Charter Share

South Carolina’s Charleston region offers a rare intersection of coastal wilderness and deep natural history, and Burnt & Sandy makes it accessible through their innovative Charter Share experience. Operating from Mount Pleasant, just across the water from historic Charleston, this self-guided 5-hour boat charter lets small groups tap into the thrill of fossil hunting along the barrier islands. These islands are remnants of shifting coastal geology dating back millions of years, where ancient marine fossils are hidden along tidal shorelines and sandbars.

Burnt & Sandy stands out by providing an affordable and flexible way to access this unique terrain. Instead of traditional guided excursions, Charter Share encourages those with some fossil hunting experience to helm their own adventure, all while splitting the cost of the charter. The barrier islands’ mix of sandy beaches, oyster beds, and tidal creeks create a dynamic environment where you'll search for shark teeth, prehistoric shells, and other remnants from epochs long passed.

The natural setting around Charleston’s barrier islands also includes salt marshes thicketed with spartina grass and scattered live oaks draped with Spanish moss. Bird species such as herons and ospreys patrol these waters, enhancing the sense that you’re stepping into a wild, ever-changing ecosystem. The voyage itself is more than a transit—it immerses you in the coastal conditions, with Atlantic breezes and shifting tides shaping the landscape you explore.

Burnt & Sandy’s Charter Share fills a niche for outdoor enthusiasts eager to combine boating, beachcombing, and paleontological discovery in an approachable, cost-effective format. Its location near Mount Pleasant makes it accessible for travelers staying in Charleston, offering a distinct alternative to the city’s historic tours and urban attractions. Whether you’re a seasoned fossil hunter or a curious visitor looking to connect with the natural past in an active way, this outing promises involved, hands-on discovery that’s hard to match elsewhere along the Southeast coast.