About Us


Commodore Chris Crolley
Captain Chris Crolley was the very first mate on the Bulls Island Ferry in 1994. Working his way up the ranks, Chris earned his 50-ton Master Captain license, developed the Island Quest field study program and eventually became the steward of Coastal Expeditions. He has led expeditions from the cold waters of Nova Scotia down to the blue seas of the Caribbean and has led trips for groups like REI, Linblad's National Geographic Explorer and private expeditions. Find Out More


Admiral William Christenson
As lead captain on the Bulls Island Ferry, Captain Wil brings a deep understanding about marine biology and environmental education to our team. He earned a Master of Science at the College of Charleston by studying the species status of a group of coral reef fishes. In addition, Wil is a USCG-licensed Near Coastal Master and a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer. During his career, Wil has led educational adventures in Charleston, the Windward Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the Florida Keys. An outing with Capt. Wil is unmatched, both for his knowledge and passion.
Nick Johnson, First Mate
Nick is our first mate on the Island Cat in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Notably, he has swindled Captain Wil out of countless nickels with his ability to correctly identify Bald Eagles from afar. An avid gardener, Nick loves the collard greens at the SeeWee Restaurant, and plans to start a self-sustaining aquaculture farm some day.




Weatherly Meadors
Growing up on the tidal creeks and barrier islands around Charleston gave this atypical Southern Belle a true love for the Lowcountry. While most Southern girls dream of becoming Homecoming Queen, Weatherly obtained the equally prestigious title of Pluff Mud Queen. When not out on the water exploring pristine areas by kayak or naturalizing on Bull Island, she is pursuing a master's degree in Marine Biology. Weatherly is a captain and naturalist on the Bulls Island Ferry.


Gates Roll
With a love for everything that crawls or swims, Gates grew up as a true creek rat in the woods of Georgia and the marshes of South Carolina. Gates has worked on fishing boats in Myrtle Beach and on a sailboat in Spain, but he prefers smaller craft in the quiet backwaters of his stomping grounds, sharing his knowledge of the ecosystem he loves so much. He is captain and naturalist on the Bulls Island Ferry, and our lead multi-day expedition guide.


Ian Sanchez
Not only is Ian one of the best historical interpreters you'll ever meet, he is an incredible naturalist with a deep understanding and appreciation for the Carolina Lowcountry. An award-winning PBS documentary, Web of Water, followed Ian's kayak journey from the South Carolina mountains to the Atlantic. For the last 10 years, Ian has been an integral part of Coastal Expeditions as both a kayak guide and education leader.





2012 Guide Training on Bulls Island

Who We Are

Coastal Expeditions is a small, family-owned business that was created in 1992.

Owner Chris Crolley worked his way up from $6.25 an hour as First Mate on the Island Cat 18 years ago and can still be found leading tours, washing the deck and tending the lines (although less often than he'd like!).

Over the years, Coastal Expeditions has grown into a group of dedicated naturalists using kayaks and boats to get people into beautiful places. We love what we do and it is our mission to share the blackwater, rivers and salt marshes with you.

As Charleston's original outfitter, we have set the standard for environmental education and stewardship in this region of the country. Our guides have an enviable collective resume that includes guiding for Linblad's National Geographic Explorer, educating students in the British Virgin Islands, advanced degrees in marine biology and more.

For more information about who we are and what we do, visit Coastal Expeditions or call our flagship store on Shem Creek at (843) 884-7684.

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Naturalist Mates & Educators

The mates on the Island Cat are all dedicated naturalists with a passion for the ecology of the Lowcountry. Each year, they participate in a training session that includes lifeguard certification, first aid and CPR certification, kayaking instruction and natural and human history. They enrich the Bulls Island experience by sharing their understanding about this dynamic ecosystem.

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Our History within Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

In 1994, five years after Hurricane Hugo devestated Bulls Island with high winds and a 20-foot storm surge, Coastal Expeditions was awarded the contract for group services. Over the last 18 years, we have cultivated relationships within the refuge, and we feel fortunate to be able to provide ferry service to Bulls Island and other areas of the refuge, educating visitors and students.

Coastal Expeditions is the exclusive provider of guided services into Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, under the leadership of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. If you plan to visit an island within the refuge, we are the only company that can provide service for hire.

Lead Captains
	Commodore Chris Crolley Captain Chris Crolley was the very first mate on the Bulls Island Ferry in 1994. Working his way up the ranks, Chris earned his 50-ton Master Captain license, developed the Island Quest field study program and eventually became the steward of Coastal Expeditions. He has led expeditions from the cold waters of Nova Scotia down to the blue seas of the Caribbean and has led trips for groups like REI, Linblad's National Geographic Explorer and private expeditions. Find Out More
	Admiral William Christenson As lead captain on the Bulls Island Ferry, Captain Wil brings a deep understanding about marine biology and environmental education to our team. He earned a Master of Science at the College of Charleston by studying the species status of a group of coral reef fishes. In addition, Wil is a USCG-licensed Near Coastal Master and a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer. During his career, Wil has led educational adventures in Charleston, the Windward Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the Florida Keys. An outing with Capt. Wil is unmatched, both for his knowledge and passion.

Naturalist Educators and Mates
	Nick Johnson, First Mate Nick is our first mate on the Island Cat in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Notably, he has swindled Captain Wil out of countless nickels with his ability to correctly identify Bald Eagles from afar. An avid gardener, Nick loves the collard greens at the SeeWee Restaurant, and plans to start a self-sustaining aquaculture farm some day.
	Weatherly Meadors Growing up on the tidal creeks and barrier islands around Charleston gave this atypical Southern Belle a true love for the Lowcountry. While most Southern girls dream of becoming Homecoming Queen, Weatherly obtained the equally prestigious title of Pluff Mud Queen. When not out on the water exploring pristine areas by kayak or naturalizing on Bull Island, she is pursuing a master's degree in Marine Biology. Weatherly is a captain and naturalist on the Bulls Island Ferry.
	Gates Roll With a love for everything that crawls or swims, Gates grew up as a true creek rat in the woods of Georgia and the marshes of South Carolina. Gates has worked on fishing boats in Myrtle Beach and on a sailboat in Spain, but he prefers smaller craft in the quiet backwaters of his stomping grounds, sharing his knowledge of the ecosystem he loves so much. He is captain and naturalist on the Bulls Island Ferry, and our lead multi-day expedition guide.
	Ian Sanchez Not only is Ian one of the best historical interpreters you'll ever meet, he is an incredible naturalist with a deep understanding and appreciation for the Carolina Lowcountry. An award-winning PBS documentary, Web of Water, followed Ian's kayak journey from the South Carolina mountains to the Atlantic. For the last 10 years, Ian has been an integral part of Coastal Expeditions as both a kayak guide and education leader.