There is something unmistakably special about the May River. Flowing gently through the middle of Old Town Bluffton, this waterway is more than just picturesque; it is one of the few federally designated pristine waterways in the United States, a distinction that reflects its exceptional water quality, ecological importance, and carefully protected shoreline.
For guests of Old Town Bluffton Inn, exploring these waters isn’t complicated. Through our exclusive partnership with Outside Brands, the Lowcountry’s premier outfitter, you have direct access to some of the most rewarding water excursions in South Carolina. Whether you’re cruising at sunset, casting a line at dawn, or paddling through hidden tidal creeks, these are the kinds of South Carolina activities that stay with you long after you leave.
This guide covers everything: the May River cruise experience, barrier island day trips, kayaking and paddleboarding, and private fishing charters, all available steps from your front door.
Even for those who know these waters well, the first time you’re out on the May River from the water’s perspective is eye-opening. This is one of South Carolina’s most ecologically rich and carefully preserved waterways, and it begins just minutes from the Inn.
Through our partnership with Outside Brands, guests can enjoy a private 90-minute river cruise and sightseeing experience available exclusively to Old Town Bluffton Inn. Departures are from the Calhoun Street Dock at Wright Family Park, approximately a 3–5 minute walk from the Inn, no driving, no hassle, just an easy transition from veranda to vessel.
Whether you choose a daytime excursion or a golden-hour sunset cruise, you’ll find yourself immersed in the quiet beauty of coastal South Carolina.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for river cruises, typically ranging from the mid-60s to the low 80s°F. Summer months are warm and humid, with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s°F, but early-morning and golden-hour departures make for a beautiful, cooler experience on the water. Winter departures are mild by most standards, often in the 50s–60s°F.
The May River’s “pristine” federal designation isn’t just a label; it reflects decades of community effort to protect the watershed from overdevelopment and pollution.
The river supports a remarkably diverse ecosystem, and a single cruise can reveal just how much life thrives here:
Bottlenose dolphins, which are frequently spotted surfacing along the channel
Great blue herons and snowy egrets wading in the shallows
Ospreys and bald eagles nesting in the surrounding maritime forest
Atlantic blue crabs, oyster beds, and shrimp that define the Lowcountry food web
The tidal marshes bordering the May River are among the most productive ecosystems on the East Coast. As water levels rise and fall with the tides, nutrients cycle through the marsh, supporting everything from microscopic plankton to the dolphins that follow the bait fish. It’s a living classroom, and it’s right outside your door.
As your boat glides along the shoreline, you’ll pass one of Bluffton’s most iconic landmarks, the Church of the Cross. Built in 1857 and overlooking the river, it stands as a quiet reminder of Bluffton’s deep history, resilience, and enduring connection to the water. Moments like these are what make a May River excursion feel like more than sightseeing.
Practical Information:
Beyond the May River lies an entire coastal playground waiting to be explored. These are some of the most sought-after things to do in Hilton Head, SC, and the surrounding Lowcountry, and many of them are accessible right from Bluffton.
South Carolina stretches across approximately 187 miles of ocean coastline and more than 2,876 miles of tidal shoreline once you account for the estuaries, barrier islands, and tidal creeks that define the Lowcountry. That intricate geography is what makes water-based exploration here so endlessly rewarding. Most of it is best accessed by boat, kayak, or paddleboard.
One of the most memorable South Carolina activities available through Outside Brands is a day trip to Daufuskie Island, a place where time slows and the landscape remains beautifully untouched.
Accessible only by boat, Daufuskie offers:
Quiet beaches and old-growth maritime forests
Daufuskie is a barrier island with no bridge access, which has helped preserve its character in ways that make it genuinely distinct from other island destinations along the South Carolina coastline. Outside Brands’ guides bring local context that turns a simple boat ride into a layered cultural and natural experience.
For those who want to get closer to the water and into the marsh itself, kayaking and paddleboarding are outstanding options. Outside Brands offers guided paddle excursions through the winding tidal creeks surrounding Bluffton, giving guests access to narrow waterways that larger vessels simply can’t reach.
Paddling through Spartina grass corridors at low tide, spotting fiddler crabs and marsh wrens, and listening to the quiet rhythm of the Lowcountry ecosystem, these are the kinds of moments that don’t photograph well but stay with you completely. Kayaking and paddleboarding are available seasonally and can be arranged for solo paddlers, couples, or small groups.
The 90-minute river cruise is a gentle, scenic experience suitable for all ages, including families with young children. Kayaking and paddleboarding trips are guided and designed to accommodate beginners, though a basic comfort level on the water is helpful. If you have specific mobility considerations, just let us know at the time of booking, and we'll help you find the right fit.
Outside Brands has been guiding guests through these waters and landscapes for decades, with operations spanning Hilton Head Island, Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton and the May River, and the Savannah Riverfront. Their deep local knowledge turns every excursion into something authentic and immersive, and their commitment to the region runs deeper than just recreation.
Through the Outside Foundation, the company works to connect people with nature and preserve the very landscapes you’re experiencing. It’s not just about the outing. It’s about stewardship.
For those who want to take their time on the water even further, private charters offer a fully customized way to explore the Lowcountry. These are some of the best charters Bluffton has to offer, and the logistics couldn’t be simpler when you’re staying at the Inn.
Through Outside Brands, guests of Old Town Bluffton Inn can arrange:
Private sunset and wine cruises
The waters surrounding Bluffton and Hilton Head are renowned for exceptional inshore fishing. As one of the premier fishing charter destinations on the South Carolina coastline, these tidal flats and grass beds consistently produce:
Best Time for Fishing: Redfish and flounder are available year-round, with fall (October–December) considered the prime season as fish feed aggressively before winter. Speckled trout fishing peaks in spring and fall. Summer mornings are productive before the heat sets in; water temperatures in summer typically run 80–85°F in the shallows.
Never held a rod before? That’s completely fine. Outside Brands’ guides are experienced at working with beginner anglers and make the experience welcoming regardless of skill level.
A few things to know before you go:
Fishing charters in Bluffton, SC, typically run 4 hours (half day) or 8 hours (full day). Half-day charters are a great entry point for first-timers or families.
No prior experience is needed. Outside Brands' guides work with anglers at every level, from total beginners to seasoned fishermen, and all equipment is provided. Instruction is built into the experience.
Old Town Bluffton’s walkable historic district makes it easy to transition from the water to the table. Several local restaurants and cafés are within easy walking distance of the Calhoun Street Dock, perfect for a post-excursion lunch or early dinner. Guests staying at Old Town Bluffton Inn can also ask our team for current dining recommendations; we’re happy to point you toward favorites that reflect the same character as the town itself. Prefer to bring your own? Wright Family Park offers shaded areas well-suited for a picnic after a morning on the water.
The Bluffton and Hilton Head area hosts fishing tournaments throughout the year that draw anglers from across the Southeast, and whether you're a serious competitor or simply curious, the Outside Brands team can fill you in on upcoming events and seasonal species activity during your stay.
What makes it all effortless is the private charter experience itself. Walk from the Inn to the dock in minutes, step aboard a professionally guided vessel, and enjoy a curated day on the water without the logistics. It's authentic Lowcountry living at its finest, no pretense, just the real thing.
At Old Town Bluffton Inn, we believe the best stays aren’t just about where you sleep; they’re about what you experience. A morning on the May River. An afternoon paddling through hidden creeks. An evening watching the sun go down over coastal South Carolina. These are the moments that define Bluffton. And right now, we’re making it even easier to experience them.
This July, in celebration of America's 250th, guests booking 2 or more nights receive our best rate of the year, including weekdays and weekend stays. Ready to plan your July stay? Book now.