Bull Island Ferry

Coastal expeditions has not only been kayaking in Charleston South Carolina since 1992, we have also been offering passenger ferry service to Bull Island inside the remote Class I Wilderness of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge since 1994. The Ferry boat landing is just a 45 minute drive from downtown Charleston. A leisurely 30 minute passenger ferry ride with a naturalist takes you through rich salt water marsh creeks, home to dolphins, egrets, pelicans and herons. Relax and enjoy the scenery within South Carolina's most pristine wilderness, 64,000 acre Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Disembark on Bull Island, a 6 mile long island managed for endangered and threatened species such as the Wood Stork and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Stroll through protected maritime forest along sixteen miles of footpaths. Enjoy the most fabulous stretch of beach along the East coast including "Bone yard Beach." Bull Island is a treasure for Charleston South Carolina as it represents the Barrier Island eco system virtually untouched by the hands of man. World famous for the Birding opportunities, Bull Island has been named by Wild Bird Magazine as one of the top 50 places in the United States for bird watching. There are over 277 different species of birds categorized seasonally inside Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Including wadding birds, shore birds, woodland birds, raptors, and a stunning number of migratory water fowl in the winter months.

South Carolina, and Charleston specifically are also world renowned for the quality of beach access for locals and vacationers. Sullivan's Island, the Isle of Palms, and Folly Beach are all accessible by vehicle and although beautiful are largely developed. If you are a local in Charleston or on vacation in South Carolina and would like to see one of the last remaining Totally Pristine World Class Beaches on the planet then Bull Island deserves to be part of your nature adventure. Bull Island's beach stretches over 7 and 1/2 miles and is decorated with the ornaments of the Southern Atlantic including sand dollars, whelks, cockle shells, lettered olive shells, moon snails, Florida horse conchs, giant ton shells, banded tulips, horse shoe crabs, ...and more. The most impressive part of South Carolina's most pristine beach is on the northern end where the maritime forest has been stranded on the beach, The "Bone Yard" beach. The natural effects of Barrier Island migration have stranded the maritime forest on the beach. The trees have been bleached by the sun and weathered by the salt air and appear off white in color like bones. At times yours are the only foot prints on the Bull Island Beach and the Third World feeling is only excited by the awesome experience of the Bone Yard beach.

Get Oriented:

When visiting any wilderness area, being prepared is paramount to having a safe and comfortable day exploring. On the 30 minute ride through the estuary one of our dedicated naturalist will share knowledge about Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge and prepare you for your exploration of the island. You will be given a map along with recommendations of possible routes that fit in with your itinerary for the day. Visitors may Explore for only the morning (9am-12:30pm), the afternoon (12:30pm-4:30pm), or as we recommend all day (9am-4:30pm). Half day trips give you a good feel for the island, but will often leave you wanting more time. Once on the island, visitors are on their own to explore the 16 miles of trails and 7 miles of sandy beach. Guests should be prepared with sunscreen, bottled water, bug spray, good walking shoes, and snacks to ensure a comfortable day. A short walk from the boats you will find bathroom facilities, picnic area, and storm shelter, and beyond that nothing but a vast and pristine barrier island. It is just over one mile from the boat dock to the beach.

For Educators: The Island Quest field study program.

Please call about our hands on marine science and maritime forest naturalist-led adventures. Half day and full day programs are available. Island Quest programs are structured to meet S.C. Science Curriculum Standards. For further information please refer to the Field Trips page.

"Your naturalist was wonderful and helped each child see a new and great thing. We look forward to putting together a specialty trip for the Southeastern Heritage Development Conference."

-Jennifer Rennicks

Ferry Schedule:

March 1- November 31

Tues., Thurs., Fri. and Sat. Depart at 9:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Leave Bull Island at 12:00 & 4:00 p.m.

December 1 - February 29

Sat. only Depart at 10:00 a.m. Leave Bull Island at 3:00 p.m.

Pricing:

Adults $30 *same price regardless of full or half-day trip

Children 12 and under $15 Family of 5 or more: one child at no charge.

Cash or checks only please. No Credit cards.

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the departure time and walk to the end of the pier. No reservations are needed. Bring drinking water and food and wear comfortable walking shoes. Any visit during warm spring, summer and fall months requires insect repellant.

Directions to Bull Island Ferry: Ferry departs from Garris Landing, off U.S. Highway 17.

From Charleston, S.C. take Hwy. 17 North 16 miles, turn right onto Sewee Rd., go 3.5 miles, turn right onto Bull Island Rd, which ends at the landing. From Georgetown, S.C. take Hwy. 17 South 33 miles, turn left onto the second Doar Rd turn, take an immediate right onto Sewee Rd., go approximately 4 miles, turn left onto Bull Island Rd., which ends at the landing.