In the Lowcountry, “photo ops” can be found at every turn:  Moss-draped oaks, vistas of sandy beaches, dolphins racing at the bow of your boat, glorious silhouettes at sunset.  Shutterbugs have a wonderful time from dawn to dusk. 

    For an amazing nature and sightseeing excursion, take the opportunity to join a guided photographic tour.  More than a guided eco tour, this type of exploration is geared to a photographer’s sense of place, time and light.  You will journey to the best locales to capture the essence of the Lowcountry.  Visit pristine barrier islands; explore the salt marshes and fresh water swamps, witness spectacular views and dramatic wildlife behavior. 

    Eric Horan’s Lowcountry Wildlife Photo Safaris (843-524-3037) offers two- and four- hour tours for all skill levels, even non-photographers. These trips are limited to five participants to maximize the overall outdoor experience and learning opportunity. 

    A master naturalist who has been professionally photographing the coastal southeast for over 20 years, Eric knows where things are happening and how to get there.  He has designed tours that don’t go where all the tour boats go.  They are tailored to distinct individual interests and capabilities as well as for each season’s best wildlife adventures.  A winter tour (December through February) includes photographing visiting waterfowl.  Spring excursions (March through May) feature osprey, eagles feeding and wading birds’ rookeries.  Summer offerings (June through August) include dolphin activities and feeding shorebirds.  In the fall (September through November), the focus is on colorful land and seascapes, dolphins, deer and fall migrations. 

    Transport is by small boat, or other means can be arranged, including kayaking, biking, hiking or driving.  With all Eric’s photographic knowledge and experience of the Lowcountry, you’ll not only get some great photographs, but a memorable outdoors experience as well.

    Salt Marsh Photographic Cruises (843-681-3728) offers fantastic opportunities to capture images from the water.  As a Hilton Head resident for more than 25 years, Capt. Larry Watts has blended his passions for boating, wildlife and photography to organize three different cruises through this area’s inlets, tidal streams and creeks.  In addition to the photogenic scenery, wildlife commonly observed include waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors (including American Bald Eagles), white-tailed deer and American alligators, with large concentrations of white ibis, herons, and egrets.

    The Gilbert Creek Cruise (about 2-1/2 hours) takes you around Pinckney Island and into Gilbert Creek. 

    The Coulter Creek Cruise (about 3-1/2 hours) includes Gilbert Creek as well as Coulter Creek. Venture up the May River into Bull Creek, and then into Coulter Creek, which winds along Palmetto Bluff.  This loop takes you along Daufuskie Island.

    The Doughboy Loop Cruise (about 4-1/2 hours) includes both the Gilbert Creek Cruise and the Coulter Creek Cruise.  It also travels deeper into the inlets, tidal streams and creeks. You’ll get up close to hidden areas that you just can’t get to by land. You might even spot a wild boar on the more remote islands.

    All tours launch from the dock behind the Skull Creek Boathouse (formerly the Boathouse II) at 397 Squire Pope Road.

    What a great way to remember your trip to Hilton Head Island! Just bring your camera, some sunscreen and a sense of adventure.

    For more information, see our Ad Directory under Photographic Tours. 

    Also see Things To Do #1, #4, and #6.

Photo courtesy of Larry Watts