11 activities for exploring Charleston’s waterways

Though the official end to summer is rapidly approaching, there are still weeks (if not months) of warm weather left. Luckily, for those looking to cool off– the opportunities for exploring our waterways are just as endless as our post-summer heat waves.

Whether you want to see nature at sea level through a kayak excursion, or look upon it from above on a parasailing adventure– there are plenty of ways to get out on the water that involve more than simply lounging next to it. Not that there’s anything wrong with that– but trying new things is fun, too.

Read on to learn more about 11 local businesses that offer action-packed activities ranging from banana boat rides to SUP yoga.

Note: Most businesses require advanced registration, so make sure to call + book prior to showing up.

Region-wide

Parasailing with Tidal Wave Water Sports | Photo by @nodty_pics

Tidal Wave Water Sports
Waverunner rentals, parasailing, adventure tours, boat rentals, + water sports (banana boats, tubing, wakeboarding + waterskiing)
📍69 41st Ave., Isle of Palms
📍50 Immigration St., Charleston (rental pickup only)
📍2 Shrimp Boat Ln., Mt. Pleasant (rental pickup only)
⏰ 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. daily
📞 843-866-8456
💰Deal: Your party can save 10% if you arrive by Uber or Lyft + mention this offer

Charleston Paddleboard Co.
SUP + surfing lessons, SUP tours, + SUP yoga
📍455 Freshfields Dr., Johns Island
📍8 Center St., Folly Beach
📍509 W. Ashley Ave., Folly Beach
📍1202 Palm Blvd B, Isle of Palms
📍30 21st Ave., Isle of Palms
⏰ Hours vary
📞 843-452-4833
💰Deal: Free photos with every tour

James Island + Folly Beach

Venture to the ‘pirate ship’ on Folly Creek on some tours booked with Charleston Outdoor Adventures | Photo by @charlestonoutdooradventures

Charleston Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking, paddleboarding, boat tours, + fishing
📍1871 Bowens Island Rd., James Island
⏰ 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. daily
📞 843-795-0330 or book online
💰Deal: Enjoy 20% off tours + rentals now through Sept. 16

Charleston SUP Safaris
SUP tours, rentals, + yoga. Plus they host races + summer camps.
📍83 Center St., Folly Beach
⏰ 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily
📞 843-817-7877 or book online
💰Deal: $100 of the cost of any SUP lesson can be applied toward the purchase of a new paddleboard

Downtown

Flyboarding | Photo by @hydroflywatersports

HydroFly Water Sports
Flyboard, wakeboarding, tubing, parasailing, + jet ski rentals
📍Bristol Marina | 185 Lockwood Dr.
⏰ 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily
📞 843-990-0707 or book online. No same-day reservations.

Saltwater Cycle
A boat tour that keeps its passengers active through pedaling
📍33 Lockwood Dr.
⏰ 12-9 p.m.
📞 843-901-9836 or book online

Mount Pleasant

SUP fitness class at Nature Adventures | Photo by @natureadventureschs

Nature Adventures Outfitters
Kayak tours and rentals, paddleboard rentals and fitness classes, + team building activities
📍1 Shrimp Boat Ln.
⏰ 7:30 a.m.- 8 p.m. daily
📞 853-568-3222 or book online

Sea Kayak Carolina
Guided kayak tours, classes, + rentals
📍118 May Ln.
⏰ By appointment only
📞 843-352-2267

Kayaking tour led by Coastal Expeditions | Photo by @coastalexpeditions

Coastal Expeditions
Kayak + paddleboard excursions, summer kayak camps
📍514 Mill St.
⏰ 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily
📞 843-884-7684 or book online
💰Enter your email on Coastal Expedition’s homepage for 10% off your next tour

West Ashley

Charleston Kayak Company
Kayak + SUP rentals, marsh kayaking tours, SUP tours
📍The Inn at Middleton Place | 4290 Ashley River Rd.
⏰ 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. daily
📞 843-628-2879 or book online

Sullivan’s Island

Sealand Sports
Paddleboarding, kiteboarding, + surf lessons. Paddleboard + surfboard rentals.
📍2120 Middle St.
⏰10 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily
📞 843-330-8156

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A few months ago, the CHStoday team tried out surfing for the first time. I was sure I wouldn’t be able to stand up on the board, but surprisingly, I was able to catch a few waves. 🤙

And while we love finding new ways to stay active, at times we prefer to just sit back + relax while sailing along our waterways. What are your favorite charter cruises in the Lowcountry? Let us know in the comments below. We’ll feature some of your suggestions in an upcoming newsletter.

– Jen