Waterways // 4 min Read

May River Excursions

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Jul 13, 2020

With 32 miles of waterfront, Palmetto Bluff contains a plethora of creeks, waterways, and unknown territories waiting to be explored. Led by interpretive naturalist guides and U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains, we offer several opportunities to learn about the nature and environment here at Palmetto Bluff.

Immerse yourself in the history, natural beauty, and ecology that is Palmetto Bluff with one of these water excursions on the beautiful May River.

Grace
Gather your family and friends for an unforgettable cruise aboard the restored 60-foot antique motor yacht, Grace. Built in 1913, Grace is one of the last remaining pre-World War I gas-powered yachts. Named in honor of R.T. Wilson’s sister, Grace Vanderbilt, this vessel has been completely restored (and still looks stellar after a century!). Grace is available for tours and private charter throughout the year.

Dolphin Discovery Tour
A U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain and experienced interpretive naturalist guide will lead this powerboat-based nature “hike” through the Lowcountry estuaries. Discover hidden creeks and undeveloped islands and experience dolphins and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Cover a wide area on this great nature tour with a fantastic opportunity to encounter our local Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.

Full Tide Discovery Tour
Explore the backwaters, salt marsh creeks, and remote islands that surround Palmetto Bluff. This excursion is scheduled around optimal tides and is a fantastic trip for photographers and nature lovers.

Full Moon Kayak Tour
A beautiful and serene nature tour in the moonlight along the pristine May River. No kayak experience is necessary.

Kayak Nature Tour
Experience the beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry salt marsh estuaries with a close-up view from the seat of a kayak. A brief paddling clinic will introduce you to the basics of kayaking and get you comfortable in the boat. Then, depart on the May River to explore waterways teeming with wildlife. Herons, osprey, and other birds are abundant, and you may have the opportunity to see our local Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Your guide will discuss the organisms and processes that surround you. This excursion is a relaxed and informative journey that moves at your pace and provides a good introduction to kayaking. No experience is necessary for this laid-back excursion.

Outback Tour
The Outback Tour combines boating and kayaking for a memorableLowcountry experience. Begin your adventure with a boat cruise from the Inn’s dock on the May River. Your captain will choose from several scenic routes through the salt marsh en route to a remote kayak outpost on Page Island. After a brief paddling clinic to get you set up and comfortable in the kayak, you will explore nearby creeks that are as pristine as you’ll find in the entire Lowcountry. You’ll paddle the same creeks traveled by the Native Americans who inhabited these islands hundreds of years ago.

Family Ski Day
Cruise from Palmetto Bluff back to our favorite ski grounds and learn how to water-ski, wakeboard, or kneeboard…or just go tubing on this private trip. No experience needed. Instruction and equipment is provided for all skill levels.

Ultimate Lowcountry Day
Designed for the family or small group interested in experiencing an authentic coastal Carolina day. Choose from a menu of options that can include extensive backwater boating, kayaking, fishing, beachcombing, crabbing, shrimping, gaming, tubing, and stops in Dafuskie Island and Savannah. Design a custom outing for a truly unique experience and a day full of discovery. Day includes boat transportation, equipment, snacks and refreshments, a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain and a guide.

Lagoon Cruises
Cruise along the lagoon waterway and experience the spectacular wildlife of Palmetto Bluff. View wood storks, herons, and egrets, and a variety of birds that thrive along the edges and islands in the lagoon while leisurely riding in one of our electric charters. Captain guided tours are offered daily to learn more about the local wildlife.

Beachcombing Cruise
This boat cruise incorporates our Dolphin Discovery tour with the bonus of taking the boat to a remote sand bar to relax, play, or search for shells, sand dollars, crabs, starfish, and the occasional shark tooth.

Teen Tube Excursion
Take a thrilling ride on the Big Tube weaving through the May River. Available for ages 11 and older.

Reservations are required for all excursions. Please contact Outside Palmetto Bluff in Wilson Landing for information, fees, and reservations by calling 843.706.2478.

Culture / Palmetto Bluff Growing Outdoors

Photographs by Summer Pagatpatan Palmetto Bluff is a wilderness playground for families, a gateway to the outdoors, to living life close to nature. Palmetto Bluff Growing Outdoors, or PBGO, encompasses the ethos of this extraordinary place. CampGO is PBGO’...

Apr 2024

Sporting Life / A Comparison of the May River & Crossroads Golf Courses

Discover the May River and Crossroads Golf Courses at Palmetto Bluff Positioned within the enchanting Lowcountry landscape, Palmetto Bluff boasts an array of world-class amenities, with its golf courses standing as a testament to the community's commitment to...

Apr 2024
palmetto bluff

Culture / Behind the Bluff with Fitness and Wellness Director: Jeff Ford

Jeff’s Journey to the Palmetto Bluff Fitness and Wellness Team Palmetto Bluff is located amidst the serene landscapes of the Lowcountry, a tranquil haven where wellness intertwines seamlessly with nature's splendor. Jeff Ford, the Palmetto Bluff Club's Direct...

Apr 2024

Real Estate / Make the Move to the Lowcountry

5 Benefits of Living in South Carolina Known for its charming small towns, pristine coastline, and natural beauty, the South Carolina Lowcountry is one of the most popular places to live. The Lowcountry is a unique and desirable place to live, offering an arr...

Apr 2024

Sporting Life / Crossroads | A Shotmaker’s Playground

Photographs by Patrick O’Brien Words by Rob Collins Designer Rob Collins of King-Collins offers a first look at Crossroads, Palmetto Bluff’s new nine-hole reversible golf course. It is a feat of design. One routing, The Hammer, is a whirlwind of angles and u...

Apr 2024

Architecture & Design / Resurrecting Stones

Story by Katie Epps Photographs by Joel Caldwell Beneath Palmetto Bluff’s sprawling oaks lie twelve cemeteries that serve as the final resting places for hundreds of people and nine dogs. Five of these cemeteries were started as burial grounds for enslaved...

Mar 2024

Real Estate / Discover The Grove: A Premier Enclave for Nature-Inspired Living

Putting Down Strong Roots The Grove seamlessly combines curated style with courtyard living, welcoming the lush beauty of the Lowcountry at every doorstep. With twelve homesites meticulously designed to maximize outdoor living, Palmetto Bluff Builders offer...

Mar 2024

Culture / Meet Palmetto Bluff Club Members Shayne and Jason Hollander

How did you meet? Shayne: Jason and I both attended the University of Southern California. We met through our mutual friend Mike, a USC connection. I was always very captivated by Jason, his wit and charm.  Jason: Shayne’s first job in college was working ...

Mar 2024
palmetto bluff activities

Sporting Life / Sticking to Your New Year Resolutions: How to Stay Active at The Bluff

Create Lasting Habits With These 6 Palmetto Bluff Activities As the new year sets in, many of us find ourselves determined to stick to those resolutions we set just a few weeks ago. Whether it's getting fit, staying active, or embracing a healthier lifestyle,...

Mar 2024
palmetto bluff homes

Real Estate / Real Estate Spotlight: 29 Wintercress Rd, 213 Davies Rd, and 18 Flicker St

Discover These Three Luxury Palmetto Bluff Homes Palmetto Bluff is a private community nestled in South Carolina's Lowcountry. All properties at The Bluff blend the comfort of coastal living with the luxury of a modern Lowcountry estate. Built to be family...

Mar 2024
LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us