CHARLESTON CHICKEN & OYSTER TOUR
Pickup Location/Date/Time
Charleston Visitor Center Bus Shed, Monday -Friday
8:30am-130pm or 11:30am-4:30pm
Charleston FAMOUS Chicken Brunch
Included
Oyster Nursery Tour, Oyster Farm Tour, & Oyster Boat Tour
Included
Oyster Tasting
Included
Luxury Transportation
Included
Alcohol
BYOB
Bottled Water
Included
Snacks
Included
Deluxe Souvenir Gift Bag
Included
Booking Deposit
Online - Full Charge
Phone - 25% Deposit
Advance Reservation
Required
Price & Duration
2-8 Guests, $250 per guest
8-18 Guests, $225 per guest
Private upgrade available (including party bus for min. 6 guests) with door-to-door transportation - additional $275
4 ½ to 5 ½ hours, traffic dependant
Please book at least 24 hours in advance - Extra hours are additionally charged. All tours include entry fees and a guide. We reserve the right to combine groups of 8 or less into a larger group.
All tours include luxury transportation, guide, chauffeur, brunch & tastings. Rates do not include driver or guide gratuity. BYOB
Nestled just one hour outside the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina, the Lowcountry Oyster Company unfolds a captivating narrative of the journey from the nurturing stages of oysters in their farm, to the savory experience on your plate. Embarking on a tour with them is not just a visual spectacle; it's an immersive odyssey through the lifecycle of these briny treasures that grace the culinary scene all year round.
The tour starts with a scenic 75 minute ride in luxury transportation beginning at the Charleston Visitor Center Bus Shed. On the way to our destination, the limo will stop at Dodge’s Chicken for the “Best Fried Chicken in the South”, as voted by Southern Living Magazine. Nestled in a gas station off the highway, this stop will be the lip-lickinest way to start our day. Choose from their breakfast or lunch menu, and bring your meal back to the bus for our journey to the Charleston ACE Basin. The ACE Basin is a sprawling and ecologically vital region defined by the convergence of the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers. Encompassing approximately 350,000 acres, it stands as one of the largest undeveloped estuaries along the Atlantic Coast. This expanse comprises tidal marshes, cypress swamps, and maritime forests, fostering a diverse ecosystem crucial for migratory birds, fish, and various wildlife.
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The basin's success story lies in collaborative conservation efforts initiated in the late 1980s. Private landowners, government agencies, and organizations like The Nature Conservancy played key roles in establishing conservation easements, ensuring a delicate balance between environmental preservation and sustainable land management. Today, the ACE Basin not only serves as a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering recreational activities like birdwatching and kayaking but also stands as an educational hub, promoting awareness about the importance of preserving such ecologically significant regions. This testament to successful conservation demonstrates the positive outcomes achievable through community engagement, environmental stewardship, and the harmonious coexistence of nature and responsible land use practices.
At the heart of this maritime adventure in the basin is the commitment to sustainability. Lowcountry Oyster Company employs state-of-the-art cage farming techniques to cultivate oyster babies in their nursery, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with the delicate coastal ecosystem. This eco-conscious approach not only preserves the natural habitat but also guarantees a continuous supply of these delectable mollusks, allowing enthusiasts to relish the briny goodness irrespective of the season.
Your journey begins in the nursery, where the delicate oyster babies are tenderly nurtured. Here, amidst the tranquil waters, you witness the very inception of the culinary marvels that will soon find their way to seafood enthusiasts' plates. It's a testament to the meticulous care and attention that goes into fostering these marine gems, ensuring they mature into plump, flavorful oysters that embody the essence of the Lowcountry.
Transitioning from the nursery to the vast expanse of the oyster farm, the tour unravels the secrets of sustainable farming. The carefully designed cages provide a sheltered environment for the oysters to thrive, mimicking the conditions of their natural habitat. This not only fosters their growth but also ensures the minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem, reinforcing the company's commitment to environmental stewardship.
As the oysters mature under the gentle guidance of the farmers, they transform into the renowned single selects, affectionately known as Lowcountry Cups. These oysters bear the distinctive imprint of the region, a unique flavor profile that captures the essence of the local waters. The tour offers an up-close encounter with these iconic oysters, allowing participants to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into curating this culinary delight.
The journey continues, seamlessly blending land and water experiences. A boat ride, with the gentle breeze carrying the briny scent of the sea, provides a panoramic view of the oyster beds. The rhythmic swaying of the boat is a symphony, resonating with the natural harmony of the surroundings. Participants not only witness the oysters in their aquatic habitat but also gain insights into the intricate web of marine life that coexists with these bivalves. It’s not promised, but dolphin watching may also be included here!
The immersive nature of the tour extends beyond the visual and auditory senses. Visitors are encouraged to engage their tactile senses, feeling the rugged texture of oyster shells and appreciating the labor-intensive process of farming. This hands-on experience fosters a deeper connection with the journey, allowing participants to comprehend the significance of sustainable practices in preserving both the environment and the culinary heritage of the Lowcountry.
Culminating in a sensory feast, the tour invites participants to savor the fruits of this labor—a taste of the Lowcountry encapsulated in a single oyster. The briny succulence, the nuanced flavor profile, and the freshness that lingers on the palate are a testament to the commitment of the Lowcountry Oyster Company to delivering an unparalleled gastronomic experience.
This tour is not merely a visual spectacle, but a holistic exploration of the journey from farm to fork. It embodies the delicate balance between culinary indulgence and environmental responsibility, weaving a narrative that celebrates the richness of the Lowcountry's maritime heritage. So, come aboard this maritime odyssey, where every oyster tells a story, and every story is a celebration of the bountiful waters that define the soul of the Lowcountry.
What to Bring?
- We encourage you to bring a camera and your best learning attitude. Sunscreen, a hat, and bottled water are also a good idea - we do have these things available for purchase in case you forget.
- BYOB!
What to Wear?
- Wear old clothes that you do not mind getting dirty or wet! A T-shirt, pants or shorts, closed-toe shoes, and a hat are great outfits for the day.
How will we be getting around at the Oyster Farm?
- We will visit the oyster farm on our 20’ Carolina Skiff or similar, and the rest of the tour will be walking around the site.
Will there be other people on my tour?
- Potentially! If you book with our “private upgrade” it will only be your crew in the limo and on the boat!
What about bad weather?
- All tours are weather dependent. A bit of rain may not stop us, and we will try to keep your scheduled date. If the weather is too severe, we will discuss alternative options and rescheduling.