Dive In and Explore Kiawah Outdoor Water Activities 

Being an Island, the options for outdoor water activities on Kiawah are endless. As one of the main amenities available here, you can get out and play on the water year-round. 

Check out our list of Kiawah outdoor water activities below, and we’ll see you out on the water! 

1. Sail Away

Hop on board a boat of your preference — sailboat, jet boat, or fishing boat — and explore Kiawah’s waters. Navigate through the Kiawah River as you make your way out to the Atlantic sea. Cruise the shoreline and sightsee by keeping an eye out for wildlife and gazing out at the waves. Dock in calm waters and dive right into the water with snorkeling gear in hand. Or, just rest on the boat’s deck and use this time to unwind and relax. 

If you are a Kiawah Island Club Member, you can rent a boat from the Cassique boathouse and kayak dock among many other Kiawah outdoor water activities to partake in.

Where to rent a boat on Kiawah Island: Bohicket Marina on the north side of the Island has boat rentals, along with fishing and sailing charters. Beforehand, stop at Freshfields Village down the way and pick up some food and refreshments to take with you!

2. Catch of the Day

Challenge yourself with some deep-sea fishing and see what you can catch. Kiawah’s waters are home to hundreds of species of freshwater and ocean fish. 

Whiting are a tasty fish that typically feed at the bottom of the ocean. Try some shrimp bait and you’re bound to catch at least one. Another delicious fish to catch is the spotted sea trout, which grows up to 12 pounds. If you’re wanting a sport fish, go for the flounder or redfish — the latter weighing as much as 80 pounds. Offshore fish you will find at least 7 miles out at sea include marlin, tuna, and swordfish. 

Bass fishers can catch largemouth bass in several of the Island’s freshwater ponds, the best ponds being near the River Course. If you’re looking to catch something just for the fun of it, many of the ponds are stocked with bluegills and tilapia. 

Places to fish on the Island: Depending on what you’re trying to catch on your hook, there are several places across the Island that are home to a variety of fish. If you’re looking for an offshore charter, look no further than Captain Mike Tucker for a guided fishing tour. 

3. Paddle On

By far one of the best ways to see the Island’s beauty is from the water. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the many marshes, ponds, lagoons, and rivers that make up the area. Not only is this an enjoyable way to get outside and get some fresh air, but a leisure paddle through some of the most beautiful natural scenery provides a special opportunity to get close to nature. 

Step into your kayak, slip into the water, and take your time meandering through the tall marsh grasses. Look for local wildlife, like the alligators that enjoy peeking out from the water’s surface. Anyone looking for a water sport that’s faster-paced can instead step onto a paddleboard and begin exploring, all while getting a good workout at the same time. 

Where to rent paddle boards and kayaks: SeaCoast Sports and Outfitters is the Island’s go-to place when needing anything for a day full of Kiawah outdoor water activities. Rent kayaks and paddle boards by the day, or for three and seven days if you will be visiting longer than a weekend. 

4. Wine and Dine

Waterfront dining counts as an outdoor activity in our book, and Kiawah has several restaurants with oceanfront views you do not want to miss. The Atlantic Room and Ryder Cup Bar have both ocean and fairway views that are especially incredible on a sunny day. Imagine the sun reflecting off the Atlantic and the course’s greens glowing. 

Pick up a picnic from the Market at Town Center and enjoy your meal on the beach at Beachwalker park or on the banks of the Kiawah River. Dining waterfront and al-fresco is one of the many adventures to be had here. After your meal, dip your toes into the cool ocean water for an apres-dinner adventure. 

5. Take a Dip

A day at one of Kiawah’s pools makes for a fantastic experience. Club Members have access to three gorgeous pool facilities, each offering different features and amenities. 

The Beach Club Pool is the best choice for families with children wanting to swim and play in one of the three pools here. Marsh House is where the Island’s adults go when they are wanting spectacular views accompanied by cocktails and delicious food. Members who enjoy swimming for the workout benefits tend to head down to the Sports Pavilion with its Olympic sized swimming pool and exercise classes held in the water. 

Waterfront Homes on Kiawah Island

Are you drawn to the water? Kiawah’s varied landscape offers the chance to live in a waterfront residence overlooking the ocean, rivers, marshland, creeks, or lagoons. When building or purchasing a home, every vantage point has been designed to maximize the views in your home. When deciding which waterfront is best for you, consider your lifestyle and the outdoor water activities you enjoy. 

Across Kiawah Island, you can find estates, cottages, villas, and homesites to accommodate your plans. If you’re interested in purchasing an existing residence or building a home, view our available listings with waterfront views.