This cruise has already sailed

5 Night Wild South Carolina Escape Beaufort and the Barrier Islands Cruise from Charleston

Ship: National Geographic Sea Lion

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Thursday, Nov 23, 2023 from Charleston, United States

Ended: Tuesday, Nov 28, 2023

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Thursday, Nov 23, 2023 departure of the National Geographic Sea Lion. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

Want to book National Geographic Sea Lion
74 Departures. Starting from $2524

Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Thursday - Nov 23, 2023

Charleston, United States

Arrive in Charleston and settle into your cabin aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion. This evening, sail out of scenic Charleston harbor and follow the coast southwest, skirting the barrier islands that shelter the mainland. (D)

Day 2 - Friday - Nov 24, 2023

Beaufort, United States

We round Bay Point Island early this morning and enter the mouth of the Harbor River. Be on deck as the South Carolina coastline awakens. We'll make our way along the coast of Port Royal Island to the historic town of Beaufort. This beautiful area was alternately settled-and sometimes fought over-by English, French, and Spanish colonists as well as its original Native American inhabitants. Dive in to this diverse heritage today, visiting Old Sheldon Church, the Port Royal Museum, and the Penn Center-the first academic school for freed people. See evocative antebellum mansions, and then head to Lady's Island Oyster for a tasting of oysters raised in the nearby estuary. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Saturday - Nov 25, 2023

St. Phillips Island, United States

Edisto Island, United States

Spend today exploring several of the barrier islands. On pristine St. Phillips Island, which was never developed and is now part of a state park, hike trails that weave from sand dunes to salt marshes to maritime forest. Keep an eye out for migrating warblers and roseate spoonbills in the quiet waterways, as well as alligators, loggerhead sea turtles, and more. Watch for dolphins as we cross St. Helena Sound. Conditions permitting, we'll go ashore at Edisto Island to visit Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area. Originally two plantations that played a role during the Civil War, this protected area now comprises 4,600 acres of wild beach, pine forests, and freshwater ponds, dotted with historic plantation ruins. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Sunday - Nov 26, 2023

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, United States

Trace the coast north past Charleston to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, which spans 104 square miles from Bull Island in the south to Murphy Island in the north. We have an entire day to explore the refuge and discover its wildlife and history. Hike one of the its many trails, or cruise close to shore in a Zodiac, watching for dolphins and seabirds. Have your camera ready as we pass the Cape Romain Lighthouse. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Monday - Nov 27, 2023

Awendaw, United States

Bus Travel

Francis Marion National Forest, United States

Bus Travel

Awendaw, United States

Today, we set off into the waterways of Francis Marion National Forest. Dotted with towering old-growth bald cypress trees, this black water region draws all manner of wildlife, from turtles and birds to reptiles sunning on the rocks. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Tuesday - Nov 28, 2023

Charleston, United States

This morning, National Geographic Sea Lion arrives in Charleston where we disembark and transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)