Little Capers Island Stargazing Tour
Meteor Shower and Milky Way Expeditions
Dark Skies, Wild Shores.
Departing from our St. Helena outpost as the sun dips low, this evening boat tour will carry you through quiet creeks and salt marsh to the secluded shores of Little Capers Island. With no lights for miles, the beach becomes a stage for the cosmos—perfect for photographers and stargazers alike. Watch as the Milky Way rises over the ocean and shooting stars trace paths across the sky in one of the most undisturbed dark sky settings in South Carolina. This is wild, quiet, otherworldly.
4 hours | $75
Fall 2025 Dates:
October 14 | 6:30-10:30 p.m. (just added!)
October 15 | 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Milky Way Rising
December 14 | 4:30-8:30 a.m.
Geminids Meteor Shower
Additional dates may be added for meteor showers. If you’d like to get a head’s up, sign up here.
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Where to Meet
Coastal Expeditions at St. Helena Island
1928 Sea Island Parkway
St. Helena Island, SC 29920
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The Boat Leaves on Time.
Plan to arrive 20 minutes early so you can gather your things, use the bathroom and get down to the boat.
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How to Prepare
Once you are on the island, lay out a blanket and prepare for the light show.
Wear long sleeves & pants (in case it is buggy) and pack water/snacks (or a picnic!). You may want a camera or your swimsuit, too!
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Under Naturally Dark Skies
Little Capers Island is a remote barrier island away situated away from light pollution
“I’ve never seen the Milky Way that clearly—like someone dusted glitter across the sky.”
Activity Level
You’ll step right off the boat onto the beach using a ramp or set of steps. Once you’re on Little Capers Island, it’s totally up to you—wander the shoreline, find a quiet spot to stargaze, or stay close to the boat. There’s no required hiking, just a wild beach to explore at your own pace.
What To Pack & Wear
Pack small backpack with snacks, water, insect spray and a blanket. If bringing a flashlight or headlamp, use the red light setting.
Wear clothes that are good for the beach and weather for that day. We suggest an outer layer of long sleeve & pants in case it is buggy.
Cancellation & Weather Policy
This tour is non-refundable within 1-week of your scheduled date.
Because this is a boat trip to a remote barrier island, we keep a close eye on the weather—especially for things like lightning, thunder, or high winds. If our team decides it’s not safe to go out, we’ll contact you (usually at least two hours in advance) to reschedule or offer a full credit or refund. Your safety—and your experience—are our top priorities.
Guide Safety & Training
Our guides aren’t just great naturalists—they’re also trained to keep you safe. All hold certifications in first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding, and they regularly participate in hands-on training to stay sharp. Our lead guides are certified sea kayakers through the American Canoe Association (Level 1 or higher), and our captains hold 100-ton USCG Master licenses.
The boats you’ll ride in? Custom-built for these waters and inspected annually by the U.S. Coast Guard—so you can focus on the adventure, not the logistics.
Gratuity
Gratuity isn’t included in your tour price, but it’s always appreciated. Our guides work hard to make your time on the water unforgettable—and if you feel they went above and beyond, a tip of 15–25% is a great way to say thanks. Totally optional, always appreciated.