Discover a rare natural wonder by kayak with Carolina Safari Co.’s new 2026 tour

Adventure meets conservation this summer as Carolina Safari Co. unveils an exciting new kayak tour for the 2026 season. Nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to paddle alongside local naturalist Captain Zach Steinhauser on a guided journey through one of the Southeast’s most breathtaking seasonal displays.

Set along the scenic Catawba River within Landsford Canal State Park, this immersive tour offers a front-row seat to the world’s largest known bloom of the rare Rocky Shoals Spider Lily. These striking white flowers blanket the river’s rocky shoals in a short-lived but unforgettable display each year.

Once common in shallow, fast-moving rivers across South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, the spider lily nearly vanished due to extensive dam construction over the past two centuries. Today, thanks to conservation efforts led by organizations like South Carolina State Parks, the species survives in only a handful of locations; making this experience both rare and meaningful!

Captain Zach, widely recognized for his popular Purple Martin tours, is expanding Carolina Safari Co.’s offerings to showcase even more of the region’s unique ecosystems. “This is one of the most spectacular natural events in the Southeast,” says Steinhauser. “Experiencing it by kayak puts you right in the heart of it.”

Tour Details:

Cost: $80 per paddler
Minimum Age: 14
Included: Kayak, paddle, and life jacket
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Spots are limited due to the seasonal nature of the bloom and high demand. Reserve your kayak today: 👉 https://www.carolinasafarico.com/spider-lily-tour

Don’t miss your chance to witness one of nature’s rarest floral spectacles from the best seat on the water! Zach Steinhauser, a Naturalist at Wingard’s Market, is the owner of the Carolina Safari Company, and the cinematographer who debuted Purple Haze: A Conservation Film.