Barrier Island Eco Tours: A Family Legacy and Gateway to Capers Island, SC

By Mark A Leon

Tucked just 15 miles north of Charleston, South Carolina, Barrier Island EcoTours is much more than a tour company—it’s a local, family-run business dedicated to connecting visitors with the wild beauty of Capers Island and the Lowcountry’s pristine barrier islands. From hands-on wildlife encounters to hearty southern cookouts, every experience offered bears the mark of deep local roots and a genuine passion for the region’s unique ecosystem.

Family Origins

Barrier Island EcoTours was founded in 1997 by Shane Ziegler and his high school friend, Jose Hernandez. The inspiration for the business came to them while roasting oysters on Capers Island, where they envisioned sharing their love of the outdoors with others. 

Shane, a Clemson University graduate in resource management, then worked as an educator at Hunting Island State Park. Jose, a College of Charleston marine biology alum, was working with blue crabs in Mexico. Together, they pooled their expertise and bought a boat, paving the way for what would become a beloved ecotourism company. 

Today, Shane manages the business with his wife, Morgan, and their children are often seen enjoying life on the water—a reflection of the family’s commitment to both sustainability and outdoor adventure. Their small but dedicated staff of naturalists and captains, some with over 20 years of tenure, further contributes to the welcoming, knowledgeable atmosphere that has become the company’s hallmark.

Tour Services and Experiences

Barrier Island EcoTours offers a diverse menu of excursions, designed for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers of all ages. Every trip departs from the Isle of Palms Marina, transporting guests through winding salt marshes and tidal creeks before arriving at Capers Island Heritage Preserve—a rare, undeveloped destination on South Carolina’s coast.

Popular offerings include:

• Wildlife Exploration Tours: Led by expert naturalists, these boat excursions provide up-close encounters with bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and a variety of shore and wading birds. Guides use crab traps and cast nets to bring marine life aboard, allowing guests to examine creatures in the onboard touch tank for a hands-on learning experience.

• Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruises: These 2.5-hour journeys highlight the region’s spectacular sunsets and unique wildlife, with plenty of opportunities for shelling and birdwatching. Guests are welcome to bring their own refreshments to enjoy during the trip.

• Traditional Blue Crabbing Trips: Families can try their hand at classic Lowcountry crabbing using hand lines and nets, followed by a celebratory crab boil with the morning’s catch. It’s an immersive introduction to the region’s heritage and culinary traditions.

• Beachside Cookouts: Barrier Island EcoTours is famed for its authentic southern shrimp boils held on the beach, featuring fresh local shrimp, smoked sausage, corn, potatoes, and onions. These cookouts are offered for both group and private bookings, accompanied by sunset views and beach games.

• Private Charters and Fishing Excursions: For those seeking a customized adventure, private eco tours and fishing charters are available on boats accommodating different group sizes.

Educational Philosophy

A cornerstone of Barrier Island EcoTours is its commitment to environmental stewardship. The guides seamlessly blend education and entertainment, teaching guests of all ages about the complex barrier island ecosystems. Whether on a school field trip, family outing, or corporate team-building day, visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the Lowcountry’s fragile environment.

Why Choose Barrier Island EcoTours?

With a 25-year legacy and a deep-rooted sense of place, Barrier Island EcoTours stands out for its family atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and diverse, immersive experiences. Whether you’re searching for dolphins, crabbing the old-fashioned way, or savoring a shrimp boil on the shore, the company offers a perfect blend of adventure, discovery, and Southern hospitality—making it a must-do for anyone exploring the Charleston area.

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Photo Credit: Barrier Island Ecotours