DEVEAUX BANK WHIMBREL EXPEDITION
Sunset Boat Tour to Witness an Extraordinary Migration
Overview
Hudsonian Whimbrels arrive in April and early May in the Lowcountry, tired and hungry from their epic migration from remote regions of Venezuela in South America. The estuarine habitat and isolated beaches along the South Carolina coast are the perfect stopping point for them to feed and rest in preparation for their long flight to their subarctic nesting grounds above Hudson Bay in northern Canada.
In previous years, more than 20,000 Hudsonian Whimbrels- 49% of the estimated eastern population- have congregated on the fragile spit of sand known as Deveaux Bank to nocturnally roost during Spring migration. Working under the guidance of South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Shorebird Specialists, Coastal Expeditions offers three Whimbrel outings during Spring migration.
Timed with the high tide and full moon, this sunset expedition offers the best opportunity to see large flocks of Whimbrels return to their nightly roost on Deveaux Bank. On this wildlife tour down to the mouth of the North Edisto River, expect to see American Oystercatchers, Eastern Brown Pelicans, Black Skimmers, Red Knots and pods of local dolphins. Along the way, Coastal Expeditions naturalists offer educational interpretation.
Why We Love It
This tour combines an incredible nature experience with active conservation. For this reason, a portion of the proceeds benefits seabird conservation initiatives and environmental education through the Coastal Expeditions Foundation.
Rates & Details
$85/person
2.5 hours
2025 Tours:
6-8:30 p.m.
Friday, May 9
Saturday, May 10
Sunday, May 11
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MEETING PLACE
Cherry Point Boat Landing
Wadmalaw, SC
The boat will leave on time and refunds are not available for late arrivals. Plan your arrival around 20-30 minutes prior to departure.
OUR COMMITMENT TO ETHICAL BIRDING
Coastal Expeditions is very sensitive to the impact that unethical human disturbance represents on fragile populations of shorebirds, seabirds and other wildlife. With guidance from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the boat will keep a respectful distance from the shore to avoid and disturbance.
Coastal Expeditions Guides & Captains
- receive training from Shorebird Specialists at the SC Department of Natural Resources each Spring
- participate in active conservation in Cape Romain NWR and Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary, and
- several are trained as Shorebird Stewards through Audubon SC
The overall mission of Coastal Expeditions is to connect people with nature through meaningful experiences, providing education that empowers people to ethically coexist with wildlife. As part of our commitment to seabird conservation, a portion of all proceeds derived from this outing will be donated to the Coastal Expeditions Foundation and used to support seabird and shorebird stewardship programs.
Activity Level
This tour is an on-boat excursion and is suitable for most ages and abilities.
What To Bring & Wear
Dress in layers appropriate for the weather. Bring binoculars if you have them!
Guide Safety & Training
Coastal Expeditions are all USCG Master Captains with years of commercial experience and current licenses.
Coastal Expeditions boats are custom-built vessels that receive yearly inspections from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Cancellation & Weather Policy
Tickets for this tour are non-refundable unless Coastal Expeditions cancels for weather. You may transfer tickets to someone else to take your spot (just let us know and we’ll make a note for the guide or captain).
In the event that we decide to cancel due to weather, we will make every effort to contact you (phone/text/email) at least two hours before departure and help you reschedule or credit/refund the full cost of your trip.
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.
Tour Availability & Private Charters
This tour is offered two or three times each Spring.
Deveaux is Protected
In 2024, the Coastal Expeditions Foundation led the call to close Deveaux Bank to people during nesting season. Not only is this island an important stopover for red knots and whimbrels, it is where 75% of South Carolina’s Eastern brown pelicans nest every year.
★★★★★
We went on the Whimbrel tour from Cherry Point Boat Landing – it was amazing! The number of emails and content were perfect. The staff on the boat was fantastic – they made us feel very comfortable with their boat captain skills and they were a wealth of knowledge of the birds and environment. They pointed out many birds along the way and when we got to the Deveaux Bank, there were so many birds! Because of the staff’s knowledge and teaching along the way, we really appreciated the wildlife even more than we could have ever imagined. Don’t hesitate, book a trip with Coastal Expeditions today!
MEDIA CENTER
POST & COURIER / APRIL 2024
As a stunning shorebird sanctuary vanishes, SC wildlife officials resist protections
Like many shorebirds, whimbrels are in trouble. Various studies have found their numbers roughly cut in half since the 1990s. Which is why Deveaux Bank has become so precious.
It’s also why Chris Crolley, who runs Coastal Expeditions, wanted to take the birders to this beautiful and disappearing way station.
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POST & COURIER / NOVEMBER 2024
Rising seas almost swallowed one of SC’s key bird sanctuaries. A new study hopes to save it.
“This habitat is going away, but I’m glad we’re talking about it now,” said Chris Crolley, founder of Coastal Expeditions Foundation, a nonprofit that provided a $25,000 match for the federal grant.
READ MORE >