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Experience the Lowcountry few ever see.
For over thirty years, Capt. Chris has been relentlessly exploring the creeks, rivers and islands that make up the Lowcountry. In 2026, we’re offering monthly, small group trips with Capt. Chris to see migrating birds, native wildflowers blooming along creek banks and hidden spots that are among his favorite places to go.
BOOK YOUR TRIP:
Sunday, April 19
Santee Delta to Hampton Plantation
Thursday, April 30 (sunset)
Deveaux Bank Whimbrel Tour
Thursday, May 14
ACE Basin Kayak Tour
$225/person
Proceeds benefit the Coastal Expeditions Foundation
2026 Tour Details
Santee Delta to Hampton Plantation- Boat Tour
Sunday, April 19
Timed to the rhythms of tide and season, this special trip journeys deep into blackwater tributaries lined with ancient cypress and tupelo. In spring, these quiet waterways come alive — wildflowers bloom along the banks, migratory birds return to nest, and the sky fills with the unmistakable silhouette of swallow-tailed kites. Departing at Hampton Plantation for lunch and a guided walk, you’ll learn about the human history of this region. The tour concludes with a return trip to the landing where we began.
ACE Basin Kayak Tour
Thursday, May 14
Timed the with the tides for an enjoyable paddle, this backwater tour takes you from historic Penny Creek to Willtown Bluff to learn about the layered human and natural history with Capt. Chris. This is one of the most beautiful spots in the Lowcountry, and late Spring is the time to see it. Neotropical migrants and wildflowers set against a backdrop of the blackwater ecosystem.
About Chris Crolley
For more than 30 years, Capt. Chris Crolley has explored the hidden waterways and wild landscapes of the Lowcountry by paddle and by boat. From pioneering first-descent sea kayak routes to founding Coastal Expeditions and its conservation nonprofit, Chris has spent a lifetime connecting people to the places he loves.
Named a Champion of Conservation by Garden & Gun, he continues to lead small-group journeys to the rivers, barrier islands, and historic landscapes that shaped his career — and helped inspire a movement to protect them.
Chris recently entered public service as Mayor of Awendaw — a small coastal town that serves as a vital gateway between Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the Francis Marion National Forest. In this role, he is working to guide thoughtful growth and protect the natural corridors that define this remarkable landscape.
Chris's Recommended Reading
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The Wind Birds by Peter Matthiessen – A lyrical exploration of shorebirds that mirrors the flocks you’ll see wheeling over Bulls Island’s beaches and impoundments.
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The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert – This Pulitzer Prize–winning work highlights global biodiversity loss, offering context to the fragile ecosystems you’ll walk through on Bulls Island.
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Tideland Treasure by Todd Ballentine – A beloved Lowcountry field guide that invites you to notice the shells, tracks, and tidal clues hidden along Bulls Island’s wild shorelines.
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A New Voyage to the Carolinas by John Lawson – Lawson’s 1709 account of his journey through the Carolina coast provides a window into the landscapes and wildlife much as you’ll encounter them in Bulls Island’s wilderness.
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The Curious Mr. Catesby (University of Georgia Press) – A celebration of naturalist Mark Catesby, whose 18th-century depictions of Carolina birds and plants echo the biodiversity you’ll see firsthand on Bulls.
- Turning the Tide by Sally Murphy – This inspiring story of coastal conservation chronicles how local communities and determined individuals have fought to protect South Carolina’s wild shorelines. It’s a reminder that Bulls Island isn’t just a beautiful place — it’s part of a larger, ongoing effort to safeguard fragile habitats for future generations.
Activity Level
Santee to Hampton Plantation: This is a boat tour followed by a guided walk at Hampton. Participants need to be able to get on and off a boat.
ACE Basin Kayaking Tour: This tour is designed to be an enjoyable experience and is timed with the tides.
Deveaux Bank Whimbrel Tour: This is a boat tour and suitable for most ages and abilities.
What To Pack & Wear
Dress for the weather in layers and a hat. If you have binoculars, bring them along!
Cancellation & Weather Policy
This is a fundraiser for the Coastal Expeditions Foundation. Tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferrable.
If the weather is bad and the trip does not go, we will offer a refund or reschedule
Guide Safety & Training
All Coastal Expeditions guides hold certifications in first aid, CPR and lifeguarding. Throughout the year, they participate in continuing education and training to ensure that they are proficient paddlers, and all lead guides hold sea kayaking certifications from the American Canoe Association of Level 1 or higher.
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.
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.