SANTEE TO SEA KAYAKING+CAMPING
Cypress Roots to Saltwater Tides
From sunrise on the Santee to sunset on Bulls Island, this guided expedition takes you through blackwater swamps, brackish creeks, and saltwater estuaries—paddling under ancient cypress, spotting wildlife, and camping in the heart of the forest. With gear, meals, and transportation included, all you need is a sense of adventure.
3 days/2 nights
Offered by private reservation—just say when, and we’ll be there with paddles ready.
Itinerary
Day 1: Echaw Creek to McConnell Landing in Francis Marion National Forest
Day 2: Santee River to Wambaw Creek, with a stop at Hampton Plantation
Day 3: Kayak through Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge to Bulls Island to hike the beach and maritime forest
Highlights:
• Sunrise on the Santee
• Red-cockaded Woodpecker Hike in a Longleaf Pine ecosystem
• Paddling under ancient bald cypresses with giant trunks
• Picnic and hike at Hampton Plantation
• Wildlife viewing opportunities including bottlenose dolphin, American alligator, raptors, otters, turtles, pelicans and more
• Camping in the National Forest with experienced guides
• Blackwater, brackish and saltwater ecosystems
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Where to Meet
Coastal Expeditions | Shem Creek
514 Mill Street
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
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Things to Know
What’s Included
All gear (kayaks, tents, etc.), van and ferry transportation, meals, snacks, and expert guides.
Who Can Join
This trip is designed for adults. Teens 16+ are welcome when accompanied by a parent.
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Your Guides
Skilled. Certified. Trusted.
Our guides are ACA-certified in kayaking, first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding—and regularly lead trips for Backroads, Road Scholar, and other respected adventure companies.
Activity Level
No prior kayaking experience is needed (we’ll teach you what you need to know), but it will require some endurance. We’ve timed the paddling with the tides to make the experience enjoyable, but we’ll be doing a combination of paddling+hiking between 5-10 miles/day.
What To Pack & Wear
A detailed packing list is provided upon booking.
Cancellation & Weather Policy
A 50% non-refundable deposit due at booking.
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. If we have to cancel because of weather, you will receive a full refund.
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.