ISLE OF PALMS BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Private Charter — Caretta: Family fishing, crabbing and barrier‑island exploration from Isle of Palms
A fully customizable private charter from Isle of Palms Marina offering fishing, crabbing, island stops and an optional beachside cookout — this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.
Private Charter — Caretta: Family fishing, crabbing and barrier‑island exploration from Isle of Palms.
Barrier Island Eco Tours runs the Private Charter — Caretta from Isle of Palms Marina: a customizable private fishing charter for families and groups that combines salt‑marsh fishing, crabbing, cast‑net demonstrations and stops on barrier islands for shelling, swimming and beachside grilling.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Salt marshes, sand bars and Capers Island
The charter moves through calm salt‑marsh waters where guides set crab traps, demonstrate cast‑netting and pause at sand bars and barrier islands such as Capers for shelling, exploration and a chance to swim.
Fishing, crabbing and hands‑on marine education
Bring the kids: naturalist guides teach fishing and crabbing techniques, investigate oyster beds and share insights on local marine ecosystems throughout the day.
Beachside cookout and extras
End the day ashore with an optional Lowcountry Boil or grilled hamburgers and hot dogs on the beach — the cookout is offered as an add‑on to the charter experience.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
A Private Charter — Caretta day is flexible: you pick activities or let the naturalist guide craft the itinerary. Expect calm salt‑marsh fishing and crabbing interspersed with stops for wildlife viewing, sand‑bar sessions to pull traps or swim, and an optional beach barbecue to close out a customized 1–5 hour outing.
THE ROUTE
Salt marshes, sand bars and Capers Island
The charter moves through calm salt‑marsh waters where guides set crab traps, demonstrate cast‑netting and pause at sand bars and barrier islands such as Capers for shelling, exploration and a chance to swim.
THE ACTIVITIES
Fishing, crabbing and hands‑on marine education
Bring the kids: naturalist guides teach fishing and crabbing techniques, investigate oyster beds and share insights on local marine ecosystems throughout the day.
THE FINALE
Beachside cookout and extras
End the day ashore with an optional Lowcountry Boil or grilled hamburgers and hot dogs on the beach — the cookout is offered as an add‑on to the charter experience.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this charter suits — and when to look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Guests may bring their own refreshments and a small cooler; bring sunscreen, towels, cameras, binoculars and bug spray. Bathing suits are optional if you plan to swim.
You are welcome to bring food; beer and wine are allowed for passengers 21 and over. A beachside Lowcountry Boil or grilled meals can be arranged for an additional per‑person cost.
Wear comfortable, weather‑appropriate clothing and shoes or sandals suitable for getting on and off the boat and walking on sand.
The operator provides naturalist guides and basic fishing/crabbing instruction; expect an ice‑cold watermelon on some outings as a refreshment touch.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How many passengers can I bring on a private charter?
Private charters are available for groups of up to 16 passengers.
How long is a typical charter?
Charters are available from one to five hours; average charter lengths depending on chosen activities are three to five hours.
Where do I meet the boat?
Charters depart from the Isle of Palms Marina.
Can I bring food, alcohol and coolers?
You may bring your own refreshments and a small cooler; beer and wine are welcome for passengers ages 21 and over. The beachside cookout is an additional cost per person.
How do I book or check availability?
The operator asks you to call 843‑886‑5000 or email patrick@nature‑tours.com to set up a private trip; online booking is available by choosing the Family Fun Day option.
What activities can we include on a charter?
Customize the day with fishing, crabbing, cast‑net demonstrations, oyster‑bed investigations, dolphin viewing, sand‑bar stops and an island landing such as Capers for shelling and exploration.
Are children welcome?
Yes — the charter is described as perfect for families; guides provide hands‑on instruction so kids can learn fishing and crabbing skills.