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How To Paddle Seabrook Island’s Lowcountry Waterways 

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, North Edisto River, Bohicket Creek, and the Kiawah River (aka Dolphin Highway), Seabrook Island is the perfect destination for paddlers seeking a peaceful paddle or an exciting river adventure in South Carolina’s scenic Lowcountry. 

Seabrook Island is home to some of the most unspoiled natural beauty in the Lowcountry region. The island is an Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary with acres of lush maritime forests, treasured salt marshes, and serene historic waterways – all preserved and protected habitats for our population of local wildlife. 

On Seabrook Island, you’ll be sharing the waterways with playful and curious bottlenose dolphins and an abundance of saltwater and freshwater fish species. Our local wildlife freely roams the marshlands and maritime forests that line the river banks while bald eagles, ospreys, and blue herons soar above waiting to strike and spear a fish. Paddling Seabrook Island’s wild and scenic waterways is a unique experience for paddlers of all skill levels.     

Whether you’re a family of first-time paddlers or a team of adventure kayakers exploring new waters, we’ve got you covered on kayak and paddleboard rentals on Seabrook Island, where to launch for a solo adventure, and recommendations for guided Seabrook Island paddle tours to experience the thrill of paddling through the most unspoiled natural beauty in the Lowcountry. 


Launch Sites on Seabrook Island

If you’re bringing your own kayak or SUP to Seabrook Island, or have reserved a rental for your stay, there are several local launch sites that offer convenient and easy access for our island guests to paddle the Lowcountry waterways surrounding Seabrook Island.  

Captain Sams Road Boat Ramp


The kayak launch on Captain Sams Road is the starting point for a self-guided paddle on the Kiawah River towards the iconic Captain Sams Spit. Captain Sams Spit is a sandy inlet dividing Kiawah & Seabrook Island and is known as one of few destinations in the world to witness the rare phenomenon of dolphin’s strand feeding for fish. Our 2-bedroom Creekwatch Villas put you steps from the kayak launch on Captain Sams Road!

Bohicket Marina


Drop your kayak in at Bohicket Marina to cruise the hidden creeks and channels of Bohicket Creek or adventure beyond to the seclusion of Driftwood Beach on Botany Island or the beautiful birdlife that awaits on Deveaux Bank. Deveaux Bank is a state designated bird sanctuary home to thousands of coastal birds with stunning views of Seabrook Island. Check out our 1-3 bedroom Bohicket Marina waterfront villa rentals on Bohicket Creek.

Seabrook Island Paddle Tours & Rentals


Paddling the waterways on a self-guided tour is scenic, serene, and special but there’s more to our scenic Lowcountry waterways than meets the eye! Our local naturalist guides have a love for nature and an intimate understanding of the history, wildlife, and ecology of the rivers, creeks, and tidal trails that surround Seabrook Island. These professional guides are experienced and equipped to take every skill level on the ultimate paddle tour of South Carolina’s scenic barrier islands. 

Water Dog Paddle Co.

Bohicket Marina
Phone: (843) 593-7877


The Kiawah Island bridge is the launch site of Water Dog Paddle Co’s signature “Dolphin Paddle” through the Lowcountry salt marshes surrounding the islands. You get to play and paddle alongside dolphins as you cruise the creeks discovering the diverse ecology, wildlife, sealife, and fauna found in the salt marshes of Seabrook Island. Guided by a Seabrook Island native and “nature nerd” who grew up on Cap’n Sams Creek, Water Dog Paddle Co. tours are fun, family-friendly, and offer a unique experience of the Lowcountry waterways. Book a private tour and you can take a dog-friendly paddle with your pup!  

Tidal Trails

Kiawah River Bridge
Phone: (843) 768-5680


Get a whole new view of Seabrook Island with Tidal Trails. Also launching from the Kiawah Island Bridge, Tidal Trails offer private and group kayaking and paddleboarding tours for a “nature walk on water”. Other activities on offer include kayak and paddleboard rentals to adventure alone (experience required), private and group surf lessons, surfboard and surf kayak rentals, and private powerboat charters on the Lowcountry waterways. Take a sunset or cocktail cruise along the tidal creeks, tour the barrier islands, or plan a thrilling wakeboarding or water tubing adventure with the kids. You can do it all with Tidal Trails!

Charleston Paddle Company

Kiawah River Bridge
Phone: (843) 452-4833


The Charleston Paddle Company offers a wide variety of tours, rentals, and water activities in the Charleston area. Local Seabrook Island paddle tours launching from the Kiawah River bridge include 90-minute wildlife, full moon, and sunset tours on a stand up paddle or single/double kayak for all ages, abilities, and adventure levels. If historic Charleston is on your bucket list, the top-rated Charleston Harbor Paddle Tour presents 360-degree views of Charleston’s historic skyline and top attractions from the water.

St. Johns Kayak Tours

Johns Island
Phone: (843) 330-9777


Situated only minutes from Seabrook Island, the knowledgeable local guides at St. Johns Kayaks take you on a 2-hour guided eco-tour through the saltwater marshes and channels along beautiful Bohicket Creek. St. Johns Kayaks also offer 4-hour kayak and SUP rentals to embark on a self-guided paddle tour of Bohicket Creek, shark fishing and shrimping charters, dolphin tours, and boat excursions for crabbing, shelling, or sailing into the sunset of South Carolina’s barrier islands.

Rules, Regulations & Tips for Safe Paddling on Seabrook Island


  • Be aware of tides and currents.
  • Respect wildlife and their habitats.
  • Use caution when approaching other watercraft.
  • Know your limits and paddle within your level.
  • No trailers or boats may be left overnight on the Seabrook Island boat ramp.
  • Boats launched may not exceed 14 feet in length or 15 HP.
  • Access is only between sunrise and sunset.
  • From May to September non-motorized boats and watercraft may be left in a designated area on the beach adjacent to Boardwalk 1.
  • Boats may not be left overnight in any other areas of Seabrook Island.
  • Boats may not impede emergency vehicle access.
  • Please keep all watercraft off the Seabrook Island sand dunes. 
Paddle from Home with Seabrook Exclusives

Our exclusive collection of Seabrook Island vacation homes and villas includes a home away from home for every nature lover and adventurer – oceanfront rentals for long, lazy beach days, golf course homes to reconnect with nature on the fairways, and waterfront private homes and villas on Seabrook Island’s scenic rivers, creeks, and Lowcountry waterways. Our featured vacation rentals below let you launch your paddle just steps from home. 

Stay with Seabrook Exclusives


Whether you choose to stay in an oceanfront home, marshfront cottage, or a golf villa, Seabrook Exclusives is sure to provide you luxury, relaxation, and peace of mind throughout your vacation. Explore our exclusive collection of 70+ Seabrook Island Vacation Rentals with exceptional guest services and amenities! Let your Lowcountry paddle adventures begin in an exclusive island rental from Seabrook Exclusives. Browse our full collection of rentals online or call our team at (843) 768-0808 to personalize your paddle adventures and vacation experience on Seabrook Island.


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