Land Based Nature Tours and Adventures
Birding Tours
Back Island Birding
Discover the rich birdlife of the Lowcountry in South Carolina, celebrated for its diverse species year-round. From tiny hummingbirds and kinglets to majestic bald eagles and wood storks, our van will take you to remote island habitats. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore and learn about dozens of bird species, both large and small, while delving into the fascinating natural history of our avian wildlife.
$60/person. Participants must be at least 14 years old. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy. Tour Schedule.
Bird Walk at Mingo Point
Join a Naturalist for a birding walk at Mingo Point, a unique location nestled between the serene salt marshes of the Kiawah River and the lush maritime forest of Kiawah Island. This one-hour tour offers an excellent opportunity to observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat, from flocks of red-winged blackbirds to wood storks and egrets wading through the pluff mud. It’s a perfect way to experience the rich diversity of Kiawah Island’s avian life.
$20/person. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy. Tour Schedule.
Bird Walk at the Ocean Course
The Ocean Course is home to some of the richest bird habitats on Kiawah Island. Freshwater ponds, salt marshes, and the beach come together to create an incredibly diverse habitat for shorebirds, wading birds, songbirds, and many others. Join a Naturalist on this unique birdwatching tour to learn about the bird species that make Kiawah Island such a special place.
$40/person. Recommended for ages 14 and up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy. Tour schedule.
Intro to Birding
For those new to birdwatching or looking to get started, our introductory birding course is the perfect way to begin. Led by a skilled naturalist, this course covers essential birding techniques, including how to use binoculars, explore habitats, spot birds, and identify them accurately. Begin with an introduction to birding fundamentals, then head out on a one-hour guided bird walk to put your new skills into practice.
$20/person. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy. Tour Schedule.
Reptile Discovery
Alligator Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the captivating world of alligators on Kiawah Island. With over 100 brackish water ponds scattered across our island oasis, these impressive predators can be found in nearly every one of them. Join our naturalists as we venture to their favorite gator hangouts, offering you a fantastic opportunity to observe and learn about these amazing, often misunderstood, animals in their natural habitat. This adventure not only provides an insightful glimpse into the lives of alligators but also offers stunning views of our 10-mile-long island.
$40/person. Participants must be at least 6 years old. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy. Tour Schedule.
Art Animals
Art Animals combines the excitement of a reptile show with a creative pottery session! You will first learn fascinating facts about the animals and get a chance to get an up-close experience. Following this, you will paint a ceramic animal to recreate the lifelike reptile you have just learned about, using the live animal as your guide. This unique experience blends hands-on animal interaction with artistic expression.
$35/person. Recommended for ages 6 and older. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy. Class Schedule.
Gator Walk
The American Alligator is a resort guest favorite and one of our most intriguing wildlife species. Join a naturalist as we visit some gator habitats and learn how these prehistoric creatures survive on Kiawah.
$20/person. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy. Tour Schedule.
Reptile Round-Up
Do you know how to tell the difference between a male and female turtle, or how many teeth alligators have? From snakes to gators to turtles, we’ve got them all! Learn the facts about these age-old creatures with a hands-on experience, perfect for those older children ready to take their knowledge to the next step.
$15/person. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy. Class Schedule
Marine Life
Ocean Seining
Immerse yourself in a captivating beachfront exploration adventure led by a Naturalist. Discover hidden beach treasures, encounter fascinating creatures, and gain insights into marine ecosystems as we comb the shore and drag our seine net through the water. Be ready to get into the water and actively participate by helping to drag the net, engaging in a hands-on experience unlike any other!
$20/person. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy.Class Schedule.
Island Ecology
Beaches & Birds Walk
Explore Kiawah’s picturesque beach on a relaxing nature walk led by a Naturalist. Embark on a scenic 2-mile round trip journey along the shoreline, where you will uncover the intricate beauty of the coastal ecosystem. Discover native bird species, hunt for unique seashells, and observe the dynamic interplay of wildlife and natural treasures.
$30/person. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy. Tour Schedule
Kiawah Creatures
Join a naturalist on a nature walk around Kiawah’s Sanctuary and explore some of our amazing habitats! You will see and learn a bit about everything nature-related to this part of Kiawah during this tour. From alligators to native plants and butterflies, to local bird species and freshwater turtles!
$20/person, Recommended for ages 6 and up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy.Class Schedule.
Maritime Forest Walk
Explore Kiawah’s Maritime Forest on a relaxing nature walk led by a naturalist. Embark along a scenic trail, where you’ll gain insights into the intricate workings of the forest ecosystem, while searching for local wildlife and plant life. From native plants to indigenous bird varieties and freshwater turtles, immerse yourself in the beauty and biodiversity of Kiawah’s Maritime Forrest.
$20/person. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy. Tour schedule coming soon.
Night Beach Walk
Join a naturalist on an evening beach walk focusing on the biology of our natural marine and beach wildlife, including the Loggerhead Sea Turtle! This trip will explore both beach and pond life as the sun sets, revealing a world not often experienced. (Live nesting unlikely but possible).
$20/person. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy. Tour Schedule.
Tails & Tales
Join a Naturalist for a storybook reading as part of our Tails & Tales reading series. The children will gather to enjoy a fun, educational beach-themed story read by one of our friendly staff Naturalists. This program combines the joy of discovery with the magic of storytelling, creating a memorable seaside experience for all. One adult must be present for the duration of the program per party
$10/child, adults are complimentary. Geared towards children 8 years and younger. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy. Tour Schedule.
Wildlife in the Wetlands
A Naturalist favorite: this tour will take you on a leisurely bike ride to discover the fascinating wildlife that inhabits Kiawah’s diverse ecosystems. You’ll gain a better understanding of the beaches, dunes, maritime forest, ponds, and salt marshes that stretch across the island, while learning each ecosystem’s unique characteristics and covering about 6 miles.
$40/person. Does NOT include bike rental. Tow carts, training wheels and tag-alongs are not permitted. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy. Tour Schedule