Barrier Island Eco Tours Trips

Scheduled Trips

"A special thanks to Shane Ziegler of Barrier Island Eco Tours, Isle of Palms, for sharing his invaluable insights and
vast knowledge about the Lowcountry, its wildlife and ecosystem. And the tours are fabulous!"
-Mary Alice Monroe, Author of
The Beach House

We offer naturalist guided boat excursions to Capers Island State Heritage Preserve, one of the last undeveloped barrier islands. Our fleet consists of: the Callinectes, a 40 passenger covered pontoon; the Sayana, a 22 passenger covered pontoon; the Marsh Mama, a 26 foot, 16 passenger Carolina Skiff; and the Cut Mullet, a 23 foot, 6 passenger bay style boat. All of our boats are available for private, customized charters as well.

Take a look at the boats we have available.


Capers Wildlife Exploration

Offered Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9am-12:30pm
$38 for adults, $28 for children 12 and under, 2 and under are free

Enjoy a 3.5 hour boat excursion as we venture to Capers Island, one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands. We will cruise through winding tidal creeks to find diverse wildlife living in this salt marsh environment. Common sightings include bottlenose dolphin, osprey, pelicans, bald eagles, herons, egrets, and more. Along the way we'll employ various nets and habitat traps for an up-close look at some of the rarely seen marine creatures that thrive below the surface. As you arrive on Capers, you will have about an hour and a half to explore its pristine "Bone-yard Beach" and interior freshwater ponds. Capers provides excellent opportunities for shelling and bird watching.

IF THIS TRIP IS FULL PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT 843-886-5000 FOR ALTERNATIVE TRIP OPTIONS. THIS TRIP IS AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE CHARTER AS WELL.

(Restrictions)

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children 2 and under are free.

Cancellation Policy: TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE unless the tour is cancelled by Barrier Island Eco Tours but you may reschedule your tour with at least 24 hours notice prior to the scheduled departure time. When you make reservations, please enter the best phone number to reach you on the DAY OF THE TRIP if we need to get in touch with you about the weather. Allow enough travel time to arrive at the boat at least 15 minutes early for check-in and boarding. Parking is "tight" at the Isle of Palms Marina in the spring and summer months so please allow enough time to find parking. PLEASE BE ON TIME.


Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruise

Offered Wednesday, Friday and Sunday-Click "buy tickets" to view times departing

$34 for adults, $24 for children 12 and under, 2 and under are free

Join our naturalist on a search and discovery mission on this 2.5 hour boat excursion to encounter the fascinating bottlenose dolphin and loggerhead sea turtle. Bottlenose dolphins are a common resident of our salt marshes and inlets behind the barrier islands. As you observe the dolphins feeding, playing, or simply cruising around in their native environment you will learn all about their social behavior, feeding habits, and much more. Also learn about the life history of threatened loggerhead sea turtle which we often catch sight of during the summer months. You will also have about 1 hour to get off the boat and explore Capers Island's "Bone-yard Beach".

IF THIS TRIP IS FULL PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT 843-886-5000 FOR ALTERNATIVE TRIP OPTIONS. THIS TRIP IS AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE CHARTER AS WELL.

(Restrictions)

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children 2 and under are free. Pets are welcome in certain situations. If you would like to bring your pet please call 843-886-5000 to discuss.
Cancellation Policy: TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE unless the tour is cancelled by Barrier Island Eco Tours but you may reschedule your tour with at least 24 hours notice prior to the scheduled departure time. Allow enough travel time to arrive at the boat at least 15 minutes early for check-in and boarding. Parking is "tight" at the Isle of Palms Marina in the spring and summer months so please allow enough time to find parking. PLEASE BE ON TIME.


Blue Crabbing Excursion

Offered Memorial Day through Labor Day Tuesday-Friday 1:30-5pm

$40 for adults, $30 for children 12 and under, 2 and under are free

Learn to catch crabs the old fashioned way, with a hand line and chicken neck.

We will venture by boat to an excellent crabbing spot, teach you about the intriguing life history of the blue crab, and then catch, cook, clean and consume these tasty crustaceans. Our crab boil takes place on the beach of Capers Island. A fantastic trip for the family. This may very well be the freshest seafood you will ever eat!

IF THIS TRIP IS FULL PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT 843-886-5000 FOR ALTERNATIVE TRIP OPTIONS. THIS TRIP IS AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE CHARTER AS WELL.

(Restrictions)

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children 2 and under are free.

Cancellation Policy: TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE unless the tour is cancelled by Barrier Island Eco Tours but you may reschedule your tour with at least 24 hours notice prior to the scheduled departure time. Allow enough travel time to arrive at the boat at least 15 minutes early for check-in and boarding. Parking is "tight" at the Isle of Palms Marina in the spring and summer months so please allow enough time to find parking. PLEASE BE ON TIME.


Creek Fishing

Offered in the summer every Monday-Friday 8-11:30am, 1-4:30pm and 5-8:30pm aboard our 6 passenger bay-style boat.

Offered as private charter during off-season, please call 843-886-5000 for availability and reservations.

$90 for adults, $80 for children 12 and under, 2 and under are free


Our experienced captain will take you to a few of his hot spots back in the salt marsh. This is fun-fishing at its best,with light tackle and plenty of action. This is a perfect fishing trip for families and our guides are great with kids!

Catches include redfish, trout, flounder, shark, rays, ladyfish, and more. Fresh bait, license, and all tackle provided.

IF THIS TRIP IS FULL PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT 843-886-5000 FOR ALTERNATIVE TRIP OPTIONS. THIS TRIP IS AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE CHARTER AS WELL.

(Restrictions)

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. This trip is not recommended for children 2 and under. Pets are welcome in certain situations. If you would like to bring your pet please call 843-886-5000 to discuss.

Cancellation Policy: TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE unless the tour is cancelled by Barrier Island Eco Tours but you may reschedule your tour with at least 24 hours notice prior to the scheduled departure time. Allow enough travel time to arrive at the boat at least 15 minutes early for check-in and boarding. Parking is "tight" at the Isle of Palms Marina in the spring and summer months so please allow enough time to find parking. PLEASE BE ON TIME.


Marine Biology Day Camp

Offered in the summer every Wednesday from 9am-1pm

Ages 5-12 only, $50 per child

Hey kids! Here is a chance to have fun while learning about marine biology.

We will take you to Capers Island where you will see, touch, and learn about the interesting creatures that live along our shores.

You will have a chance to throw a cast net, crab, explore the salt marsh, spend time observing bottlenose dolphins and catch animals to put in our touch-tank. We will also grill hot dogs and enjoy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, cookies and watermelon for lunch on the beach. Bottled waters are included.

(Restrictions)

The Marine Biology Day camp is for children ages 5-12 only. This trip is not open for adults.
Lunch is provided, however if your child has a food allergy please contact us at 843-886-5000 to discuss options.

Cancellation Policy: TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE unless the tour is cancelled by Barrier Island Eco Tours but you may reschedule your tour with at least 24 hours notice prior to the scheduled departure time. Allow enough travel time to arrive at the boat at least 15 minutes early for check-in and boarding. PLEASE BE ON TIME.


All Inclusive Island Fun

Offered every Thursday in the summer from 8:30am-1:30pm aboard our 16 passenger Carolina Skiff

Offered as a private charter in the off-season. Please call 843-886-5000 for availability and pricing.

$90 for adults, $80 for children 12 and under

This excursion takes you through winding salt marsh creeks abundant with wildlife, to the more remote end of Capers Island. Equipment and instruction will be available for kayaking, crabbing and fishing. Swim, crab, fish, kayak, beach comb or find your own secluded spot.

Beachside lunch cookout with hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and bottled waters provided. Small coolers welcome.

IF THIS TRIP IS FULL PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT 843-886-5000 FOR ALTERNATIVE TRIP OPTIONS. THIS TRIP IS AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE CHARTER AS WELL.

(Restrictions)

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children 2 and under are free.

Cancellation Policy: TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE unless the tour is cancelled by Barrier Island Eco Tours. You may reschedule your tour with at least 24 hours notice prior to the scheduled departure time. Allow enough travel time to arrive at the boat at least 15 minutes early for check-in and boarding. Parking is "tight" at the Isle of Palms Marina in the spring and summer months so please allow enough time to find parking. PLEASE BE ON TIME.