Sunset Blackwater Swamp Paddle with Fireflies Viewing

duration: 2.5 hrs (about 1-1.5 hrs on water, 30-45min watching fireflies from landing, 15 minute shuttle before and after).
meeting_point: Woodlands Nature Preserve
description: -First time public offering, previously reserved for family and friends only! Prepare for sensory overload!

*PLEASE CALL FOR GROUP BOOKINGS OF MORE THAN 10. Other days and times may be available for groups of 6+.

• This trip does require an approximately 15 minute scenic shuttle ride on private dirt roads across the property to the swamp area.

• We use a 15 passenger van for our shuttle vehicle, but shuttles will be limited to 12 people max (except on private tours)

About

The Sunset Blackwater Swamp Paddle with Fireflies tour at The Woodlands Nature Reserve is a special version of our Blackwater Cypress Swamp Tour offering a unique opportunity to kayak, enjoy the sunset, and view fireflies, including a synchronous synchronous species in one of South Carolina’s most mysterious ecosystems. As the sun sets, the swamp comes alive with frog and bird songs. This gives way to a dazzling light show provided by fireflies. For a short period of time in late Spring/early Summer photuris frontalis aka Snappy Single Sync display a mating ritual of quick synchronized flashes. There are very few places in the world you can view this natural spectacle and being situated on a private nature preserve, makes for an intimate experience. Your naturalist guide will share their knowledge of the plants, animals, and history of this special forest.

Equipment

We often recommend tandem kayaks for this trip, as it makes it easier to keep the group together and for everyone to be able to see and hear. However, we have a set number of single kayaks available for each outing, so be sure to make a note at the time of your booking of the number of single kayaks preferred for your group.
what_is_included: - Guided Tour
what_to_bring: - Layered clothing appropriate to the season, long light layer recommended as bug protection
- Secure footwear (don't necessarily need to get them wet and closed toe may be best for bug protection)
- (Optional) Headlamp w/ red light(we will ask that you keep lights off except when absolutely necessary, only use red light, and shine light only toward ground, as light pollution negatively effect the fireflies and their ability to reproduce)