This trip is rated "intermediate", and is best for paddlers with some experience. Hazards you may encounter include wind-generated waves in open water, strong tidal currents, and large vessels using the Intracoastal Waterway.  The best way to plan your trip is to be aware of rising and falling tides. For instance, to paddle from Port Royal to Lady’s Island your trip is best done on a rising tide. You can get information on tides by clicking here: Beaufort Tides.

Some of the things you may see as you paddle are the historic ruins of Fort Frederick, and an assortment of birds and animals such as, terrapins, river otter, mink, and bottle­nose dolphins.

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Access Points (mileage and GPS coordinates are approximate and for reference only):

Mile 0 ­ (GPS N 32.3701 W 80.6870) ­ Sands Beach Landing - From Beaufort, drive south on Ribaut Road (US 21/SC 281) for 4.0 miles, and veer left onto Paris Avenue. Drive 0.8 miles and turn left again onto Sands Beach Road and the landing is 0.4 mile.

Mile 1.4 ­ (GPS N 32.3840 W 80.6774) ­ Fort Frederick Ruins ­- Water access only.

Mile 5.2 ­ (GPS N 32.4309 W 80.6750) ­ Beaufort Public Landing ­- Bay Street in Beaufort.

Mile 6.3 ­ (GPS N 32.4022 W 80.6624) ­ Lady’s Island Landing ­- From Beaufort, drive south on the Sea Island Parkway. The landing is on the left just as you enter Lady’s Island.