SAINT HELENA ISLAND KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
The Monkey Island Paddle — Kayaking the Wild Waters to Morgan Island
A 3–4 hour, roughly 8-mile round-trip kayak expedition from Eddings Point Landing to Morgan Island to view a free‑roaming colony of rhesus monkeys; this guide explains logistics, wildlife expectations, and who should sign up.
The Monkey Island Paddle — Kayaking the Wild Waters to Morgan Island.
Float into Lowcountry legend on an exclusive kayak expedition to Morgan Island—locally dubbed Monkey Island—where a free‑roaming colony of rhesus monkeys lives out of reach on a restricted shore. Over a 3–4 hour turn, guides from Beaufort Lands End Paddling lead intermediate to advanced paddlers through tidal creeks and open water, keeping an eye out for dolphins, coastal birds, and that furtive glimpse of primates moving through the trees. Landings on the island are prohibited, so the experience centers on the tense, intimate ritual of watching from your kayak while guides unpack the island’s scientific history and the rumors that surround it.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Morgan Island — 'Monkey Island'
Morgan Island is home to a free‑roaming colony of rhesus monkeys; while landing is not permitted, paddlers approach the shoreline to observe these secretive primates from their kayaks while guides recount the island’s backstory and local lore.
Dolphins, Coastal Birds and Elusive Primates
The route offers active wildlife-watching: expect to scan tidal creeks and open water for dolphins and shore and coastal birdlife as you make your way toward the island and the rhesus monkeys that give it its nickname.
A Demanding 8‑Mile Round‑Trip
This is a substantial paddle—roughly 8 miles round-trip over tidal creeks and open water that typically takes 3–4 hours—so expect sustained effort, crossings exposed to wind and tidal influence, and a route that rewards skilled paddling.
What the day feels like
What the Paddle Feels Like
You’ll launch from a Lowcountry landing and thread through shaded tidal creeks before committing to open-water stretches—each bend and crossing raises the chance of dolphins surfacing or a furtive monkey sighting on Morgan Island. Guided narration frames ecological history and local rumor, and the whole outing moves at the deliberate pace of paddling and wildlife observation over a 3–4 hour window.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Expect a 3–4 hour outing covering roughly 8 miles round-trip through tidal creeks and open water.
Launch and meet at Eddings Point Landing, 500 Eddings Point Rd, St Helena Island, SC 29920.
Spots are limited and dates are rare—book early to secure a place on this exclusive paddle.
Confirm specific gear and equipment guidance with Beaufort Lands End Paddling and ensure you meet the minimum age and skill requirements.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the paddle?
The expedition runs about 3–4 hours and covers approximately 8 miles round-trip.
Where do we meet?
The trip meets at Eddings Point Landing, 500 Eddings Point Rd, St Helena Island, SC 29920.
Can we land on Morgan Island?
No—land access to Morgan Island is strictly prohibited; viewing the rhesus monkeys occurs from the water.
What is the difficulty level and age requirement?
This tour is intended for intermediate to advanced paddlers only and is restricted to participants aged 16 and older.
What wildlife might we see?
Paddlers commonly look for dolphins and coastal birds en route, and may glimpse the rhesus monkeys that inhabit Morgan Island.
Are spots limited?
Yes—spots are limited and dates are rare, so early booking is advised.