At Outside Palmetto Bluff, every journey begins with an exceptional guide. Our captains blend expert navigation with a deep passion for the Lowcountry. As naturalists, storytellers, and skilled mariners, they transform every charter and tour into a rich and memorable experience.
Name:
Bayard Huggins
Hometown:
Bishopville, SC
How long have you been a captain?
3 years.
How long have you been with Outside?
Two years.
What type of work did you do before becoming a captain at Outside?
I’ve managed different aspects in the Food and Beverage Industries from 5 diamond to dive bars.
What you like best about the job of being an Outside captain?
Every day I’m on the water it’s like church with Mother Nature. The camaraderie with my colleagues is like no other.
What are some of your go-to area recommendations for guests asking your advice?
The true essence of the Lowcountry is taking a boat ride through a tidal creek. It’s ok to get lost. Make a stop on Daufuskie Island for its character and charm. Try some Devil Crabs and May River Oysters. You must check out Shark Tooth Island to chase the adrenaline high of finding a Megalodon Tooth. The best place to have a picnic is on Page Island.
What are your favorite things about living in the Lowcountry?
Mother Nature carved out a slice of heaven when she created the Lowcountry. The history and cuisine are amazing. You just cannot beat good olde southern hospitality.
Anything else fun or interesting about you that you’d like to add?
I’m a resident of Daufuskie Island. You’ll most likely catch me on my days off on the water, either I’m heading over to Daufuskie Island or Shark Tooth Island.
Name:
Dean Hager
Hometown:
Haddon Township, NJ
How long have you been a captain?
Boating since I was 12 years old, now doing it professionally since 2024.
How long have you been with Outside?
Since 2024
What type of work did you do before becoming a captain at Outside?
I was a Business General Manager working for a large international business.
What you like best about the job of being an Outside captain?
I love the people. After retiring early I realized the one thing I really missed about work was the interaction with people and being a captain gives me a chance to meet and entertain new people every day. It’s also great to work with a close-knit group of like-minded and outdoorsy people!
What are some of your go-to area recommendations for guests asking your advice?
Mitchelville Freedom Park / Fish Haul Beach is an amazing gem for any history or nature lover. Birding at the Ibis Pond Rookery (Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge) in spring is an amazing experience.
What are your favorite things about living in the Lowcountry?
The Salt Marsh!
Anything else fun or interesting about you that you’d like to add?
Life is short, find a way to do what you love to do!
Name:
Gerard Love
Hometown:
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
How long have you been a captain?
Since 2024
How long have you been with Outside?
10 years
What type of work did you do before becoming a captain at Outside?
I have experience in healthcare and higher education, training clinicians for work in the substance use disorder and mental health field
What you like best about the job of being an Outside captain?
I truly enjoy taking people out on the water (boat or kayak) to get an up close and unique experience on Hilton Head. Seeing oysters “spritz” for the first time or hearing a dolphin breath for the first time create “wow” moments you can see on the customers face. Whether taking out first time visitors to Hilton Head or local residents, the view of the island from the middle of Broad Creek or Calibogue Sound offers a new lens to appreciate the beauty of the Lowcountry.
What are some of your go-to area recommendations for guests asking your advice?
I always suggest visiting the Shell Ring at Greens Shell Park on Squire Pope or exploring Freedom Park at Mitchelville to learn more about the history of the island and Gullah Culture. Hilton Head and Daufuskie Islands are featured in the Netflix series “High on the Hog”, and if customers have not read Pat Conroy I recommend reading his novels to continue “being here” when they get home.
What are your favorite things about living in the Lowcountry?
I love being surrounded by water, walking on the bluff, and Dolphin Head park in my neighborhood, along with taking my dog to the beach to run and swim.
Anything else fun or interesting about you that you’d like to add?
I grew up on the water, swimming, sailing, and water skiing daily. I got my first boat at age 6, a wooden row boat with a 3 HP Evinrude and my parents upgraded my boat to a Trihull skiff with a 9.5 HP Johnson Seahorse motor at age ten. For a kid, that boat could move and I’ve been in love with boats ever since.
From quiet nature tours to celebratory sunset charters, every outing is guided with one goal in mind: to create a seamless, safe, and unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in South Carolina, start with a day on the water led by local experts who know the Lowcountry best.
Each of our captains holds a U.S. Coast Guard license and brings years of experience navigating the winding waterways of Palmetto Bluff and beyond. Their connection to this place runs deep, and it shows in the way they tailor each outing to the pace, interests, and curiosity of their guests. Trained in First Aid and CPR, and well-versed in the unique rhythms of the May River, our team members are prepared for anything and focused on your comfort and safety at every turn.
With deep knowledge of local waters, a genuine love for the Lowcountry, and a gift for connection, our crew turns every moment on board into a smooth, welcoming, and memorable experience. Want to know more before you book? Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help.