Jocassee Lake Tours
Jocassee Lake Tours
5
Multi-day ToursBoat ToursPrivate ToursNature & Wildlife ToursKayaking & Canoeing
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
Full view

About
Join our naturalist guides for an exploration into the Jocassee Gorges, where four rivers tumble off the Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment, through a rugged temperate rainforest, and into beautiful Lake Jocassee. Our tours lead you through an ancient geological landscape that reveals the dynamic process of mountain building and harbors a diversity of rare plant and animal species. Let this fascinating place stimulate your curiosity, whether your interests lean towards the engineering of hydroelectric power or local Cherokee history. The Jocassee Gorges are one of the world’s great wild places!
Salem, United States
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
593 reviews
Excellent
561
Very good
19
Average
6
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Stephen G
20 contributions
Jun 2023
This is our third lake tour with Jocassee Lake Tours. It was an awesome way to spend father's day. Captain Rick was an informative and entertaining guide, and the natural beauty of Lake Jocassee is stunning. My favorite part was when we anchored by a waterfall (which tumbles directly into the lake!) and I swam to the falls and darted in and out of the cascading waters. This tour company has everything down to a science, and you will never feel unsure, uninformed or unsafe. Definitely take this tour! My favorite saying is that for the price of one month's boat payment, I can let someone else handle everything and enjoy 6 tours!
Written June 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind review and compliments for Ric! He is an extraordinary guide! Jocassee is a beautiful and unique ecosystem, and has some spectacular waterfalls. We appreciate your patronage of our company and appreciate your support. Please come visit us again!
Written July 2, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Danielle P
Coastal South Carolina, SC204 contributions
Aug 2021
My spouse and I had reservations yesterday, August 15, 2021, with the Jocassee lake tours company. For the most part we truly enjoyed everything and the lake is truly beautiful. We had the 2:30pm boat tour and Zach was our groups guide. There was some things that we both felt could have been better, and would've made our experience much more relaxing.
The reservations process was very easy and seamless during our booking process. The company sent us driving directions with the reservation and we did not have any issues with the parking or link up spot. What I was a little surprised with was that we were charged an additional $8 per person for access to the state park. We was told prior to of the fee but wasn't given an park pass, if we wanted to stay and enjoy the state park after our boat tour.
Upon arrival everybody was shuttle from the parking area over to the boat dock in 2 each suburban SUVs which carried 8 people. Unfortunately because this company was not doing anything COVID-19 pandemic precautions, there was people with and without face masks. On our boat we was briefed of the safety requirements by Zach, but this didn't include anything about the COVID-19 pandemic precautions.
I’m assuming that this company assumed that because we're on an open covered boat that their customers didn't need to wear face masks. But when you loaded our boat with 12 passengers plus our guide Zach, we was pretty close to each other and therefore at risk. I also appreciated our guide because he was very courtesy and professional. Zach was also very knowledgeable about all of highlights about lake Jocassee.
Unfortunately, Zach did allow some smokers to smoke while the boat was not in motion, without asking the other nonsmoker guests if they objected. So my spouse and I pretty much wore a face masks the whole tour because of the smoking and close proximity to the other guests. Lastly, we was on the boat for 3 hours and we was never offer any water by our guide which we was under the impression that water was included.
Overall I would have to say that we did enjoy the views and our experience….minus a few things that could have been better. I would recommend this experience to friends and family members who want a great experience and beautiful scenery.
The reservations process was very easy and seamless during our booking process. The company sent us driving directions with the reservation and we did not have any issues with the parking or link up spot. What I was a little surprised with was that we were charged an additional $8 per person for access to the state park. We was told prior to of the fee but wasn't given an park pass, if we wanted to stay and enjoy the state park after our boat tour.
Upon arrival everybody was shuttle from the parking area over to the boat dock in 2 each suburban SUVs which carried 8 people. Unfortunately because this company was not doing anything COVID-19 pandemic precautions, there was people with and without face masks. On our boat we was briefed of the safety requirements by Zach, but this didn't include anything about the COVID-19 pandemic precautions.
I’m assuming that this company assumed that because we're on an open covered boat that their customers didn't need to wear face masks. But when you loaded our boat with 12 passengers plus our guide Zach, we was pretty close to each other and therefore at risk. I also appreciated our guide because he was very courtesy and professional. Zach was also very knowledgeable about all of highlights about lake Jocassee.
Unfortunately, Zach did allow some smokers to smoke while the boat was not in motion, without asking the other nonsmoker guests if they objected. So my spouse and I pretty much wore a face masks the whole tour because of the smoking and close proximity to the other guests. Lastly, we was on the boat for 3 hours and we was never offer any water by our guide which we was under the impression that water was included.
Overall I would have to say that we did enjoy the views and our experience….minus a few things that could have been better. I would recommend this experience to friends and family members who want a great experience and beautiful scenery.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris L
2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
If you are contemplating spending the money on a private tour, but are not 100% sure I can vouch for it being worth every penny. Zach took us out on a 4 hour tour and I wish I would have selected the 6 hour tour, because time flew by. The family ranging from age 8 to age 80 all had fun and highlights like the waterfalls and swimming under them as well as rock/cliff jumping allowed us to make lasting memories. Jocassee Lake Tours made everything super simple and convenient and the crew was awesome. Highly recommend the trip for all ages.
Written August 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes indeed, a day with Jocassee Lake Tours is suitable for fun lovers of all ages! For the energetic and adventurous as well as the quiet and contemplative seeker of beauty (and everyone in between), Lake Jocassee has something for everyone. Our naturalist guides will hit the spot for everyone! Come back to see us soon.
Written August 5, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melissa Van Doren
2 contributions
Jul 2023
What a fun day! David and Jay were wonderful hosts as we explored part of Lake Jocassee by pontoon and kayak. There were 10 adult guests on our trip, with varying levels of experience. David's brief but effective instructions allowed everyone to paddle competently while Jay maintained a sweep position at the rear of the group to make sure all felt comfortable and safe. We paddled along the shore, seeing birds and learning about the forest, and up into coves to view waterfalls. Highlights included paddling Behind a big fall and getting out of our boats to have our lunches at the base of a breezy cascade, with some guests opting to take a short hike up to a waterfall pool for a chilly swim. Even picking up and towing the kayaks out to our start point was enjoyable as David shared some facts about the origins of Lake Jocassee along the way. And although it took some time to get our large group organized and into the boats to begin the paddling portion of the trip, most of us enjoyed bobbing around in the water and getting to know each other while we waited. Because the weather was hot and sunny, there were a lot of other boaters and waverunners on the lake, so it wasn't as peaceful as I had expected. I would choose a weekday for the next time. But overall - I highly recommend it for anyone who loves being on the water and in nature.
Written July 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isn't seeing Lake Jocassee via kayak THE way to go? We love to share this beautiful place. And to be able to do so in such a way that really affords you the opportunity to explore the deep reaches...places where boats can't typically access, is amazing. So glad you had the opportunity to go with us! We do hope you'll come again very soon!
Written July 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Msmattox
110 contributions
Jun 2021
Our family debated on renting a boat or doing a tour for our first time on Lake Jocassee. I am so glad that we decided on doing the tour! I highly recommend doing a tour for your first time on Lake Jocassee, we never would have been able to find all the great spots and learn all the information for this lake on our own. From booking the initial tour, the emails, the rescheduling because of bad weather and then rebooking, to the shuttle, the tour guide, and all the in betweens this company has fantastic communication and an amazing group of people in every area. Did I say I HIGHLY recommend this tour and company yet?!? If this is your first time, DO THE TOUR, you definitely will not regret it!!
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WOW! What a wonderful review! THANK YOU! We are so glad that you had a good time and that you were able to see some special places on Jocassee! Thank you for touring with us! We hope that you will come again very soon!
Written July 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stan M
7 contributions
Mar 2023
We enjoyed a lovely pontoon boat tour on Sunday with Cheryl as our guide. Although it was a chilly day, JLT has blankets and hot drinks to help ward off the chill. We were lucky enough to see the loon, the grebes, the rare Oconee bells in bloom as well as a number of waterfalls. Cheryl was very knowledgeable about the area, as a native of the area. She had wonderful history to share about the building of the lake and what treasures it has to offer. We would highly recommend Jocassee Lake Tours and look forward to exploring all of the other options the company has to offer. Kayak tours, wildlife outdoor education. A treasure for the area.
Written March 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for touring with us on beautiful Lake Jocassee! Sheryl exemplifies the passion of place we strive to share with all of our guests company wide! We love this place and are so thankful for people like you who we can share it with! Thank you for coming and come again soon!
Written April 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cindy R
1 contribution
Jul 2023
Our guide was a joke. He talked non stop mostly about nothing. My children and grandchildren came from Michigan, I was so excited to share this special experience with them. They were so board that they fell asleep. We also had a woman aboard our boat that was drinking and became very intoxicated. We were not able to do any videos because our drunk rider was so loud. We did very little swimming because so much time was wasted just sitting still on the lake listening to our guide Rick talk about nonsense. I hope this was an experience that is rare and that others have had a great time. Im heart broken because I had built this up to my grand children and they were so let down. Waste of a lot of money and our time. Not a happy family!!!!!
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's tough to get a bad review but the rare ones from the past have been valuable, because it's what helps JLT get better at what we do. Expectations differ, and we strive to meet everyone's expectations to the very best of our ability. Public tours are a mixed bag. Some people show up ready and eager to swim, some don't. Almost everyone is eager to learn all they can about the history and ecology that makes the Jocassee Gorges one of the last great places on earth, and our guides do an amazing job of accommodating that interest. This interpretation takes skill and a sincere interest the natural world, neither of which we consider nonsense or nothing. This is what we do... no apologies. However, a passenger having a little too much of a good time is beyond our control. (Which may have figured in to the shortened swim time.) This reviewer has been given a gift certificate towards another trip, with hopes of a better experience next time!
Written July 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer E
5 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
This lake is gorgeous! We had a great guide, Sheryl, who gave us the history of Lake Jocassee and showed us many lovely waterfalls and also highlighted the native plants and trees. I will definitely come back and do this tour again!
Written October 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for coming to tour this beautiful place with us and the kind review!
Written October 31, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beth M
Greer, SC2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We recently stayed at Devils Fork State Park and took this tour. Excellent experience on 4-hour tour of lake Jocassee. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the lake and the surrounding area. We stopped at several different waterfalls and were given time to swim as well. I highly recommend this tour!!
Written August 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for choosing Jocassee Lake Tours! It was a pleasure having you as our guest, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Written October 10, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elisabeth A
2 contributions
Jul 2022
What a wonderful time we had on the sunset cruise. Sheryl guided us around part of the lake sharing the history, geology, and info about the plant and animal life along the shore. There was an opportunity to swim in a small cove which has a waterfall.
It was a relaxing time spent on a gorgeous lake topped off with a lovely sunset over the mountains which reflected on the water. Just beautiful.
It was a relaxing time spent on a gorgeous lake topped off with a lovely sunset over the mountains which reflected on the water. Just beautiful.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for coming to experience Lake Jocassee at sunset with us! Isn't it a magical time? So glad that you had a good time! Please come again soon!
Written July 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Happiness15630844826
Greenville, South Carolina
Does the sunset tour visit any of the waterfalls also? Or just the daytime tours?
Written May 1, 2023
Kay W
Salem, South Carolina
Greetings, and thanks for asking! Please go to our website and click the "Tours" tab at the top of the page. You can get there by putting together Jocassee and Lake and Tours, lol. That way you can see all options!
Written June 14, 2020
gnicole27
Beaufort, South Carolina
Will you have boat tours this weekend 5/29/20-6/1/20? How much for adult and child?
Written May 27, 2020
You need to call them to find out. During covid, their boats are limited to 8 people. The people here are tourists like you, not representatives of the company.
Written May 27, 2020
We also paid $50 apiece plus a little tip for our guide. We did a Wed. 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Well worth it!
Written May 28, 2019
I'd love to book one of your open tours but my two kids are terrified of dogs and won't be comfortable with them on board. How can we go on a tour sans digs?
Written July 2, 2017
Sure. Just let us know when you're coming and we'll make sure no dogs are on your boat.
Written May 21, 2019
Kay W
Salem, South Carolina
We do welcome well behaved lap dogs under 30 pounds on our public tours. We occasionally have a guest bring a larger dog (and they don't always tell us a dog is coming!) and as long as everyone else is okay with that, we are happy to accommodate. However, we appreciate knowing beforehand if it's a larger dog than would fit in your lap.
Written April 11, 2017
Are you open today, March 21? We're headed your way from Simpsonville & would like to book a tour!
Written March 21, 2017
Kay W
Salem, South Carolina
Hi Julie! I know the date has passed but I want to clarify a previous answer. Devils Fork State Park does NOT offer tours at all. Eclectic Sun is the on-site provider at DFSP for pontoon and kayak rentals. JLT works with ES to offer park guests the opportunity to tour the lake without renting a private pontoon. JLT offers tours every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 10-1 (generally... sometimes we offer alternate times) for $45. These tours can be booked directly through us, or through Eclectic Sun, but NOT through Devils Fork State Park! Hope this helps for the future!
Written April 11, 2017
Do we have to go on a tour or can we just enter the lake and explore on our own?
Also, is there a place to rent boats or canoes etc?
Written February 23, 2017
Sherrie C
Salem, South Carolina
Hi there. This is Sherrie from Jocassee Lake Tours. The only way to get on to Lake Jocassee is through Devils Fork State Park at the main dock or kayak ramps. Eclectic Sun is located in the park and offers Pontoon Rental. We also offer kayak rental. The closest waterfall is a 1 1/2 hour paddle one way which is Wright Creek falls. The lake is beautiful and if you are wanting to tour the falls, they are only accessible by boat. Give us a call if you would like to book a tour.
Written February 23, 2017
am interested in a tour during the week of October 25th. There will be 4 or 5 of us. Is that going to be possible?
Written October 14, 2015
Kay W
Salem, South Carolina
Absolutely! Just give us a call and we'll go over your options.
Written October 14, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.