Behind the Scenes of Shem Creek Shrimp Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This walking tour led by Captain Bryan is not your average "sit there and shut up" tour where the guide won't even remember you. Rather, after brief introduction, Captain Bryan will lead you on a historic journey of how Shem Creek came to prominence with its famous shrimping fleet and much more. Unlike any other tour in the area, guests have a chance to see the industry at work. The first half of the tour will contain history of the area and discuss events back to the early 1700's, the second half of the tour will specifically cover the Shrimp Industry. This is not a tour, it is an experience to immerse yourself in the Shem Culture. Take back history, culture, language, but most of all guests will take from this experience an underlying appreciation for our local shrimpers and the history behind these hard working men and women.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Walking distance is around 1.5 miles. Please note especially with summer heat that guests should be able to walk this distance.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Guests will take Mary Street to get a overview of the Charleston Harbor and the changes this seaside community would endure due to conflict, natural disasters, and insect infestations.
Guest will pass by the home of the first commercial shrimper on Shem Creek and see the "shrimp shacks." Where the original shrimpers used to live in this historic neighborhood.
What‘s Included
Small prize at end of the tour
Options
Behind the Scenes of Shem Creek Shrimp Walking Tour
Reviews
177 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Captain B
Tania C,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great time! Great history lesson. Can’t wait for the shrimp boil and the other amazing history tours.
Shem Creek Tour
Trip58301116340,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour of Mount Pleasant. Nice mix of early history of the town and the rise and decline of the shrimping industry. Captain Bryan is knowledgeable and informative. This is a great tour to learn about the Shem Creek area across the harbor from downtown Charleston.
Great!
Kristen O,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bryan was very knowledgeable and it was a great walking tour! The kids were engaged in the history as well.
Great Small Group Tour
Gertrude M,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00He gives a lot of really good historical facts about Mt. Pleasant and Charleston. He was very knowledgeable and presented information in an interesting format. He engaged well with the children on the tour.
Great guide….great tour
Nicholas I,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide Bryan was personable,, enraging and eager to share his deep knowledge of Mount Pleasant/Charleston history plus the origin, evolution and today’s status of the local shrimping industry. We were the only two booked and Bryan gave us an intimate private tour when other tours we’ve booked in recent years have canceled without their minimum. Can’t wait to book another of his many tours when next back in Charleston. Highly recommend!
We enjoyed this unique tour!
NomadLass,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain 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.
Great tour and incredible tour guide!
dejackson81,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain 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!!
One of a Kind Tour
Lyndsay B,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain 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.
Truly One of the Best Tours in Charleston
B7832JLhunterm,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The 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! 💯
Well-paced, entertaining, educational and more!!
Ella S,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain 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.
-10% off
From US$26.10Was US$29.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Charleston Historic Tours LLC