Tidewater Kayak Co.
A single kayak gliding on glassy marsh water at sunrise, golden light, spartina grass in soft focus

PaddlethequietsideofCharleston

Guided kayak tours through still marsh and open harbor. No experience needed. Every piece of gear included.

Request a date Call +1 (843) 555-0142

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Touring since

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People or fewer in every group

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Days a week, March through November

Three ways onto the water

Each tour is guided, unhurried and small. Pick the light you love most.

Paddles dipping into pale pink-gold water among marsh grass at dawn

Sunrise Marsh Tour

2 hours guided

Glide through glassy creeks as the marsh turns gold. Herons, egrets and the quiet before the city wakes.

$65per person

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Kayaks on open harbor water with a dolphin fin breaking the surface in the distance

Dolphin Harbor Tour

3 hours guided

Our longest paddle. Open harbor water, historic shoreline and the chance to watch dolphins feed nearby.

$89per person

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Sunset Paddle

2 hours guided

Drift as the sky softens to peach and rose. A calm, easy evening on the water.

$75per person

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What the day looks like

Simple from start to finish. Your guide handles the details.

  1. 1

    Arrive

    Meet your guide at the launch about fifteen minutes early. Park, settle in and say hello to your group.

  2. 2

    Gear and a short lesson

    We fit you with a kayak, paddle and life vest, then teach the few strokes you need. It takes ten minutes.

  3. 3

    Paddle

    Move at an easy pace with frequent stops to look, listen and take photos. Nobody is ever rushed.

  4. 4

    Return

    Glide back to the launch, rinse off and talk over what you saw. Most people book again.

Included: kayak, paddle, life vest, dry bag and a guide.

Bring: sunscreen, water, a hat and shoes that can get wet.

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Since 2016

Small groups, since 2016

We started Tidewater Kayak Co. in 2016 with a few boats and a simple idea: Charleston looks best from the water, and it is best shared quietly.

We still keep every group to eight people or fewer, so you can hear the marsh, ask questions and go at your own pace. Our guides paddle these creeks all season and know where the light and the wildlife will be.

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Questions, answered

No. Most of our guests have never paddled before. Your guide teaches the basics before you leave the launch, and our kayaks are stable and easy to steer.

Clothes that can get wet, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Shoes that stay on your feet, like sandals with straps or old sneakers, work best.

Your safety comes first. If conditions are unsafe, we will call you to move your tour to another day. Light clouds are fine and often beautiful.

Children who are comfortable in a life vest are welcome with an adult. Call us on the number below and we will help you choose the right tour for your family.

Never more than eight people, with a guide leading. That keeps the water calm and the experience personal.

Kayak, paddle, life vest, dry bag and your guide. There is nothing extra to rent or buy.

Request a tour date

Tell us which tour and when. We will reply with availability, usually within a day. Prefer to talk? Call us.