South Carolina’s Sea Islands offer stunning beaches, dunes, marshes, wetlands, and maritime forests. On one side is the magnificent Atlantic Ocean, and on the other are creeks and inland waterways that offer their own unique appeal.
If you enjoy hiking, paddling, kayaking, and spending time outdoors, you’ve come to the right place.
1) The easiest way to connect with nature is to get those toes in the sand. Just walk the beach, soak in the sunshine, and listen to the lull of the waves. No matter where you stay, you are never far from one of the spectacular beaches of this coastal paradise.
2) Visit Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge on Bulls Island, an exceptional escape with 22 miles of coastline that provides a rich mosaic of the region’s ecosystems. The diverse system supports more than 293 bird species, other wildlife, and abundant fisheries. The Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as staff are available. When the facility is closed, the grounds remain open to visitors. Walk the trail, picnic, and view the wolves at the enclosure adjacent to the trail. If the entrance gate is closed, park your vehicle off Highway 17's shoulder and walk inside the gate.
3) See dolphins in the wild and experience other natural wonders on a Barrier Island Eco Tours adventure. Choose a Dolphin Sunset Cruise, a Capers Island Wildlife Exploration trip, Blue Crabbing Excursion or a private charter where you set your own agenda.
4) Rent a kayak or take a tour with Coastal Expeditions. Paddlers can traverse Shem Creek, Morgan Creek, or the Cypress-Tupelo Swamp. These adventures offer inspirational views of the region that usually includes wildlife sightings. It’s a fun experience for the entire family.
5) Visit the Kiawah Island Nature Center at Night Heron Park, open daily at 8:30 a.m. The knowledgeable staff shares facts about the island’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Learn the best places to view wildlife and the area’s lush vegetation. The Center hosts interactive displays and wildlife exhibits that explain the island’s ecosystems.
6) Bike the 30 miles of nature paths to explore Kiawah Island. Alligator Bikes deliver to your rental property. Pedal through the dense interior with live oak trees, palmettos, yucca plants and expanses marshlands. Don’t be surprised if you catch sight of bobcats, alligators, herons, deer, bottlenose dolphins, and loggerhead sea turtles are some animals that make up the island’s ecosystem.
7) Visit the Caw Caw Interpretive Center in nearby Ravenal, with six miles of trails with trail-size exhibits, elevated boardwalks, interpretive exhibits, and wildlife. Visitors have spotted alligators, bald eagles, deer and other inhabitants. Admission is $2 per person, free for children two and under. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
Come find your favorite way to enjoy the outdoors in South Carolina’s coastal communities!