Guides

Where the shrimp boats dock: a guide to Shem Creek

Ten minutes from downtown, Shem Creek is still a working shrimp harbor. Here is what you will see and when to go.

High Tide Harbor Tours5 March 20264 min read
Shrimp boats and charter boats docked along Shem Creek

Shem Creek sits in Mount Pleasant, about ten minutes from downtown Charleston, and it is still a working shrimp harbor, not a recreated one.

What you will see

Shrimp trawlers tied up between runs, waterfront restaurants that get their catch straight off the dock, and some of the calmest water in the area for a sunset run.

Shrimp boats and charter boats docked along Shem Creek
Shrimp boats and charter boats docked along Shem Creek
  • Best light is about an hour before sunset
  • Calm, sheltered water even when the main harbor has chop
  • Pairs well with a longer sunset or historical tour

We usually run Shem Creek as one stop on a longer charter rather than a trip on its own. Ask about adding it to a sunset or historical tour when you book.

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