Kiawah Paddling - TravelStorys

Kiawah Paddling

Sponsored by Kiawah Conservancy

  • Location: South Carolina
  • Travel Type: Paddling
  • Trip Time: 2 hours
  • Language:

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Let Kiawah Conservancy be your guide on this audio tour of the Kiawah River and creeks near the Causeway Bridge. On the river level, while kayaking, you’ll be closer to wildlife and get a completely different perspective than any other mode of travel. In fact, many Lowcountry residents will tell you that you haven’t experienced this region until you’ve seen it from the water!

Kiawah Island is about 25 miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina. It is nestled between Folly Beach and James Island to the northeast, Seabrook Island, Wadmalaw Island, and Rockville to the southwest.

Kiawah Island is a remarkable place where native landscapes, wildlife, and people coexist for the benefit of all. Many people know Kiawah Island for its private beach, golf resort, and views of the Atlantic Ocean. But, whether you are a golf or wildlife enthusiast or both, memories are built on the natural wonders here.

There are three potential launch sites for this tour. First, you can start at the Kiawah Causeway Bridge if you want to launch your kayak from a public access area. Along the side of the road, there are 3 or 4 free public parking spaces.

Second, if you’re looking to rent a kayak or purchase a launch pass for Mingo Point, visit the Heron Park Nature Center in Night Heron Park for more information. Finally, if you are a Kiawah Island Club member, you can use a private club launch access in Cassique at Oyster Creek.

Before heading out, take note of the rising or falling tide conditions and plan your direction of travel accordingly. You want to avoid paddling against the direction of the tide.

Typically, this tour should be experienced in calmer conditions in the morning, when winds are lower, and thunderstorms are less common. Thunderstorms are more prevalent in the afternoons, especially during the summer.

The tour features Kiawah’s River life, and along the route, you will discover the creatures that live within the River’s unique habitats: wetland birds, fish, turtles, and alligators!

Each stop is full of stories. Learn about bald eagles, wading birds, diamondback terrapins, and the importance of this conservation corridor for this region.

Depending on the time of year of your visit, you may spot alligators sunning on the muddy banks and a variety of herons and egrets feeding along the river edge or perched in the surrounding trees and ducks floating in the calm waters.

If you see a shadow pass overhead – look up! While this tour focuses on the life
in the rivers, you may spot soaring raptors, such as osprey, bald eagles, and red-tailed hawks, which are also integral to the river ecosystem.

Tour Sponsors
The Kiawah Conservancy sponsors this tour. The Kiawah Conservancy is committed to preserving and protecting Kiawah Island through land conservation, habitat restoration, research, educational forums, and community outreach.

Find More Tours Near You
If you enjoy this tour, check out all nine audio tours presented by Kiawah
Conservancy: The Preserve, Central Kiawah Island, Western Kiawah Island, Eastern Kiawah Island, Kiawah Paddling, Kiawah Photographers, Beach Scavenger Hunt, and Kiawah Pond Life.

In addition, you can find other tours in South Carolina or wherever your travels may take you at TravelStorys.com. Every place has a story.

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Tour Excerpts

About This Tour

Diamondback Terrapins

Bird Life

Photos

Map