Spartina Marine Education Charters, Bluffton
Captain Amber Kuehn's two-hour marine science expedition on the May River, with crabs, shrimp and fish brought aboard for a close look.
- Trip: about two hours
- Captain: Amber Kuehn
- Style: science expedition, not a sightseeing cruise
- Leaves from: Calhoun Street dock, Old Town
Spartina Marine Education Charters is a small outfit that treats the May River as a classroom. Captain Amber Kuehn spends about two hours on the water with her guests, and her own description is a scientific expedition rather than a sightseeing tour. Local crabs, shrimp and fish are pulled up and made a temporary appearance on board so everyone can see them up close.
What the Trip Is Like
The marsh and the tides: why the cordgrass the company is named for (spartina) holds the whole estuary together.
Hands-on sampling: a net or trap comes up and the captain explains what is in it.
Wildlife: egrets and other shore birds, and dolphins when they show up.
Small groups: the trip suits families, clubs and visitors who like to ask questions.
The company's own site describes private group charters and a summer break in July and August, so check its calendar or call (843) 338-2716 before you plan around a date. If you want a more conventional dolphin cruise or sunset trip, May River Excursions sails from the same stretch of Calhoun Street, and the whole river is in our May River guide.
More on the May River
The May River in Bluffton, SC: when the sandbar shows at low tide, kayak and boat tours to book, public landings, and today's Bluffton tides.
May River Excursions in Old Town Bluffton: dolphin, sunset, fishing and crabbing trips from the Calhoun Street dock. Book online with live availability.
Fish Bluffton runs private inshore fishing, shark-tooth and dolphin trips on the May River with Captain Allick Inglis from the Calhoun Street dock.
Old Town Bike Barn & Adventures rents, repairs and sells bikes in Old Town Bluffton, with delivery and pickup and rentals for Hilton Head and Daufuskie.
Old Town Bluffton, SC: Calhoun Street, the Heyward House, galleries, the Church of the Cross, the May River dock and restaurants, all within a short walk.
Things to do in Bluffton, SC: May River dolphin and kayak trips, Old Town's history and galleries, parks, bowling and mini golf, golf and festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spartina Marine Education Charters?
A Bluffton charter led by Captain Amber Kuehn that teaches marine biology and salt marsh ecology on a roughly two-hour trip on the May River.
Is it a dolphin tour?
Dolphins may turn up, but the trip is built around the marsh and what lives in it, with crabs, shrimp and fish brought aboard to look at.
How do I book?
Through the company's calendar on its own site, or by phone at (843) 338-2716. It also takes private group charters.
Why is it called Spartina?
Spartina is the genus of the cordgrass that fills the Lowcountry salt marsh.
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