Gearing Up for our Favorite Season

Fall in Charleston is wonderful.

Throughout September, the air temperature begins to drop to a perfect 80 degrees during the day, while the water temperature is still warm enough for swimming. The dolphins are very active bulking up on fish so they can survive the winter, which makes our Dolphin and Morris Island Tours more exciting than ever. The sun's UV rays are not as harsh on the skin for kayaking or paddle boarding, and paddling near dolphins is a highlight of anyone's trip on the marsh. The crowds also become less and less as kids start back up in school and summer vacations come to an end.

The fall brings smaller size tours, beautiful weather, changing colors in the grass and tree lines, playful dolphins, and various migrating birds. Being on the water anytime of day is exciting as you no longer need to avoid the midday heat or sunburn. Even the boat traffic simmers down, especially during the week days. Enjoy being out on the water in quiet stillness while a guide talks about feeding birds or how oysters are harvested.

Charleston Outdoor Adventures is open daily (including Sundays) year round. It's never to early to start planning your next adventure!


-Anna

June Full Moon Tour - Summer is Here!

Our next Full Moon Tour is this Thursday, June 12th at 8pm! This two hour tour paddles through the estuary, winding through small creeks, while passing birds, dolphins, and mysterious sunken boats.  This guided kayak eco-tour is $45 per person.

A collection of Morris Island Shells

June is a fabulous month in the estuary. The black skimmer has been gracing us with it's presence for the last few weeks while gliding over the surface of the water, scooping up small fish with it's larger lower bill. The cannonball jellyfish can be seen all over Charleston, washing up on beaches and floating through our waterways. The loggerheads like these jellies as an excellent supplement to their already balanced diet. Don't worry, these jellies don't sting!


COA wants to extend a warm welcome to a few new staff members really completing our team here on Bowens Island. You can be sure to have a fun time on the water with our talented Dolphin whisperer, Alex, who calls the dolphins out on tour. Molly studies Opera at school when she's not rock climbing or kayaking, and is excited to lead you on your next adventure through the estuary. Luke is our SUP specialist and can show you all the best tricks while out on the water, even when paddling backwards or standing on his head. George, Will, and Pri are our landing coordinators and they are excited to put you out on your next rental. Whether you are here to go kayaking or paddle boarding, these guys will help you out with full paddle instruction and will go over a map with you before they get you out on the water.
See you on the water soon!

Captain Red Fish Wild Bill’s Fishing Report!

Red Fish!

Sheepshead!

Within the past few weeks the bite has picked up for sheepshead, red fish, and trout. With rising water temperatures, we should start seeing the fish moving into the grass to spawn and feed. When fishing bottom structures and pylons use jig heads with live minnows and Carolina rigs with mullet. Using live bait such as shrimp, mud minnows, menhaden, and even croaker will help you set that hook. Popping corks with live shrimp and mud minnows along the grass line are starting to prove effective as well. 

   

As far as sheepshead fishing, fiddler crabs are going to be your main source of bait over the oyster meat. Due to the rising water temperatures and the spring season, the fiddler crabs are beginning to grow and mature which is making them a tastier treat for the sheepshead. Look for that black and white striped fish inshore off dock pilings and other hard surfaces in the water. Hope to see you out here soon!

Trout!

If you would like additional information on techniques or tackle, Charleston Outdoor Adventures will be happy to help. If you would like to book a chartered fishing or kayak fishing tour, call COA at (843) 795-0330.

 

Earth Day and Spring News

The ladies at work, ready to spot some wildlife!

Greetings Paddlers!

What a beautiful Earth day! The Crew here at COA is excited to send you our first newsletter of 2014. We’ve got a great staff coming into this new season, with plenty of boats and boards to keep you busy on the water all summer!

Super Excited Dolphin

That ghastly polar Vortex has finally moved on and here at Charleston Outdoor Adventures that southern spring weather is out in full force. This week (and hopefully all those to come) has been full of blue skies and oodles of Coastal Critters! Our Guides have reported several sightings of the Endangered American Wood Stork and during a tour with Alex a pod of Dolphins cruised along with the group for 1 ½ hours! What a treat!  

This is COA’s fifth season at Bowens Island and we (especially Captain Joe) want to thank everyone for their support! We wouldn’t have made it this far without all the love that we get from all over the country and even all over the world! So thank you from all of us here at COA! Have a great April and make this a fabulous Earth Day!

Keeping the estuary clean one oyster bag at a time!

Keeping the estuary clean one oyster bag at a time!

The voice of the COA phone, give us a call any day starting at 8am!

Anna

Full Moon Tours are back in Action!

This year we are starting off strong with our first Full Moon tour this Tuesday, April 15th at 7pm.  Last year these tours were incredible. Imagine being the only ones out on the water, no jet skis, motor boats, or traffic near by. Now picture a moon rising up over the horizon and the shimmer of its rays reflecting off the surface of the water. By far one of the best experiences you will have this April.

This is a great tour for friends and family. The tour is over by 9pm, which still leaves enough time for a full nights sleep before work on Wednesday.  We hope you decide to join us!

Anna

Charleston Outdoor Adventures Voted 2014 Best Stand-Up Paddleboard Company

Will on Tour

We tend to not boast or brag about our stand-up paddleboard tours, but that is because we want you to experience it for yourself.  The SUP craze began to furiously catch on a few years ago, and COA has been right alongside it. Ask Capt. William McKenzie, our very own paddle boarding enthusiast, how he feels about spending a few hours in the estuary on a board. He loves it. 

This season with over 30 boards, we are excited to get you out on the water. Whether you would like to go on a smooth tour with your family, bring your bridal shower out for 2 hours of guided fun, or simply rent one on your own, we are always happy to assist you. 

“Want to experience a sunset on the marsh like you never have before? Let Charleston Outdoor Adventures be your guide on Folly, where they offer two-hour sunset tours that depart from Bowens Island.” –Charleston City Paper

Being on a paddle board for the sunset is incredible, especially with the view you have standing up above the grass.  As the sun slowly sets, and you paddle silently through the water the estuary comes to life. If you listen closely you can hear a dolphin surface before your eyes will catch a glimpse, and a great blue heron call seems to echo off the trees. 

If you are looking to be out on the water earlier, we offer morning and afternoon tours daily as well. Each tour is memorable and different in its own way. Come make memories with your family and friends that you will be talking about for years to come. Charleston Outdoor Adventures is open 7 days a week beginning at 9am. There is always someone with a phone nearby, so give us a call with any questions, comments, or if you would like to make a reservation.

I look forward to speaking with you!

Anna

Charleston Outdoor Adventures, LLC

(843) 795-0330

www.charlestonoutdooradventures.com

 The Article from the Charleston City Paper can be found here.

July Full Moon Tour 7/22/13 at 8pm

If you missed our once a year July 4th Fireworks Tour, then you should definitely jump on our next Full Moon Tour.

The next full moon is July 22nd, and our tour is scheduled from 8pm-10pm that evening.  This is an excellent tour for both beginner and experienced kayakers, designed as a relaxing evening under the full moon.

This will be our third Full Moon Tour of 2013. The June tour brought dolphins galore along with an exciting trip that was memorable for all members. Check out some of the stories here:  TripAdvisor Review

There is nothing quite like paddling along Folly Creek with only glow sticks lighting up adjacent boats and the moon guiding you on your journey.  This is an experience to be had by all, and we hope you will be able to make it out!