Tours Of Stono River & Rantowles Creek


Close up of the head and upper body of a green heron.

The Stono River winds its way around most of the perimeter of Charleston’s Johns Island, separating it from James Island and the suburbs of West Ashley.

Despite the river’s more inland location, there are still plenty of opportunities to see dolphins as well as birds from the river, with scenic views over the salt marsh.

Several guided tours of the area are available, by kayak or paddleboard (these excursions will usually be suitable for beginners) and by boat.

See also:
Kayak tours of the Folly Island area
Paddleboard tours of Folly Island
Boat and yacht tours of the Folly area

Kayak Tours

Rantowles Creek Tour, 2hr or 3hrs With Nature Adventures. Kayak tour of the tidal marshes of Rantowles Creek, between Limehouse Bridge and Bulow Landing. 2-hour tours: adults $45, children (up to 12) $35. 3-hour tours: adults $59, children (up to 12) $49. 6-person minimum for all tours, $15 extra per person if a shuttle (for shorter one-way tours) is required. Call 843-568-3222 for reservations. More details

Stono River to Kiawah, 4hrs With Sea Kayak Carolina. Kayak tour of the salt marshes near Kiawah and the Stono River, with the opportunity to see dolphins, and time on a beach. $60 per person. Call 843-225-7969 for reservations. More details

Rantowles Creek Tour, 2hrs30 With Kayak Charleston. Kayak tour of the salt marshes of Rantowles Creek, with a break on an island. $40 per person. Call 843-509-3037 for reservations. More details

Paddleboard Tours

Charleston’s Boating and Paddleboard Tour (6 max) 2hrs+ With Holy City Paddle Tours. Pontoon boat ride to a spot near Pennys Creek on the Stono River, with a paddleboard tour of the area and the opportunity to see dolphins. $125 per hour, 2-hour minimum. Call 843-453-2838 for reservations. More details

Stono River Paddleboard Tour, 1hr30 With Holy City Paddle Tours. Pontoon boat ride and paddleboard tour of the Stono River near Pennys Creek. $45 per person. Call 843-453-2838 for reservations or book online. More details

Boat Tours

Charleston’s Sunset Boat Tour (6 max) 2hrs With Holy City Paddle Tours. Sunset cruise of the Stono River on a pontoon boat. From $300 for 2 hours. Call 843-453-2838 for reservations or book online. More details

Stono River Tour (6 max) 3hrs With Captain Dan’s Water Tours. Private boat tour of the Stono River, departing from Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant. 3-hour tour: $300 for 1-2 people, $375 for 3-4, $450 for 5-6. Excursion length is flexible. Call 843-425-0282 for reservations. More details