BOAT TOURS & CHARTERS

Welcome to the wild heart of the Lowcountry.
From our private dock on St. Helena Island, Coastal Expeditions offers a curated collection of boat tours that explore the quiet creeks, open sounds, and remote barrier islands of Beaufort County. Whether you’re searching for dolphins, catching sunset over the marsh, or setting foot on pristine beaches, each trip is led by a naturalist guide who brings the story of this place to life.

See a tour that you like but the dates don’t work? Let us know and we’ll try to make it happen!

BOAT TOURS & CHARTERS

Welcome to the wild heart of the Lowcountry.

Hunting Island State Park, Coastal Expeditions, Dolphin Boat Tour, Beaufort, Fripp Island, Dawtaw

Hunting Island Beach Drop

Skip the traffic and go straight to the beach.
Cruise through the St. Helena Sound to the remote shores of Hunting Island State Park. Once we land, explore driftwood beaches, hunt for fossils, and enjoy the peace of this wild barrier island with a naturalist guide. A laid-back adventure for locals and visitors alike.

Departs from St. Helena Island Outpost near Hunting Island State Park

4 hours | $30-50

Dolphins, dolphin tour, Shem Creek, St. Helena Island, Hunting Island, Kiawah River, Bulls Island, Coastal Expeditions, Boat charters, ecotours, kayaking

Hunting Island Dolphin Cruise

Dolphins, guaranteed (almost).
Cruise the calm waters around Hunting Island, where we’ve seen dolphins on every trip but one in the last five years. This 1.5-hour boat tour is the best way to spot these curious creatures—along with eagles, herons, and diving pelicans—while exploring the Lowcountry with a naturalist guide.  This is our most popular way to get on the water.

Departs from St. Helena Island Outpost near Hunting Island State Park

1.5 hours | $20-40

St. Helena Island, Fripp Island, Hunting Island State Park, Birthday parties; dolphins; Sunrise; Golden Hour; Coastal Expeditions

St. Helena Sunset Cruise

Chase the day into dusk.
Set sail into the magical salt marsh of St. Helena Sound on this 1½‑hour sunset cruise. Glide past coastal grasses, spot dolphins and shorebirds as the sky turns pink and purple, and relax under the Golden Hour glow. A serene, family‑friendly way to cap off a day in the Lowcountry—perfect for couples, friends, and all ages.

Departs from St. Helena Island Outpost near Hunting Island State Park

1.5 hours | $20-40

St. Phillips Overnight, Turner House Expedition, Dominick House Expedition, Coastal Expeditions, St. Helena Island

St. Phillips Island Ferry

Step off the grid. Onto something wild.
Take a scenic boat ride through the Story River to reach St. Phillips Island, a protected barrier island once owned by Ted Turner. Ride a tram beneath moss-draped oaks, then explore miles of trails and untouched beaches at your own pace. It’s a rare chance to experience a National Natural Landmark—just as nature intended.

Departs from St. Helena Island Outpost near Hunting Island State Park

6 hours | $35-65

Beaufort Sunset Cruise, Things to do in Beaufort, South Carolina, Beaufort Waterfront

Exploring More?

Don’t miss our Downtown Beaufort Outpost.
Just a short drive away, our Beaufort Marina location offers boat tours that dive deeper into the story of the Lowcountry. Cruise the salt marsh, explore historic waterways, and learn about Gullah-Geechee culture on guided field trips and ecotours that launch right from the heart of downtown.