Santee Delta Cruise to Hampton Plantation

Overview

Explore the Santee Delta by boat, meandering through some of the beautiful blackwater creeks that intersect the North and South Santee Rivers.  It’s a unique habitat that is home to ospreys, swallow-tailed kites, Mississippi kites, American alligators, bottlenose dolphins and other fauna.

Learning about the impact of human history on this region is part of the experience, and we’ll take the boat up Hampton Creek and dock at Hampton Plantation for a guided walkabout of this State Historic Site and National Historic Landmark.

Hampton Plantation was a colonial-era rice plantation and is now an interpretive site for the system of slavery, telling the stories of enslaved people from the time of rice cultivation through emancipation.

In the mid-1900’s, it was the home of South Carolina’s first poet laureate, Archibald Rutledge.  The grounds of Hampton Plantation inspired his works, including Home by the River.

After some time to walk the trails along Hampton Creek and explore the camellia garden by Rutledge’s gravesite near the house, we’ll get back on the boat to return to the landing on the Santee.

Why We Love It

This trip is led by Capt. Chris Crolley, a guide with over 30 years of experience who has been recognized by Garden & Gun as a Champion of Conservation.

He loves the interaction of human history with the landscape and he expertly weaves these stories together as you wind through the rivers and creeks of the Delta.

Rates & Details

4 hrs 

Currently offered by private charter

Birding | Local History | Seasonal

Departure Point

POLE YARD LANDING
POLE YARD WAY
GEORGETOWN, SC 29440
See on Map

Things to Know

  • You’ll be on a custom-built, Coast Guard-certified vessel with the capacity to hold 18 people. Your captain is a seasoned naturalist with a 100-ton captain’s license.  Safety is paramount on our excursions, and you’ll feel confident with the condition of our vessels and training of our captains.

FAQ’s

Activity Level

This trip combines a boat cruise with a walkabout at Hampton Plantation.  At Hampton, you can choose  to explore the grounds on the guided walk or take it easy.  Bathrooms are available at Hampton Plantation.

What To Pack & Wear

Dress in layers appropriate for the weather, hat, and shoes that stay on your feet (not flip flops).

In a small bag or backpack, pack drinking water, sunscreen, insect repellent, bagged lunch and snacks. Binoculars if you have them!

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).

Weather (thunderstorms or high winds) may impact this excursion. Cancellations usually occur due to lightning, thunder or high winds and we will make sure to reschedule your group if needed. Our general cancellation policies apply unless our experts determine it is potentially unsafe or unwise to venture out. In the event that we decide to cancel due to weather, we will make every effort to call you at least two hours before your departure and help you reschedule or credit/refund the full cost of your trip.

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.

Tour Availability & Private Tours

This tour is offered year round and is tide dependent.

Currently, this tour is only available for private charters. Call (843)884-7684 for rates and availability.

Coastal Expeditions guides have deep respect and knowledge
of the Santee Delta and offer their observations with refreshing lyricism.

-Charleston Post & Courier