Lowcountry Fossil Series
Fossil hunt the Lowcountry’s shores—learning science, history, and responsible collecting
The Lowcountry Fossil Series
Join the Charleston Center for Paleontology Collections Manager Mike Stoller- along with Coastal Expeditions guides- on an immersive fossil-hunting series. Explore ancient shorelines, learn to identify significant finds, and collect responsibly—connecting past climate change to the role we play in shaping the future.
$85/person
Fall 2025 Dates:
Oct. 17 | 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m.
Geological History of the Lowcountry
Morris Island
Nov, 5 | 11:30a.m.-3:30p.m.
Responsible Fossil Collection
Crab Bank
Nov. 21 | 12:30-4:30p.m.
The Extinct Species
Crab Bank
Dec. 16 | 9:30a.m- 2:30p.m
Full Day Fossil Exploration
Morris Island
Your Fossil Field Notes
Trip 1: Geological History of the Lowcountry
Walk ancient shorelines on Morris Island, tracing the rise and fall of sea levels and discovering why the Lowcountry’s beaches hold fossils from a time when whales swam where forests now grow.
Trip 2: Responsible Fossil Collection
Explore Crab Bank with paleontology experts and learn how to fossil hunt responsibly—protecting ecosystems, recognizing significant finds, and ensuring these treasures remain for future generations.
Trip 3: The Extinct Species
Step into the past on Crab Bank to meet the species that once thrived here. Learn how climate shifts shaped their fate—and how our choices today will influence which species adapt, survive, or disappear.
Trip 4: Full-Day Morris Island Fossil Exploration
Spend the day crossing Morris Island from end to end, uncovering fossils, unique geology, and the stories they tell. Along the way, practice low-impact collecting and help steward the beaches we love.
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Where to Meet
Coastal Expeditions at Shem Creek
514 Mill Street
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Please park in the designated “Bulls Island Ferry” area.
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The Boat Leaves on Time.
Plan to arrive 20 minutes early so you can have time to park and check in upstairs!
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How to Prepare
Dress for the weather and wear a hat!
Pack a small backpack with sunscreen, water and a snack. You may want to bring a small bag for collected fossils.
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Charleston Center for Paleontology
The CCP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to advance the research and conservation of the unique paleontology and geology of the Charleston embayment.
Find Out More
“The tide pulls back, and the past steps forward—one fossil at a time.”
Activity Level
You’ll step right off the boat onto the beach using a ramp or set of steps. Once you’re on the island, we’ll be walking along the shoreline and stopping to see fossils.
What To Pack & Wear
Dress for the weather and wear a hat. A windbreaker is often good for the boat, even on warm days.
Pack a small backpack with water, sunscreen and snacks.
Cancellation & Weather Policy
This tour is a special event with limited spaces. To receive a refund, cancel at least 2-weeks (14 days) in advance.
Because this is a boat trip to a 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.