Stormin' the Beach at Morris Island Tour

Morris Island is unspoiled, undeveloped and undeniably the jewel of Charleston Harbor.

Scheduling the trips for this tour can be a bit complicated. We'd love to start every day at 9, but it's not that simple. Here's why. Read on, friends.

And now, a bit of science. There are 2 low and 2 high tides every day. To confuse that even more, they scoot forwards about 1 hour every day. So if its high today at 10, its high tomorrow at 11. Get me?

Sometimes Mother Nature doesn't play nice with her schedule. So, since we can rearrange our trips easier than we can control the tides, well, that's why we have no schedule. I know, it seems bonkers. That's also why you have to call for reservations - so that I know you're going at the best time.

Please be here 15 minutes prior to your trip. If you are 10 or more minutes late, we will have to reschedule you for another time, as you will be cutting into somebody else's trip. We depart from the Charleston Harbor Marina Resort, which is at 20 Patriots Rd., in Mt. Pleasant. There is free parking, restrooms and drink machines. Yes, you might get wet. Cash is encouraged, we offer online ticketing and of course we take credit cards, (whaddyathink this is, the dark ages?)  You can assume that if I say be there at 9, this really means 8:45. Bring anything you want, coolers snacks,beer. Beer for the Captain is encouraged. All the other tours are by appointment only. Please call to schedule one of them.

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Morris Island History

Undoubtedly, people are drawn to the Lowcountry for its charm and beauty, but ARRRGH!, (use your pirate voice) The real treasures of Charleston lie just across the river, me maties...Arrrrgh! Morris Island is approximately 4 miles of barrier island paradise, and you can't get there except by boat, helicopter, hot air ballon, whatever. But thats the idea! Solitude!

Morris Island might look like a deserted island, but dig a little deeper and you might be surprised at what you find. When you stop and think about it, imagine all the history that's sailed in and out of Charleston, and right by the point of Morris Island! For example, the first European settlers on their way to what will be known as Charles Town Landing, to Blackbeard and other pirates, to the British fleet during the revolution, to the blockades of the Civil War, and that's just towards the entrance to the harbor! The actual island has seen its share of action too, including civil war action and the infamous massacre of the Massachusetts 54th Volunteers.

But thats only part of the charm. Since Morris Island is undeveloped, there's only a fraction of the people visiting there than any of the other public beaches nearby, making it the finest shell hunting beach in Charleston. Whether it's sand dollars and conch shells, or the thrill of finding that perfect shark's tooth, you'll find more goodies on Morris Island than anywhere else.
You''ll probably see dolphins, too.

You never know, you might even find civil war relics, old bullets or even a pirates treasure- Arghhhh, which of course you'll have to share with us (think of it as our commision), or else its Davey Jones' locker with you, matey. (Didn't Davey Jones sing for "The Monkees"? Why does he have a locker? Why are pirates constantly threatening each other with this?)

Not only is the scenery wonderful, but you'll see you share of birds, critters on the shore and everyone's favorite ocean creatures, the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin.
That's right, you'll probably see Dolphins!

While Morris Island is spectacular, it's not without its hazards . Stay out of the dunes, both for the sake of minimizing erosion and the effect on the wildlife, but more importantly for your feet! The interior of Morris Island is filled with brambles, sticker bushes, catcus and the occasional varmint. Also, there are no lifeguards anywhere out on the island, so swimming should be done elsewhere. As a matter of fact, the currents can be quite strong around Morris Island, so care is urged in water any deeper than your knees.

All this having been said, without a doubt, the best part of Morris Island is the beach. Stick to that and you'll be fine, we'll be fine, everyone will be just fine.

Tours are approximately 3+ hours long.

Dont forget to bring your hat and your sunscreen; Carolina summers tend to be HOT, and if youre not used to it, the sun can do a number on you. Also, bring your camera and a sovenir bag for the shells and sharks teeth you find. Water is available for purchase on the boat.
Did we mention you'll probably see Dolphins?

Check the FAQ page for more info.