. We recommend that you send in your date requests as soon as you know your availability.