Paddle the salt marsh and Fripp Inlet to learn about bottlenose dolphins
2 hours and 30 minutes
Guide, kayak, paddle
Explore the salt marsh at high tide, then paddle into the larger waters of the Fripp Inlet to look for resident bottlenose dolphins. Learn about the ecosystem, biology, and ecology that support these marine mammals.
There is no bathroom facility at the launch point. All children under 12 must be in a tandem kayak. You will sign a waiver onsite before launching.
In the event that Beaufort Kayak Tours needs to cancel, we will contact you at least 2 hours before the scheduled tour time.
No. Plan ahead because there is no bathroom facility at the launch point. You can find restrooms at Hunting Island State Park’s Nature Center (take a left before the Fripp Island Bridge).
Dress for the weather and wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Bring at least 1 liter of drinking water per person. Cameras and binoculars are welcome; consider putting a camera in a Ziploc bag for protection. Bike or golf gloves are optional.
Beaufort Kayak Tours provides guide service, a kayak, a paddle, and a personal flotation device (PFD) for each person.
Russ Point Landing, St Helena, SC
Jim and Teri, the husband-and-wife team behind these tours, have clearly found their calling. Reviewers consistently praise their warm personalities, deep local knowledge, and genuine passion for both the ecology and history of the South Carolina Lowcountry. The dolphin tours seem to be the star attraction, with multiple groups reporting 20+ minute encounters paddling alongside pods, though the ACE Basin tour gets special mention for its historical significance, including sites connected to Harriet Tubman and rice plantation history. First-timers feel especially well cared for, as Jim and Teri take time with paddling instruction and adapt to different skill levels. The tours work well for diverse groups, from bachelorette parties to book clubs to families with kids. The vast majority of experiences are glowing, though there are a couple things worth noting. One reviewer felt the tour was more "follow the leader" than educational, suggesting that much of the paddle time was spent out of earshot of the guides, limiting the learning opportunities. They proposed headsets as a solution for sharing information throughout. There's also one frustrated review about a last-minute cancellation due to wind conditions, which the customer felt was questionable given the actual weather that day. These concerns are outliers in an otherwise enthusiastic collection of feedback, but if you're on a tight vacation schedule or hoping for constant narration, they're worth considering before booking.
Had an absolute blast during our Dolphin Ecology Tour. Safe for all ages and size, and skill. Tour guides were super knowledgeable, patient, and welcoming. Highly recommend making this an item on your itinerary.
Rebecca
April 3, 2024
Had an absolute blast during our Dolphin Ecology Tour. Safe for all ages and size, and skill. Tour guides were super knowledgeable, patient, and welcoming. Highly recommend making this an item on your itinerary.
Rebecca
April 3, 2024