Guest Information
Before embarking on your adventure, please review the following info and some of our most frequently asked questions.
What to Bring
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
- 2 to 3 bottles of water per person as staying hydrated is critical to having a great time out on the water.
- Wear clothes or a bathing suit that can get wet – synthetic material is best, no cotton or jeans.
- Please wear water shoes, sandals or tennis shoes that can get wet.
- If you are paddleboarding, you are required to wear shoes with straps that will not fall off.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses with a retaining strap.
- If relevant, bring an extra pair of contact lenses and required medications.
- Don’t forget to capture your adventure with cameras, GoPro, and cell phones. We provide dry bags for you to use.
- We will go out rain or shine – please bring rain gear as afternoon rain is common in the Lowcountry.
- In the spring and fall, a light jacket is recommended.
Dolphin Eco-Tours
- 2 to 3 bottles of water per person as staying hydrated is critical to having a great time out on the water.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses with a retaining strap as there is no shade on the boat.
- If relevant, bring an extra pair of contact lenses and required medications.
- Don’t forget to capture your adventure with cameras, GoPro, and cell phones.
- We will go out rain or shine – please bring rain gear as summer showers are common in the Lowcountry.
- In the spring and fall, a light jacket is recommended.
Morris Island Lighthouse Tour
- 3 to 4 bottles of water per person as staying hydrated is critical to having a great time out on the water.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses with a retaining strap as there is no shade on the boat.
- Wear shoes that you do not mind getting sandy as you will be able to walk on the beach.
- A bag to carry shells and beach finds.
- If relevant, bring an extra pair of contact lenses and required medications.
- Don’t forget to capture your adventure with cameras, GoPro, and cell phones.
- We will go out rain or shine – please bring rain gear as summer showers are common in the Lowcountry.
- In the spring and fall, a light jacket is recommended.
Fossil Hunting Tour
- 4 to 5 bottles of water per person as staying hydrated is critical to having a great time out on the water.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses with a retaining strap as there is no shade on the boat or on Morris Island.
- Wear shoes that you do not mind getting sandy as you will be walking on the beach.
- A book bag or similar to carry personal belongings on the hike such as drinks & snacks.
- A ziplock bag for fossils, shells and other beach finds is also recommended.
- If relevant, bring an extra pair of contact lenses and required medications.
- If you are bringing small children, we encourage you to bring a beach stroller as the beach hike is multiple miles.
- Don’t forget to capture your adventure with cameras, GoPro, and cell phones.
- We will go out rain or shine – please bring rain gear as summer showers are common in the Lowcountry.
- In the spring and fall, a light jacket is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of day to see wildlife?
You are able to see wildlife at all times throughout the day. No time is better than others.
When is the best time of day to see dolphins?
The dolphins are residents of the Charleston area and can be seen 24/7, 365 days a year. However, you are more likely to see the strand feeding behavior during low tide.
What tour are you most likely to see dolphins on?
You have a 99% chance of seeing dolphins on our Dolphin Tour and the Morris Island Lighthouse tour which are on our Carolina Skiff bay boat. Although you may see dolphins on our other tours, these two tours have the greatest chances.
Can I request a guide?
Yes, guides love to be requested! If your personal favorite is available, we can certainly accommodate your request.
Can trips be customized?
Yes. We recommend booking a private tour so that we can accommodate your needs and requests.
Do we go if it is raining?
Yes. We go out rain or shine however we will postpone or cancel a trip if the conditions are unsafe – such as lightning or very high wind.
Do you need experience to participate?
No experience is needed. We take out first-timers all the time! We provide a very detailed instruction before you go paddleboarding and kayaking to ensure that you feel comfortable and have the best time possible on the water.
Do you need to know how to swim?
No, you do not. You are required by law to wear a personal floatation device when you go kayaking or paddleboarding with us. We also have personal flotation devices on all of our boats.
Do you offer group trips?
Yes, COA welcomes groups large and small. Group discounts may be available. Please call our office to set up your group trip today.
Is there transportation available?
We do not provide transportation to our location. Rental cars and UBER are the best ways to reach us as there is not easy public transportation nearby.
Where do you launch kayaks and paddleboards you have for rent?
We have a private launch that is at our location on Bowens Island. Our staff will prepare and pull down your gear to the water’s edge.
Can you go inside the Morris Island Lighthouse?
No. The historic lighthouse is surrounded by water and is not accessible to the public.
Can I bring food or drinks on the tours?
Yes, as long as you do not litter. We ask that you do not bring anything in single use glass bottles.
Can I sign the waiver without printing it?
Yes. The waiver is electronic and you can sign it on your phone or computer. No need to print.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes. They are available in any denomination and can be customized with a personal message. You can buy them online or over the phone.
Cancellation Policy
COA implements a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, there will be no cancellation fee and you will be completely refunded.
If you cancel within 24 hours of your tour time, you will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee. COA keeps our tours small so that you can have the best experience possible. When you have a reservation and cancel within 24 hours of your tour time, we will have turned away potential guests.
If COA cancels a tour due to inclement weather like heavy rain, high winds or lightening then you will not be charged a cancellation fee and you will be refunded if you are unable to reschedule for a different time and date.
For large groups, private tours, or school groups, COA has a 48 hour cancellation policy. If you let us know more than 48 hours in advance that your group will be unable to come, there will be no penalty. If you cancel within the 48 hours prior to your tour, you will be charged a 50% cancellation fee.
Reservations can only be rescheduled one time. If a party has to reschedule a tour or rental, they must do it more than 4 hours prior to the departure time. If a party reschedules within 4 hours of the tour time, they are subject to a 25% rescheduling fee.
Any reservation that has been rescheduled is final. If a party cancels a reservation that has already been rescheduled, they are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.