Shem Creek Shrimp Walking Tour: Discover Local History

Immerse yourself in the captivating history of the shrimping industry on the Shem Creek Shrimp Tour. Led by Captain Bryan, this unique walking tour takes you on a journey through time, allowing you to witness the industry in action and gain a deep appreciation for the hardworking shrimpers.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Mary Street - Visitors will travel along Mary Street to gain an overview of Charleston Harbor and explore the transformations this coastal community has faced due to conflicts, natural disasters, and insect infestations.
  • Magwood Drive - Visitors will pass by the residence of the first commercial shrimper on Shem Creek and observe the “shrimp…
What's Included
  • Small prize at end of the tour
Additional Information

This walking tour, guided by Captain Bryan, is far from the typical “sit there and be quiet” tour where the guide forgets you. Instead, after a brief introduction, Captain Bryan will take you on a historical journey exploring how Shem Creek rose to fame with its renowned shrimping fleet and much more. Unlike any other tour in the region, participants…

Location
111 Coleman Blvd
Coleman Boulevard
We meet on corner of Coleman Blvd and Mill street outside of the public parking garage/office. It is the only 4 story office building in the immediate area. There is a circular flower arrangement on that corner that I will be near with a grey hat and tour guide badge on.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(174 Ratings)
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Nomadlass
Feb 26, 2026
We enjoyed this unique tour! - Captain Bryan was our very entertaining and knowledgeable tour guide. It was just the 3 of us so it was like having a private tour. We walked around the beautiful Old Village at Shem Creek, listening to many interesting stories about the area’s history including Charleston and the islands and the effect on the shrimp boat industry. The tour ended on the docks next to the shrimp boats so Bryan could explain how the boats operate and then do a casting net demo. He grew up in Shem Creek and is passionate about preserving and sharing the local history. We really enjoyed this unique tour. It’s especially ideal if you’ve already done several of the traditional tours in Charleston and are looking for something different.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dejackson81
Jan 10, 2026
Great tour and incredible tour guide! - Captain Bryan gives a great tour of Shem Creek and the history of the area and the shrimp industry! He is literally an encyclopedia of information and very informative, interesting and entertaining! We highly recommend this tour if you are in the Charleston area!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lyndsay
Dec 28, 2025
One of a Kind Tour - Captain Brian did a very nice job of explaining the history of the area. He was very entertaining and explained behind the scenes of how the islands and shrimping industry have changed, to what it is now today. He shared many insights along with the hands on adventure of seeing shrimp first hand from a local family business and to teaching us how to net our own catch of shrimp.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B7832jlhunterm
Nov 28, 2025
Truly One of the Best Tours in Charleston - The Behind the Scenes of Shem Creek Shrimp Walking Tour was absolutely amazing. Our guide clearly loves what he does and has deep roots in the shrimping community, and it shows in every story he tells. He walked us through the docks like we were old friends, explained how the shrimp boats work, and shared local history you’d never hear anywhere else. The whole experience felt real, personal, and completely unique to Charleston. If you want something authentic and memorable and not just another tourist activity then this is the tour! 💯
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ella
Nov 17, 2025
Well-paced, entertaining, educational and more!! - Captain Bryan is absolutely on top of his game!He loves local history and weaves it effortlessly into the greater view of the region. Most amazing is how relevant the stories he shares are with here and now. Looking forward to other offerings by Bryan, like a boat tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Freedom61546080751
Nov 13, 2025
Great tour of the area - Captain Brian gave a great historical tour of the area along with a tour of the shrimp history/ demonstration. He entertained the group well and kept us all informed, even treats at the end. Thanks Brian
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Explore24775291841
Nov 13, 2025
Tour Guide Par Excellence - Captain Bryan was an outstanding guide. His knowledge, in detail and breadth, on various topics was notably impressive. He was very personable, communicated very clearly, and connected so well interpersonally.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K5651zzamym
Oct 19, 2025
This is a great tour! - Right from the start Bryan was great at communicating and very detailed on where to meet. The tour was really informative and shows beautiful parts of Shem Creek that you would never otherwise see. Bryan is a great speaker, and he makes sure you can hear and understand him. His knowledge of history and the shrimping industry is interesting! Next time I'm in town I will take some of his other tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lizette_j
Sep 25, 2025
Highly Recommend Shem Creek Shrimp Walking Tour - Bryan, our tour expert, is so knowledgeable and entertaining! He made this unique tour fun and educational at the same time.
Review provided by Viator
John_l
Sep 15, 2025
What a great morning! - Great morning. Captain Bryan is very knowledgeable. He grew up in this area and knows so much history. We also learned so much about the shrimping industry and sustainability. We got a great lesson in how to toss a net which was really a blast. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
From $29
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).