In the Grand Strand, you can enjoy kayaking on the Waccamaw River and Winyah Bay. Some key kayaking and canoeing areas in the Charleston area are Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Shem Creek, Isle of Palms, Charleston Harbor, and the Stono River. The best outfitter and tour operator in the area is Coastal Expeditions (843/884-7684, www.coastalexpeditions.com).

Farther south in the Lowcountry are the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto blackwater rivers, which combine to form the ACE Basin. Next is Port Royal Sound near Beaufort. A good outfitter and tour operator in this area is Carolina Heritage Outfitters (Hwy. 15, Canadys, S.C., 843/563-5051, www.canoesc.com).

The Hilton Head/Bluffton area have good kayaking opportunities at Hilton Head’s Calibogue Creek and Bluffton’s May River. The best outfitter and tour operator here is Outside Hilton Head (843/686-6996, www.outsidehiltonhead.com).

Inland, some great kayaking opportunities can be found at many state parks and natural areas, including Congaree National Park and Woods Bay State Natural Area. You can also kayak or canoe on any of the great manmade reservoirs that dot inland South Carolina, including Lake Jocasee, Lake Hartwell, and Lake Marion.