Exploring Lowcountry Wildlife
First of all, please don’t feed the alligators! They might bite your hand or leg and drag you into the water and drown you!
Whew. Got that out of the way.
All we ask here (for your own safety) is that you respect the creatures and the places they call home. We’re lucky to have a bounty of wildlife here, from marsh rabbits hopping around the edges of our salt marshes to dolphins frolicking in the water, so let’s make sure we’re doing our part to keep it that way.
This alligator you see in the photo I took is called Kevin by some neighbors. Other neighbors refuse to give him a name because they don’t want to get too “comfy” with him and think that he’s a cute pet—because he clearly is not.
Kevin (or Not Kevin) lives in a pond behind my house. We are very careful to steer clear of him. The other day a black cat messed with him and scared this ‘gator back into the water. My friend got pictures and put them on the neighborhood Facebook page. She was so cool under pressure, taking those pictures. I would have been screaming, sure the alligator would have taken the cat and rolled him under the water until he drowned, which is their favored way of killing their prey (as I mentioned up top).
So beware the alligators, but also when you’re hiking or walking around, stay on the trails. We get poisonous snakes around here: copperheads, cottonmouths, rattlesnakes.
When you live here, you learn to protect those beautiful Loggerhead turtles we have nesting on our beaches. Bright lights are a no-go at night—their little hatchlings get totally disoriented, and we definitely don’t want to be the reason they go off track! So be mindful, and do your part by keeping beaches clean and trash-free, too.
If you’re itching to really dive deep into our wildlife, consider a guided eco-tour. The local guides know their stuff, and you’ll leave with a whole new appreciation for the land and creatures we’re lucky enough to call neighbors. We have some wonderful businesses here who’d love to help you find your inner Jacques Cousteau or Steve Irwin.
Barrier Island Eco Tours
Offers naturalist-guided boat excursions to Capers Island Heritage Preserve, featuring wildlife exploration, beachcombing on ‘Boneyard Beach,’ and opportunities to see dolphins and other native species.
Provides guided marsh kayak tours, dolphin eco-tours, and excursions to Morris Island Lighthouse, focusing on the ecology and wildlife of the Lowcountry’s tidal creeks and salt marshes.
Sandlapper Water Tours
Offers 2-hour dolphin and nature eco-tours that include visits to the uninhabited Morris Island, opportunities to observe coastal wildlife, and hands-on experiences with local marine life.
Coastal Expeditions
Features guided kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours, boat tours, and ferry services, led by naturalist guides who share insights into local wildlife and the history of the Charleston and Beaufort areas.
Nature Adventures, LLC
Offers kayak and paddleboard tours, rentals, and lessons suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers, combining history, nature, and water exploration in the Charleston area.
Pro tip: When planning your ecotour, consider the type of experience you prefer—be it kayaking, boat tours, or wildlife observation—and choose a provider that aligns with your interests. It’s advisable to check availability and book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
