Barrier Island Eco Tours offers unforgettable guided boat tours from the Isle of Palms Marina, providing direct access to the pristine Capers Island Preserve. Guests can experience dolphin sunset cruises, crabbing trips, and private charters, all led by expert naturalists. Recognized with the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, this tour company has earned a reputation as one of the best family-friendly adventures in the Charleston area. Whether you're spotting dolphins, exploring unspoiled barrier islands, or pulling up fresh blue crabs, each tour offers a unique way to appreciate the Lowcountry's natural beauty.
One of the most sought-after excursions, the trip to Capers Island Preserve, takes guests to one of South Carolina’s most remote and naturally preserved barrier islands. Known for its "Boneyard Beach," where weathered trees stand elegantly along the shore, this island is a haven for photographers and nature lovers. During the tour, guides share insight into the local ecosystem, pointing out bald eagles, herons, and even alligators. Visitors can stroll along the sandy shores, collect shells, and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
Set out on an evening cruise to witness bottlenose dolphins playing in the waterways around the Isle of Palms. As the sun sets over the Intracoastal Waterway, guests enjoy breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere. These tours are perfect for families and couples looking to experience Charleston’s coastal beauty from the water. Bring a camera—sunsets over the marshes create a stunning backdrop for unforgettable memories!
For a hands-on adventure, the crabbing tour invites guests to learn traditional crabbing techniques and pull up traps teeming with blue crabs and stone crabs. It’s ideal for families eager to engage with Lowcountry traditions. Private charters are also available for those who prefer a personalized boating experience, whether for wildlife viewing, beachcombing, or island-hopping.
📞 Contact: 843-886-5000
📧 Email: info@nature-tours.com
🌍 Website: nature-tours.com
Richard Blair
4 months ago
What an extraordinary and educational experience we had Monday morning with Michael as our Captain and Pauley the first mate. All of us have not stopped talking about what a great time we had. Mother Nature was great to us with perfect weather. The sea and wildlife were abundant and Michael knew exactly when to slow down or get closer , so we could get amazing pictures. Thank you for an unforgettable adventure!
Heather Popielarz
4 months ago
Smooth Sailing Amidst the Chaos, From Hurricane Woes to a Perfect Day: Thanks to Barrier Island Eco Tours! I recently organized a company outing for nearly 70 people, and we charted two boats with Barrier Island Eco Tours for a memorable day that included a delicious low country boil. Our planning coincided with the formation of Hurricane Helene in the Gulf, which understandably raised concerns about our trip. From the very beginning, the team at Barrier Island Eco Tours was incredibly responsive and attentive. Throughout the week leading up to our outing, they maintained regular check-ins, keeping us informed about the weather and discussing the possibility of rescheduling. This proactive communication made a huge difference to me as the event planner. It was clear that they genuinely cared about our safety and experience. On the day of our tour, we faced an unexpected challenge: nearly half of our group had to cancel due to hurricane damage in their area that morning. However, Barrier Island Eco Tours was outstanding in their support. They worked with us tremendously, allowing us to cut back to a single boat at the last minute and helping us mitigate costs. This level of flexibility and understanding was truly appreciated. When we finally set out on the water, the weather turned out to be perfect, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, providing us with fascinating insights about the local ecosystem as we explored. The low country boil was a hit with everyone, beautifully prepared and served with great attention to detail. I highly recommend Barrier Island Eco Tours for anyone looking to plan a group outing. Their commitment to customer service, especially in the face of unpredictable challenges, truly set them apart. Thank you for an unforgettable day on the water!
Liz Kent
5 months ago
Just got back from our adventure with Mike. We had such an amazing time! Mike was awesome and we would definitely go out with him again! Crabbing was cool and capers island was beautiful! It really was an amazing day out on the water. Thanks Mike for a great time!
Isabelle Turner
2 months ago
i was most looking forward to the wildlife tour out of my entire vacation in Isle of Palms, and it did not disappoint! I loved every minute of it and learned so much about the salt marshes. It’s obvious that our captain/tour guide Robert is passionate about teaching all ages. He gave an amazingly engaging tour that I never wanted to end. Everything was breathtakingly beautiful (see some of the photos attached). I recommend this tour to all ages!!
kelley klahm
6 months ago
I can’t remember our guide’s name but he was very knowledgeable - we went on the sunset dolphin cruise at 530 on 8/22. We learned a lot of interesting facts along the way and saw quite a few dolphins, including a dolphin family. My kids loved running around on capers island. The sunset on the way back was absolutely gorgeous. Definitely recommend!