Local waters. New stories.
Paddle into the hidden side of the low country.
Backwater Expeditions turns familiar rivers and marshes into playful, memory-making adventures. Drift past cypress shadows, race your friends through sun-sparkled bends, and end the day in a better state of mind and smile—just minutes from Savannah, GA. and Hilton Head/ Bluffton, SC.
Perfect for birthdays, dates, team outings, or a no-plans day that needs a story.
“We’ve lived here for years and never knew it could feel this magical.”
— Maya, Saturday Morning Paddle
Trusted by local families, schools, and small businesses
4.9★
Average local rating
10k+
Miles paddled together
100%
Locally owned & guided
Featured adventures
Pick your perfect paddle.
Whether you’re chasing golden-hour photos, kid-friendly splashes, or a quiet morning glide, we’ve bundled the best local spot into story-worthy trips.
Sunrise Magic
Leave the alarm behind—our guides handle timing so you just slide into glowing skies, bird song, and coffee in a canoe.
• 2-hour guided tour
• Light breakfast & hot drinks
• Perfect for couples & first-timers
Afternoon Delight
Easy paddling, silly games, and kayak snack breaks. We handle the gear; you handle the giggles.
• 1.5-hour guided float
• Kid-sized life jackets
• Snacks & drinks included
Golden Hour After-Work Escape
Swap rush hour for river hour. Your crew, our kayaks, and a sunset that makes tomorrow feel easier already.
• 2-hour guided loop
• BYO playlist, we bring waterproof speaker
• Great for teams & friend groups
Sunrise Magic
Leave the alarm behind—our guides handle timing so you just slide into glowing skies, bird song, and coffee in a canoe.
• 2-hour guided tour
• Light breakfast & hot drinks
• Perfect for couples & first-timers
Splash & Snack Family Float
Easy paddling, silly games, and sandbar snack breaks. We handle the gear; you handle the giggles.
• 1.5-hour guided float
• Kid-sized life jackets
• Snacks & drinks included
Golden Hour After-Work Escape
Swap rush hour for river hour. Your crew, our kayaks, and a sunset that makes tomorrow feel easier already.
• 2-hour guided loop
• BYO playlist, we bring waterproof speaker
• Great for teams & friend groups
Sunrise Magic
Leave the alarm behind—our guides handle timing so you just slide into glowing skies, bird song, and coffee in a canoe.
• 2-hour guided tour
• Light breakfast & hot drinks
• Perfect for couples & first-timers
Splash & Snack Family Float
Easy paddling, silly games, and sandbar snack breaks. We handle the gear; you handle the giggles.
• 1.5-hour guided float
• Kid-sized life jackets
• Snacks & drinks included
Golden Hour After-Work Escape
Swap rush hour for river hour. Your crew, our kayaks, and a sunset that makes tomorrow feel easier already.
• 2-hour guided loop
• BYO playlist, we bring waterproof speaker
• Great for teams & friend groups
Made for locals
Turn "nothing to do" into "remember when we…"
Backwater Expeditions is run by guides who know Ebenezer Creek and swamp. We know the secret side channels, the best rope swings, and the exact stump where the great blue heron likes to pose for photos.
- Flexible booking for after-school or after-work paddles
- Discounts for locals, teachers, and first responders
- Seasonal "mystery floats" that only locals get invited to
Bring your own story—first date, reunion, solo reset—and we’ll help you write the water chapter.
Locals Paddling Pass
Save on every splash with our locals-only pass for repeat paddlers.
- 3 trips a season for one flat rate
- Friends can tag along at your discount
- Early access to special events & night paddles
“It’s our new Friday night ritual. Cheaper than dinner out and we talk way more.” — The Ramirez family
Simple, all-inclusive pricing
Gear, guides, and good vibes included.
No surprise fees. Every package includes boats, paddles, life jackets, dry bags, and a local guide.
Our story
It started with one beat-up canoe and a promise.
On a sticky summer night years ago, our founder Jake dragged a dented old canoe down to the water with two friends and zero plans. They got lost (twice), soaked (three times), and came home with mosquito bites and the kind of laughter that hurts your cheeks.
Driving back through familiar streets, Jake realized: the best adventure he’d had in years happened ten minutes from his driveway. Backwater Expeditions was born from that promise—to help locals fall wildly in love with the place they already live.
“There’s a moment on every trip when people stop talking about work and start pointing out clouds, turtles, and weird tree shapes. That’s the magic we chase.”
— Jake, Lead Guide & Chief Marsh Explorer
Questions, meet answers
FAQ for first-time (and nervous) paddlers.
I’ve never paddled before. Is that okay?
Absolutely. Most of our guests are first-timers. We’ll walk you through a fun, simple on-land lesson before you ever step into a boat, and your guide will be right there on the water. We keep routes easy and calm for beginners.
What should I bring?
Think comfortable and splash-friendly: quick-dry clothes or a swimsuit, sandals that can get wet, sunscreen, and a water bottle. We provide the boats, paddles, life jackets, dry bags for your phone and keys, and snacks on select tours.
Is it safe for kids?
Yes. We host families all the time. Kids must be able to wear a life jacket and sit still in the boat. We have child-sized life jackets and pick routes that are calm, shallow, and fun. Let us know ages when you book so we can tailor the trip.
What if the weather looks bad?
Your safety comes first. If conditions look unsafe (lightning, strong winds, heavy storms), we’ll reach out ahead of time to reschedule or refund. For light drizzle, we often still go—it can be surprisingly peaceful on the water!
Ready when you are
Your next favorite memory is one click and a few paddle strokes away.
Tell us who’s coming and when you’d like to paddle. We’ll match you with the perfect adventure and send all the details—including where to meet, what to expect, and exactly how splashy things might get.
- No payment required to start your booking inquiry
- We respond within one business day
- Easy rescheduling if life (or weather) happens
Prefer to chat? Call us at (555) 013-2026 and we’ll help you pick a date and trip in just a few minutes.
Start your booking
Share a few details about your group, and we’ll follow up to confirm your time, route, and any special touches.