The most complete eco-tourism operator in the Savannah area is the 35-year-old nonprofit Wilderness Southeast (912/897-5108, www.wilderness-southeast.org, $10–35). Guided trips include paddles to historic Mulberry Grove, birding trips, and beach explorations. Regularly scheduled “Walks on the Wild Side” run the gamut from “Alligators to Anhingas” to the “Urban Forest” to “Explore the Night Sky” to the “Blackwater River Float.” Custom tours are also available.

On Highway 80 just as you get on Tybee Island is another quality tour service, Sea Kayak Georgia (1102 Hwy. 80, 888/529-2542, www.seakayakgeorgia.com, $55 for half-day tour). Run by locals Marsha Henson and Ronnie Kemp, both certified kayak and canoe instructors, Sea Kayak offers many different types of kayak tours of the coast, and can even customize one to your tastes. Instruction classes are also offered.

Run by Capt. Mike Neal, an experienced local boatsman and conservationist, Moon River Kayak Tours (912/898-1800, www.moonriverkayak.com, $50) focuses on 2.5-hour tours of the Skidaway Narrows and scenic Moon River, departing from the public boat ramp at the foot of the main bridge to Skidaway Island. No kayaking experience is required.