It’s safe to say that the ocean is the center of attention here on Isle of Palms. The beautiful beaches and tidal creeks bordering both sides of the island make for a picturesque setting that is second-to-none in along the South Carolina coast. In addition to swimming and fishing in the waters of the Atlantic, testing your skills at crabbing on the Isle of Palms is an excellent activity that the entire family will love doing together! There are plenty of spots near IOP for a fun and immersive crabbing experience near other great attractions and activities!
Reel in a free copy of our Vacation Guide for local info and tips that help you plan your beach trip itinerary!
Experience the Best of IOP
4 of the Best Places for Crabbing in Isle of Palms
Barrier Island Eco Tours
Barrier Island Eco Tours is a fantastic way to get out and experience the best crabbing on Isle of Palms. Their blue crabbing excursion tour takes you past Dewees Island to Capers Island, where experienced guides teach you how to set up a crab trap and let you cast your trap into the water! You’ll also learn a little bit of history about the local blue and stone crab populations as you pull in your fresh catch! The tour concludes with a crab boil on the beach!
Go Crabbing on Your Own!
While there aren’t any public access points where you can go crabbing on Isle of Palms other than the beach (you likely won’t catch anything there), you can take a quick trip over to Mount Pleasant for a fantastic crabbing experience in the marshy inlets.
Pickett Park and Pitt Street Bridge
Pitt Street Bridge is the most beautiful spot to go grabbing near Isle of Palms. This old bridge that once connected Mount Pleasant with Sullivan’s Island serves up stunning views of the Charleston Harbor, especially during sunset. Try to hit this spot during the changing of tides, where the slow-moving water gives you a great shot at catching some crabs!
Shem Creek Park
Shem Creek Park is the most fun and exciting spot to go crabbing near Isle of Palms! This is a great place to catch a few crabs and relax before heading over to one of the many popular restaurants along the mouth of Shem Creek for some food and a cold drink as you sit at a cabana bar overlooking the water.
Palmetto Island County Park
Palmetto Island County Park is a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to crabbing on Mount Pleasant. This wooded area off of Long Point Road borders a network of tidal creeks on the Wando River and features a designated crabbing dock, a playground and picnic area, and a 50-foot observation tower. Admission is $2 per vehicle.
Relax in Your East Islands Rental Home
After catching your fair share of crabs, head back to your East Islands Rentals vacation home for a relaxing evening of beach walks, sunset views, and quality family time! We have a large selection of oceanfront properties that put you steps away from the pristine stretches of IOP beaches, where you can sit out on your porch and take in a deep breath of the fresh, salty sea air. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and things to do within walking distance and you can take a 5-minute drive over to the heart of Sullivan’s Island for more local fare!
Start planning your Isle of Palms beach adventure by booking your home today! We look forward to welcoming you to our SC island paradise!