Group Recreation at Kiawah

There is no better way to experience Kiawah than with a group recreation package. Choose from bicycling on miles of  trails, kayaking, land and water tours or participate in a guided boat tour with one of our trained naturalists. All packages can be customized specific to your group or family's needs. Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs, Jake Feary will work with you to build the perfect island experience. Choose from the following:

Paddling Tours

Glide at a dolphin's pace while navigating the shifting currents of the Kiawah River and its maze of tidal creeks. View wildlife and learn about Kiawah's pristine salt marshes while experiencing the silent tranquality of paddling. Led by knowledgeable Kiawah Island Naturalists, paddling adventures are an enjoyable way to take a unique look at this incredible island. Paddling options include: Single or Double Touring Kayaks, Single or Double Sit-On-Top Kayaks and Canoes.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort proudly follows ACA rules and guidelines for all paddling tours. Our professionally trained full-time Naturalists can accommodate groups from 6 - 180 paddlers. Paddling tours range from 1 hour to 1/2 day excursions and can accommodate all ages and ability levels. With the appropriate footwear and proper seasonal clothing, paddling can be enjoyed year round. Paddling options include: Single or Double Touring Kayaks, Single or Double Sit-On-Top Kayaks and Canoes.

Marsh Kayaking (Year Round)
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	All paddling tours start with an introduction to basic kayak strokes and maneuvers. With the help of your guide and our custom kayaking dock, boarding your boat is simple. Kayaking through Kiawah's labyrinth of tidal creeks allow opportunities to observe Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, Diamond Back Terrapins, American Bald Eagles, and an endless assortment of birds, plants, and estaurine sea life.

Canoeing For the Birds (Year Round)
Call 843-768-2016 Email:grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Kiawah's surrounding Marsh and Hummock Island ecology are home to many unique species of avian life. This trip highlights Kiawah's wide array of beautiful bird life found in the salt marsh. As we turn down each meandering bend in the river, we discover our feathered friends feeding on oyster beds, resting on stalks of cord grass, and soaring in the open sky above us. with over 232 species of resident and migratory birds, this tour is never out of season.

The Island Sampler (Year Round)
Call 843-768-2016 Email:grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Timed with the tides, this tour has become one of Kiawah's premier Nature tours. Starting on bicycles, we'll ride through Kiawah's lush Maritime forest and inland wetland environments (2.5mi). Wildlife sightings include reptiles, songbirds, and the occasional mammal. Ending our bike tour at Beachwalker Park, we begin a dune side hike to Captain Sam's Inlet (1mi). Along the way, we'll learn about Barrier Island beaches, Loggerhead turtle nests and search for sand dollars, whelks, and native marine life. Upon reaching the inlet where the Kiawah River meets the Atlantic Ocean, we board tandem kayaks and ride the current to our destination at Mingo Point (2mi). The river is filled with incredible estaurine marine life. Wildlife possibilities include shore and wading birds, Osprey & other raptors, dolphins, Diamond Back Terrapins, and many other salt marsh inhabitants. Upon landing, we finish with an adult beverage and traditional Lowcountry snacks. Water and fresh fruit will be provided at transition points. Total tour time depends on the group. Allow 2.5 - 3.5 hours for a moderate pace.

Coastline Kayaking (Spring, Summer, Fall)
Call 843-768-2016 Email:grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Enjoy a breathtaking perspective of Kiawah Island as we paddle among the shrimp boats along miles of scenic coastline. This is an open ocean kayaking tour designed to highlight Kiawah's near coastal marine invironment. Launching from the beach at the Ocean Course, we'll kayak the face of Kiawah Island to the beach in from of The Sanctuary. As we point the bow of our boats west, the ocean comes alive with diving pelicans, seabirds, Loggerhead Sea Turtles, large schools of migratory fish, and many different species of cephalopods. This is a great way to see the entire island from a unique and seldom seen perspective. Total tour time is about 3 hours.

Captain Sam's Tidal Traverse (Spring, Summer, Fall)
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	This is the only excursion that allows paddlers to experience both the amazing beauty of the salt marsh and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. As the pull of the tide guides us through Captain Sam's Inlet, we witness the abrupt change of Kiawah's distinct ecosystems. When paddling through the Inlet, we learn the importance of the "brace stroke" and enjoy the dynamic of ocean currents! This trip puts excitement at the bow of your boat as we "traverse" through the tidal bore at the mouth of the river. Tour duration is approximately 3 hours.

Pluff Mud Paddling (Year Round)
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Timed with the tides, this trip is designed with the younger paddlers in mind. Adults and children paddle together with the pull of the river current. Delivering us to a low tide exposed sandbar, the young and young at heart can explore oyster rakes and tidal pools teeming with all types of interesting marine life. Your guides will throw cast nets and pull seine nets in search of shrimp, fish, and crustaceans. This is a down and dirty hands-on trip for the whole family! With the correct timing, the tide will switch while we are on the sandbar. Once boarding our boats, we'll ride the tide back up river. This makes it nice and easy to paddle with younger children. The kayaks are "Wilderness Systems, Tarpon 130T's" and are capable of accommodating 1 adult and 2 children or 2 adults and 1 child. They are very maneuverable and have great stability. Children must be at least 35 lbs. Trip duration is between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Surf Kayaking (Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall)
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Join our hurricane-tested surf kayak instructors as we head into the waves for the best white water the Lowcountry has to offer. Take advantage of your guide's experience and instruction and feel the adrenaline surge as you carve through the waves. The excitement is non-stop as you sample a variety of different style surfboats. Need a break; we've got umbrellas and drinks as you catch your breath. After a day in the waves, you'll see why this trip is a guide's favorite.

Parent Child Kayaking
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Timed with the tides, this trip is designed with the younger paddlers in mind. Adults and children will kayak down river with the tide to an exposed sandbar. Once we arrive at the sand bar, the young at heart can explore oyster rakes and tidal pools teeming with all kinds of interesting marine life. The guides will throw cast nets in search of shrimp, fish, and crabs. This is a real down and dirty hands- on trip! With the correct timing, the tide will switch while we are on the sandbar and we can ride the tide back up river. This makes it nice and easy to paddle with younger children. The boats are “Wilderness Systems, Tarpon 130T’s” and are capable of accommodating 1 adult and 2 children or 2 adults and 1 child.  They are very maneuverable and have great stability. Children must be at least 35 lbs. Trip duration is between 1.5 and 2 hours. All equipment is provided, including sunscreen and bug repellent.

Kiawah Island Motorboat Charters

Sandy Point Get-A-Way
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Whether you join this excursion to beach comb, bird watch, or stroll along the beach, this is an experience everyone is sure to love.  Enjoy a relaxing cruise through Kiawah’s pristine salt marsh and tidal estuary. The Kiawah River intersects the Stono River and forms our island’s most secluded beach. Here, sand dollars, knobbed whelks and starfish abound in this place preserved for Kiawah’s native wildlife (Sandy Point, aka “Little Bear Island” is co-owned by The Nature Conservancy and Duck’s Unlimited). From this vantage point, one may see historic Folly Island, Bird Key, and Charleston’s two lighthouses. Standard tour duration is 2 hours. Each boat accommodates up to 6 people. Multiple boats are available. All ages are welcome on this tour. For an interesting twist, opt for a half-day excursion and enjoy a picnic-style lunch on the beach.  We will provide Island Naturalists who will be available to answer your many questions about Kiawah’s barrier island ecosystem.

Dolphin Encounters
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Board a shallow draft Bay boat as we search Kiawah’s inlets, creeks, and marshes for Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins.  Cruise down river to Captain Sam’s Inlet and witness these intelligent marine creatures.  You will learn about their lifecycle, habitat, and unique feeding techniques. Trip duration is 2 hours and all ages are welcome. Multiple boats are available.  Captain’s have cold beverages (soft drinks, water, and Gatorade) available on board. Don’t miss this opportunity to get up-close and personal with South Carolina’s only inshore marine mammal.

ACE Basin Adventure
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Sit back and relax as you motor through the diverse rivers that make up the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge (the Ashepoo, Combahee, & Edisto Rivers). With over 350,000 acres, the ACE Basin is the State’s largest protected wildlife environment. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and take pleasure in observing eagles, osprey, alligators and Bottlenose dolphin as the water changes from salt to fresh, providing beautiful landscape changes. Trip duration is 4 hours. Tour departs from a nearby off-island location.

Morris Island Lighthouse Cruise (3 Hour Minimum)
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Join Captain and Historian John Ward for a leisurely cruise aboard a 24 foot Bay boat, and see one of the areas oldest and most historic landmarks, the Morris Island Lighthouse. Traveling by boat from the West end of Kiawah to the East end of Folly Island, you will see many areas of historical, cultural, and natural significance. Along the way you’re bound to be amazed by the beauty of our natural landscape, the historical significance of the area and all its incredible inhabitants. Please visit www.savethelight.org for more info. Trip duration is 3 hours. Each boat covers up to 6 guests and multiple boats are available. Captain’s have cold beverages (soft drinks, water, and Gatorade) available on board

Kiawah Island Fishing Charters 

Inshore Fishing
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	The Kiawah River and its surrounding tidal estuaries provide outstanding inshore fishing opportunities for the fly and light tackle angler.  Join our award winning Captains aboard a 24’ Bay boat rigged with the latest fish-finding electronics and saltwater fishing gear.  Passengers will cruise Kiawah’s salt flats and fish for Red Drum, Spotted Sea Trout, Flounder, and various seasonal species.  Our Captains have won numerous inshore fishing tournaments and have lifelong experience in Lowcountry waterways.  First time anglers as well as experienced fisherman, birdwatchers, sunbathers, and sightseers are welcome. Inshore fishing charters max out at 3 people per boat. Trip duration is 4 hours. Multiple boats are available.

Near Coastal and Reef Fishing
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Join us for an action-packed fishing experience perfect for everyone from families to the serious anglers.  Near Coastal and Reef Fishing is done four to seven miles off the beach.  While fishing around off shore sandbars and wrecks we are likely to catch various types of large Sharks, Tarpon, Redfish, Sheepshead, Mackerel, Cobia, Bluefish, and many other migratory fish species. Near Coastal and Reef Fishing charters max out at 4 people per boat. Trip duration is 4 hours. Multiple boats available.

Ultra Light Tackle and Fly Fishing Adventures
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Kiawah's salt marsh estuary provides world class shallow water sight fishing and Redfish stalking year round.  During the summer, Redfish and Trout begin their seasonal venture back into the river in search of new prey along the river’s edge. In the colder winter months, the water begins to clear and the Redfish move to the flats in large groups for protection from Dolphin and the warmth of the shallow waters. Trips are geared towards smaller groups of anglers (1 or 2 people). Anglers will board a state of the art shallow water technical polling skiff.  The skiff drafts 7 inches of water, allowing you to stalk Redfish in the skinny waters of the oyster flats along the beautiful Kiawah River.  Captains are sponsored fly-fishing guides and will supply the newest and best equipment by Orvis, Ross, Temple Fork and Quantum. Light Tackle and Fly Fishing charters max out at 2 people per boat. Trip duration is 4 hours. Multiple boats are available.

Bicycle Tours

All bike tours utilize our island style "Beach cruisers" and explore the Island's 30 miles of flat paved bicycle trails and 10 miles of hard packed beach. Bicycles come equipped with a small tote bag for carrying drinks, phones, cameras, and smaller personal items. Baskets and helmets are available upon request. Bike tours range from 1/2 hour beach rides to 1/2 day island excursions.

Back Island Birding
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Join our Naturalists as we explore the Island for a host of migratory and resident birds. Kiawah has an incredible year-round bird population. Common birds sighted include waterfowl, raptors, songbirds, herons, egrets, shore, and wading birds. We'll travel to wetlands, salt marsh, and forest ecosystems in search of the 232 birds species that inhabit Kiawah Island. Binoculars, field guides, checklists and a spotting scope are available to help identify each avian species.

Wildlife in the Wetlands
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Pedaled at a leisurely pace, this bike tour travels through several different barrier island habitats exposing you to Kiawah's amazing plants and animals. To see Kiawah through the eyes of our Naturalists' is to see a different world. Once the seats have been adjusted and the guides are ready, we begin with a search of the Island's largest predator, the American Alligator! As we wind through paved trails in remote areas of the Island, keep your eyes open for deer, raccoons, snakes, and even the occasional bobcat. Highlights of this tour include the Marsh Island Park look-out tower and the Island's only Alley of Oaks. Our ride finishes on the beach in search of seashells, horseshoe crabs, and Loggerhead sea turtle nests.

Kiawah Photo Safari
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Join freelance photographer, Jamie Rood, in learning the basics of Nature Photography including such topics as film types, exposure, camera techniques and lens selection with an eye towards creating interesting nature and travel photographs.  An Island Naturalist who will identify plants and animals and provide insight on Kiawah’s natural history will accompany Jamie. This tour includes a disposable Kodak “zoom” camera, however, personal equipment is encouraged. All bikes will come equipped with a basket to carry all the necessary equipment.

Biking Into History
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Kiawah Island has been inhabited for nearly 4000 years. From prehistoric Native Americans to plantation owners during the civil war, our Island is rich in Lowcountry history.  As we explore the lives and lifestyles of those who called Kiawah home, we visit sites like a prehistoric oyster midden, Kiawah’s earliest plantation settlement and other significant reminders of Kiawah’s past.

The Island Sampler (Bike, Hike, Kayak)
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	For those who want to see and do it all, this tour is for you!  We start on bicycles and ride through the maritime forest and inland wetland environments (2.5mi).  Wildlife sightings include reptiles, songbirds, and the occasional mammal.  Our bike tour ends at Beachwalker Park, where we abandon the bikes and begin our hike to Captain Sam’s Inlet (1 mi).  Along the way, we learn about Barrier Island beaches and search for sand dollars, whelks, and other native marine life. At the Inlet, we get into tandem kayaks and paddle the Kiawah River to Mingo Point. (2 mi).  The River is filled with incredible estuarine marine life. Wildlife possibilities include shore and wading birds, bald eagles, dolphins, sea turtles, and many other salt marsh inhabitants. Upon landing, we finish with an ice-cold adult beverage.  Water and fresh fruit are available for the duration of the trip.  Total tour time depends on the group.  Allow 2.5 – 3.5 hours for a moderate pace.

Land Tours

The nature of Kiawah's five major ecosystems provide an ideal setting for outdoor walks, bike rides, and van excursions. Enjoy the natural beauty and discover amazing wildlife while exploring remote areas of the island. From sand dunes to salt marshes and maritime forests, observe firsthand why this barrier island continues to flourish and protect native species.

Land-based options include traveling by foot, bicycle, or van. Tour duration ranges from 1 - 2.5 hours, depending on mode of transportation. Please note that appropriate seasonal clothing and proper footwear are required. Sun block, bug repellant and bottled water are provided for guest convenience. 

Kiawah Creatures (Walking Tour)
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Starting at a central location, we take off on foot to explore the ponds, dune system, maritime forest, and finally the beach. We are on the lookout for alligators, turtles, birds of all sorts, and anything else that comes our way. This tour is a great way to get acquainted with on overview of all possible life forms on a barrier island (over 230 bird species, 18 mammals, 60 reptile and amphibians and countless insects and marine life). Tour duration is 1.5 hours. This tour has a 10-person minimum.

Gator Walk
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Alligators are the largest reptiles in the United States and one of Kiawah’s most feared and misunderstood creatures. They have been in existence in South Carolina for over 250 million years. Take a walk with a Kiawah Naturalist and explore the amazing life of the American Alligator as we dispel some of the common myths and explain how to safely observe and protect them. Perfect for all ages and backgrounds, this tour has been a guest favorite for many years. Tour duration is 1.5 hours. This tour has a 10-person minimum.

Ocean Seining and Beach Combing
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Kiawah’s ever-changing beach serves as a natural playground for both people and wildlife. Let our Naturalists’ explain why Kiawah’s beach has been voted one of the top beaches in North America. Want to find out what you’re swimming with in the ocean, or what that shell is that you just found? Discover Marine life first hand as we comb the beach and pull our 30’ seine net through the surf. Your guide will identify each new species and answer questions about the exciting beach and dune ecology. A great tour for all ages, this has been a favorite on Kiawah for many years. Trip duration is 1 hour. This trip can accommodate up to 50 participants. Beach programs are great for families or as a non-strenuous activity.

Barrier Island Nature Hike (Walking Tour)
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Starting at The Sanctuary’s Discovery Room, we’ll witness first hand some of the creatures that call Kiawah home. We’ll then take off on foot and start our journey by exploring the island’s wetland and maritime forest eco-systems. We’ll be on the lookout for alligators, turtles, songbirds, and the occasional Kiawah mammal.  Transitioning from the ponds and maritime forest, we’ll head through the dune salt thicket and onto the front beach. Kiawah’s ever-changing beach serves as a natural playground for both people and wildlife. Let our Naturalists explain why Kiawah’s beach has been voted one of the top beaches in North America. Discover amazing Marine life and diverse shells as we comb the beach and pull our 30’ seine net through the surf. Your guide will identify each new species and answer questions about the exciting beach and dune ecology. This tour is a great way to get acquainted with on overview of all possible life forms on a barrier island (over 230 bird species, 18 mammals, 60 reptile and amphibians and countless insects and marine life). Tour duration is 2 – 2.5  hours. This tour has a 10-person minimum and a maximum of 50.

Sea Island Plantation Tour
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Plantations have been at the heart of South Carolina agriculture since Charleston was first settled in the late 1600's. Although farming methods have changed and the finished product may be different, we still see a Lowcountry agricultural lifestyle at the heart of the Sea Island Community. Boarding at The Sanctuary, we'll take a scenic drive into the Country and take a behind the scenes look at two local working plantations. Our first stop will be The Charleston Tea Plantation. The only tea plantation in North America! From start to finish, we'll take a look at how tea is grown, harvested, processed and brewed for pleasure. The tour consists of an interpretive trolley ride through the fields and a tour of the manufacturing plant where guests can view the tea-making process. Ending with a tea tasting and departing with a gift bag, we'll take off in route to Irvin House Vineyards. Charleston's only domestic winery, Irvin House Vineyards, is a small batch family run winery. The Vineyard is situated on 48 beautiful acres. A scenic stroll reveals the winery and tasting room; a renovated party barn; a picturesque flower and vegetable garden; and a picnic area with outdoor games in a beautiful Lowcountry setting. We'll meet the family and take a private tour of their facilities. Once all questions are answered and everyone's mouth is watering, we'll relax and sample all the Enologist has to offer. Given enough time, we'll make one last stop at Angel Oak, the world's largest Live Oak! With over 17,000 square feet of shade, Angel Oak is one of the most impressive trees alive today. This is a beautiful tour of two working Sea Island plantations on South Carolina's rural coast.

Teambuilding

Our natural settings provide a unique backdrop for boosting employee relations and leadership values. The word "Team" is traditionally defined as, a group marked by devotion to teamwork rather than individual achievement. If you are interested in creating an experience that builds on this definition and fine-tunes your group's leadership, communication, problem solving, decision-making and overall teamwork abilities, then you may elect to add the TEAM EXPERIENCE to your Kiawah event. We pride ourselves in designing initiatives that will allow you to explore the Island's unique natural features, while immersing your group into a safe, non-competitive, yet energetic environment. Our planning process ensures that each program is tailored to meet your specific time frame as well as the varying physical abilities of the group. As a standard feature of our program, we like to incorporate your companies mission, values and past meeting themes. The following programs have proven to be unforgettable events with valuable applications that easily transfer back into the work environment.

Rentals
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Golf game cancelled because of rain? We'll brighten up a conference room or your hospitality Villa with foosball, table tennis, the Nintendo wii, PS3, poker chips & cards. We also have several beach games for rent including; horseshoes, cornhole, volleyball nets, badminton, frisbees, kites, boogie boards, etc.

Tournaments
Call 843-768-2016 Email:grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Our recreation staff will gladly introduce you to the various types of recreational croquet. Whether you're a seasoned veteran dressed in white or a beginner wearing flip-flops, everyone from your group is welcome! Want to head to the beach instead? Choose from Beach Party Olympics, Volleyball Tournament or a Bocce Ball Tournament.

Kamp Kiawah, Teen and Family Activities
Call 843-768-2016 Email: grouprecreation@kiawahresort.com	Invited the kids, but now you're wondering how to entertain them? Allow our dedicated staff of counselors from all over the United States to share their enthusiasm and experiences with the children of your group. We'll coordinate the program times with your group meetings or dinners. Kamp Kiawah is designed for children ages 3-11: As a policy, we do not accept children in diapers or training pants. For children under 3 babysitting information is available. Ask about our many popular themes! We also have several teen programs available too! Teen Nights are designed for adolescents and teenagers between the ages 12-17. Most of these events take place at night and will be supervised by members of our staff. Each event lasts for 2 hours unless otherwise requested.