Kayaking on Shem Creek

I was very excited to return to Charleston for my college reunion and in celebration of my sister Sammi’s 22nd birthday. Our present to her was something completely out of my comfort zone, a kayaking tour on Mount Pleasant’s seafood capital, Shem Creek.

I did my research and booked the Shem Creek and Crab Bank tour with Nature Adventure Outfitters. We arrived at 10 am after a night out downtown, so I was having doubts about my ability to hold myself together.

Sammi and I chose a tandem kayak because neither was on our full game and Sammi has been kayaking many times. We went past the Crab Bank, which is home to colonies of seagulls and pelicans.

I’m sure Sammi expected me to complain the entire tour, but I actually got into it, especially when our guide told us about all the things he’s found in the ocean, like whale vertebrae and sharks teeth.

We paddled through the inlets on Shem Creek and saw traps full of blue crabs, getting ready to become someone’s dinner. In the last five minutes of the tour, we saw dolphins right in front of us, but I wasn’t quick enough to snap a picture. I’m glad I sucked it up and went on this tour.

Nature Adventures also runs tours in the marshes, from James Island and overnight tours to Capers Island. Prices start at $40.

In case you were wondering, this is what I look like kayaking.

Getting There

Nature Adventure Outfitters, 483 West Coleman Blvd, Mt. Pleasant. South Carolina, 843-568-3222