Local Business Spotlight: Coastal Expeditions

Hello, Summerville! Spring is here and we can’t wait for the weather to continue getting warmer! We hope you are enjoying the weather and taking advantage of all the Lowcountry has to offer. We’re happy to have you here on the Creative Consulting blog where you’ll find the most relevant information about marketing your small business in the digital sphere. From building an outstanding webpage to graphic design to managing your social media to optimizing SEO to building a cohesive brand identity—Creative Consulting covers everything you could possibly need to know to take your business to the next level. We are accepting new clients at this time, so reach out to learn more about our services and meet our team!

Our last article discussed the Seven P’s of Marketing, which is a formula used after you have determined and developed your marketing strategy. The seven terms included in this formula are product, price, promotion, place, people, process, and physical evidence. We broke each of these terms down and talked about how you can efficiently implement them. If you’re interested in learning more, we encourage you to check out our last post!

Today, we’ll be starting a new series where we highlight local businesses in Charleston and the surrounding areas! As a business based in the Charleston area, we are always looking for ways to highlight the amazing people of our area. We hope this introduces you to some new businesses in the area that you can support. First up is Coastal Expeditions, an outdoor adventure outlet offering guided tours, kayak and paddleboard rentals, educational opportunities, and more! These Lowcountry wildlife experts offer unique and engaging experiences for all ages! If you want to learn more, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive right in.

Founded in 1992 by Anne Goold, Coastal Expeditions was the first kayak touring company in the Charleston area. Although nearly 25 years have passed since its founding, the purpose of Coastal Expeditions remains the same; It aims to connect people with nature and allow them to experience something meaningful– The beauty around them. The group of naturalists, guides, and storytellers at this outlet enjoy sharing their knowledge of the lands, waters, plants, animals, and people of the Lowcountry, along with its rich culture and history. To put it in their words, “To know this place is to love it. And to love it is to help care for it forever.” 

Coastal Expeditions offers a variety of guided tours and trips from their multiple outposts. This includes kayak, paddleboard, canoe, boat, hike, and multi-sport, with kayak and paddleboard rentals available, and beginners welcomed! No matter what kind of tour you choose, you’re sure to have a fun experience, because Coastal Expeditions is always scouting local areas to see where the action is happening. One such adventure is the kayak and powerboat tour on Kiawah River, which is located just south of Charleston. These tours take guests to hidden beaches and allow the chance to see wildlife such as dolphins and birds. In fact, you’re likely to see a few bird rookeries, which are areas where water birds, such as pelicans, nest. One of these areas is known as Bird Key, which is one of only four active seabird and shorebird nesting sites on the coast. Coastal Expeditions offers a boat ecotour in which guests can view baby pelicans from a safe, unintrusive distance! There is also a cruise departing from the Beaufort marina, introducing passengers to local history, beginning with Native Americans and into Spanish exploration, French settlement, and English colonization. You’re also likely to spot bottlenose dolphins and ospreys, among other local wildlife. This boat cruise offers a relaxing escape for all ages and abilities, and offers a unique perspective of the coastal island. 

If hiking is more your thing, worry not– There are tours for you, too! The Bulls Island Paddle and Hike explores the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors paddle their way through the wilderness before reaching Bulls Island for a hike through Boneyard Beach. Boneyard Beach is a magical, driftwood forest in the surf. With seven miles of undeveloped coastline that’s bustling with wildlife, this is the perfect, peaceful getaway. This area dates back to the 1500s, where the Sewee Native American tribe hunted and fished, and now you can walk and explore the same grounds! The outlet offers several different kid-friendly tours of Bulls Island as well, where they can learn about native plants and look for wildlife!

Speaking of kid-friendly tours, also offered is the Kids Fossil Adventure, which is sure to be the highlight of any kid’s day! Running exclusively in September, this expedition starts at Coastal Expedition’s flagship at Shem Creek and takes a boat trip to Morris Island, a barrier island in Charleston Harbor. There, kids will spend 2 hours on Morris Island looking for shark teeth, fossils, and shells. According to Coastal Expeditions, children are likely to find Megalodon teeth and fossilized vertebrae! An outdoor educator will help children identify fossils and other beach finds, as well as talk about the local ecosystem. Coastal Expeditions also offers kids’ programs and camps and opportunities for school field trips. This includes lessons in water safety, after school programs, and much more. They also host birthday parties for children ages 5 to 12, with either a boat or fossil adventure. It’s sure to be a party to remember!

Blackwater tours are also offered, which explore creeks and rivers in Francis Marion National Forest, Santee Delta, and ACE Basin. Most of these isolated water trails are only accessible by kayak, and allow guests to see wildlife such as migratory birds, wildflowers, turtles, and alligators. Coastal Expeditions also offers private group tours, customized to fit your needs. This is perfect for large gatherings like weddings, reunions, or corporate events. Almost any expedition offered on their website can be adapted to fit your group and the time or season you’ll be gathering in.  

New to the itinerary are boat and kayak tours of Middleton Place, a plantation directly across from the Ashley River. This destination is home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens, and Coastal Expeditions allows guests to get a unique view of them from the water. While on the tour, guests will learn about the blackwater ecosystem and catch glimpses of indigenous flora and fauna, including alligators, great blue herons, bald eagles, and vibrant wildflowers. The tours include general admission to Middleton Place with access to 65 acres of gorgeously landscaped gardens, exhibits, historic animal breeds in the Stableyards, and outdoor guided tours. These tours offer an unparalleled and unique experience, allowing you to experience the rich history of Middleton Place and its surrounding waters like never before.

In addition to these wonderful adventures offered, Coastal Expeditions puts their love of wildlife into action through the Coastal Expeditions Foundation (CEF). This foundation promotes environmental awareness, stewardship, and service. One of their philanthropy projects includes the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge Sea Turtle Project, which aims to protect loggerhead sea turtle nests. Nearly 2000 nests are laid on barrier islands in South Carolina every summer, and donations go towards materials and trained biologists to help categorize and protect these nests. The nests are moved to higher ground and caged to protect them from predators. According to their website, a $15 donation protects one nest in Cape Romain. Other philanthropy projects include veterans programs, educational field trips, and the support of local non-profits. 

As you can see, Coastal Expeditions offers numerous day trips, tours, adventures, and programs for all ages and all walks of life! Not to mention, many of these excursions are breathtaking year-round– Not just during the summer months. Their programs are a great opportunity to explore all of the beauty that the Lowcountry has to offer. We encourage you to visit their website to learn more about their offerings, and contact them if you have any questions! We hope you found this article informative and helpful, and that you are ready to get out there and explore! For more spotlights on local businesses, as well as marketing and branding expertise, the Creative Consulting blog has you covered. Tune back in for our future articles! You won’t want to miss it! Feel free to give us a call and set up a consultation. We are dedicated to helping you determine which marketing strategies will work best for your business or brand. Until next time, thank you for reading.