Otter Island Shelling Excursion Offered by Edisto Watersports and Tackle--Pure Isolation

The ACE Basin is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries along the Atlantic Coast comprising of 350,000 acres. ACE is an acronym of the three rivers. It is where the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers empty into the body of water called the St Helena Sound.

There are five protected areas in the Ace Basin; ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve, Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, and the 10,301 acre St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve. An area managed by the SCDNR that consists of several small upland and lowland islands located along the northern shore of the St. Helena Sound.

These upland and lowland islands are far-reaching and offer archery hunting for deer in November only and primitive camping opportunities. Otter Island, the drop-off point of our boat excursion, in particular, has further protections due to its unique and rare plant species and its historic status.

This particular self-guided Shelling Excursion is offered by Edisto Watersports and Tackle located on Edisto Island, which was the starting point of a 15 minute ride to the shores of Otter Island. This adventure only takes place at low tide, which on this day was 3:15 in the afternoon. The ideal number of participants is ten. There were a total of 9 in our group including myself and vacationers from Richmond, Virginia and Columbia, Sc.

We were dropped off at a high spot near neighboring Pine Island, and after a few words from the captain, the group scattered in their search for shells, sand dollars, and bullets left over from World War II target practice. I was more interested in getting some good photographs of the island's birds and possibly taking a dip in the water.

It was a typical humid Lowcountry day with plenty of sunshine, and if it wasn't for the hefty breeze coming off the Atlantic, it would have been downright hot. Great for walking the extensively exposed low tide sand along Otter Island's beautiful sandy beach.

The shelling was more like a treasure hunt as they were scattered about in small groupings in between the exposed oyster patches and the sand dollars were few and far between, which was good because it forced excursion hikers to cover a larger portion of the island beach during the 2 1/2 hour time limit. I did find an area where the sand dollars were more plentiful, which was where the island's maritime forest began about a mile from the drop-off point .

On my hike up the beach, I discovered one of the island's back-water tidal impoundments where the fish were plentiful and a few of the island's waterfowl prowling the shallows for a quick snack. Otter Island is also home to the bald eagle and several other rare birds. I also found red-painted stakes tagged with aluminum foil strips marked with numbers along the beach where the sand met the island's low growing grasses. Loggerhead turtles come to the island to lay their eggs and I assume these stakes marked their nesting locations.

Fallen trees grayed by the hot sun and salty air added to the natural beauty and remoteness of the island. Because of the limited time, exploring into the island's maritime forest was not possible on this excursion.

Anytime I am on the beach is a good day. Uninhabited Otter Island is secluded beauty at its best. If you are expecting to see plentiful piles of shells, you will be disappointed. You will have to strategically hunt the beach and exposed low tide sands for that cherished find, but during your search, you just may find that World War II artifact the excursion advertises.

It’s a nice 15 minute trip on the boat where you just might see some of the dolphin that frequent these waters, but there again, this is not what this excursion is about. It is all about being in a place that is truly uninhabited by people. A place where you and your family can enjoy hiking the Lowcountry's water and sand in total isolation, and possibly happen upon a rare find. I hope you enjoyed the photographs. We did catch a rainbow on the way back.

* $45 per adult/$20 age 10 and under.

* Make reservations early as there are minimum numbers required for a tour.

* Please bring your own water, towels, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Don't forget to bring your camera and binoculars.

Call: (843) 869-0663

Visit: 3731 Docksite Road, Edisto Island

Charleston's Water Taxis--More Than Just A Ride

Charleston has been named the number one destination in the U.S. nine years running as voted by Conde Nast Reader's. This year, the city received the highest score of any destination, earning it the distinction of the top city in the world. As a consequence for travelers and visiting locals, along with this honorary distinction comes the tricky proposition of locating a convenient parking space on any given day.

That is, until the Covid-19 Pandemic arrived on the scene and chased away the Holy City's top demographic among visitors from overseas, the British traveler, and everyone else seeking the bountiful pleasures found within its city limits. Now, parking places are as plentiful as the empty tables and chairs of its world renowned restaurants. During those good old days, a welcoming option to taking a chance at securing a good parking spot was Charleston's water taxi, and despite the current situation, it still is.

The Charleston Water Taxi offers two pickup points across from the city's waterfront at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina on Mount Pleasant's Patriot's Point where there is plenty of parking. From the parking area, it is a pleasant walk on the Marina boardwalks with a view of the famous aircraft carrier and historical landmark, the USS Yorktown.

The day I was there to take the accompanying photographs, the pleasant salt water breeze spilling off the harbor was comforting as I soaked in the sound of the lapping waters rush through the pillars of the boardwalk underneath. After boarding and getting underway, the rolling waters will put you at ease to enjoy the sights and sounds of the busiest container port on the East Coast. You just might also find yourself in the shadows of a massive container ship on its way to dock. Off in the short distance, you will enjoy stunning views of downtown Charleston’s skyline, the Cooper river Bridge and Castle Pinckney, a Civil war fort and old pirate hanging ground.

There are two drop-off points on the Charleston side, Waterfront Park and Maritime Center at Aquarium Wharf. Points of interest at Waterfront Park is the Pineapple Fountain and the long stretches of wide walking paths with dozens if not hundreds of benches available to take a load off your feet and your mind as you enjoy the activity along the harbor front. From there, you enter the Vendue Range and the historic French Quarter. The Maritime Center at Aquarium Wharf is home of the ever popular South Carolina Aquarium. After all is said and done, the return trip will take you alongside of the Cooper River Bridge and back to the Marina. Each access point is fifteen minutes for a total round trip of an hour.

The 40 foot Corinthian Catamarans, "Ms Evelyn" and "Dorothy Marie" are powered by twin Yamaha outboard motors. Built in Florida, they have all the latest in safety gear and navigational equipment. Protection from the elements is no problem with their sturdy roof and wind guards. Maximum capacity is 49 people. There is also a 27 foot Carolina skiff with a capacity of 19 passengers called the "Patriot." It is used as a charter for wedding party transportation and large groups. Click here to contact water taxi.

An all-day pass costs $12 per person with children 3 and under free. You might say the $24 for a couple would be a little expensive in comparison to what you might pay for parking in Charleston. That being considered, the hour long round-trip boat ride on the beautiful and relaxing waters of Charleston Harbor by itself is well worth it. As an additional bonus, you just might see some dolphins. In comparison, other boat tours can easily cost you $40 or more per person.

Due to the current Covid-19 Pandemic, the water taxis will operate on a continuous loop from 10 am to 6 pm around Charleston Harbor between Patriots Point and Downtown Charleston until further notice. A One Way Pass costs $8. Buy tickets.