LowCountry
Coastal Excursions
Captain's Log

Charleston Boat Tour Guides,
Tips & Local Knowledge

Field notes from our captains on Shem Creek — everything you need to plan an unforgettable Charleston day on the water.

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Featured Guide

Shark Teeth & Fossils

Where to Find Megalodon Teeth Near Charleston, SC (2026 Guide)

June 4, 2026 · 7 min read

The fossil beds around Charleston Harbor give up megalodon teeth every season. A local captain on where to look, when to go, and what the law says you can keep.

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Latest

Fresh From the Dock

Sunset Cruises
May 22, 2026 · 6 min read

Best Time of Year for a Charleston Sunset Cruise

Light, heat, bugs, and dolphin activity all swing through the year. A captain's month-by-month honest take on when the harbor is at its best.

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Party Cruises
May 8, 2026 · 7 min read

Charleston Bachelorette Party Cruise: The Complete Planning Guide

Boat sizes, BYOB rules, swim stops, photo timing — everything the maid of honor actually needs to lock in, from a crew that hosts these every weekend.

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Wildlife
Apr 30, 2026 · 6 min read

Dolphin Watching in Charleston Harbor: When, Where, and How

Bottlenose dolphins live in Charleston Harbor all year. Where they feed, when to look, and the strand-feeding behavior that exists almost nowhere else on earth.

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Charleston Guide
Apr 12, 2026 · 6 min read

Shem Creek Boat Tours: A Local's Guide to the Best Departures

Why nearly every great Charleston boat tour leaves from one creek in Mt. Pleasant — and how to match the right trip to your group.

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Family
Mar 20, 2026 · 6 min read

Family Fossil Hunting on Morris Island: What to Expect

A first-timer's guide for parents — how the trip runs hour by hour, what kids actually find, and why this is the outing they'll still be talking about at Christmas.

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Quick Answer

Planning a Charleston Boat Tour in 30 Seconds

The closest dock to downtown Charleston is Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant — about 14 minutes by car. Tours run year-round, with the best sunset cruises in April–June and September–October, the best shark-tooth and Megalodon hunting on fall and winter low tides, and dolphin sightings on essentially every trip. Private charters start at $350; shared seats from $65.

Ready to Cast Off?

Book your Charleston tour now — sunset, fossils, dolphins, or a private charter from Shem Creek.

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Questions before you book? Call (843) 508-1600 — a captain answers, not a call center.