FAQs

Planning Your Visit: FAQs for Palmetto Bluff &
River
Excursions

Planning a visit to Palmetto Bluff? We’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions from guests to help you feel confident and prepared for your experience. From rentals and reservations to weather and wildlife, we’ve got everything you need to make the most of your time in the Lowcountry.

You can cancel up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund. We understand weather can be unpredictable, so if we cancel due to unsafe conditions, you’ll have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

We also offer trip protection. If you are interested in purchasing trip protection, please speak with one of our reservation specialists at (843) 696-6996.

Cancellation Policies

At Outside, your comfort and safety always come first. In the event of high winds or heavy rain, we may cancel your experience. We monitor Palmetto Bluff weather closely and make any final decisions about an hour before departure.

Nope, no experience needed! Our guided tours are beginner-friendly and a great way to get on the water. Children must be at least 3 years old to participate, and those 12 and under typically paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult.

Of course! Our expert guides use high-quality, stable kayaks and provide thorough safety briefings. The calm inland waterways around Palmetto Bluff are ideal for paddlers of all experience levels.

We offer both! You can choose between single or tandem kayaks based on your comfort level. Children 12 and under must paddle in a tandem with an adult.

With longer routes and the potential for changing currents, our four- and six-hour excursions are best enjoyed with a basic skillset and a moderate level of fitness.

For charter fishing, we provide the necessary licenses. For kayak fishing, a license is not necessary because you will be fishing the Inland Waterway Trails at Palmetto Bluff.

Licenses are only necessary for salt water fishing and can be obtained online at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website or by calling 1-866-714-3611.

Visit the Website

There’s a great chance you will! While we can’t guarantee dolphin sightings, Palmetto Bluff’s waters are home to a thriving year-round population of wild bottlenose dolphins. Most guests are lucky enough to spot them during their tour.

Wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are active throughout the day, regardless of time or tide. Our tours and programs, including our popular private dolphin tour, offer excellent opportunities for dolphin sightings.

Outside operates 365 days a year. Each season offers something unique, whether it’s birdwatching in winter, calm waters in summer, or stunning foliage in the fall. Our retail and activity outpost is open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

There’s something to enjoy at every tide level. High tide opens access to winding creeks and inlets, while low tide often reveals oyster beds and attracts a variety of birds and wildlife.

Palmetto Bluff is about 25 miles from downtown Savannah, roughly a 45-minute drive, depending on traffic. It’s a scenic trip that makes for an easy day visit or a relaxing getaway just across the river.

Palmetto Bluff is approximately 20 miles from Hilton Head Island, with a typical drive time of 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. It’s an easy trip that connects two of the Lowcountry’s most popular destinations.

To ensure your preferred time and experience, we recommend booking as early as possible. Since Palmetto Bluff is a popular destination, many of our private excursions fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

Yes! Well-behaved pets are welcome on private charters. Just let us know when booking so we can make arrangements.

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Your Palmetto Bluff adventure starts here. Ready to explore the Lowcountry your way?

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