December 18 11:30am-4:30pm

Walk among the alligators with a naturalist guide!

If you’ve been to Bulls Island in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, you know that it’s an ever-changing, dynamic island that is shaped by the tides, storms and rising seas.  In recent years, the levies along Jacks Creek have been compromised by hurricanes and tropical storms, threatening to change the freshwater impoundments into saltwater ponds.

Ducks Unlimited and the refuge management came up with a plan to protect Jacks Creeks by creating a secondary dike that splits this large area essentially into 2 impoundments.  Wildlife is thriving here– so much so that for part of the summer this hiking trail is closed off to people to protect the killdeer, black skimmers, nighthawks, least terns and oystercatchers that have started to nest and rest here.

We often see great blue herons, green herons, terns, gulls, kingfishers and more in this area of the island.  Alligators are sunning along the banks by the dozens.

We’re offering a special Bulls Island Alligator Walk through this portion of the island to see American alligators, birds, blooming wildflowers and so much more this fall.  We’ll start at the dock on Bulls Island and hike to the Observation Tower for a short break. The views from this tower are panoramic, looking out over the Jacks Creek to the Atlantic Ocean.

From there, we’ll walk down the spine of Jack’s Creek to view alligators and talk about their characteristics and habits.  Upon reaching the beach, the group will walk the beach and either get picked up by the boat at the north end of the island or back at the dock (depending on the tides that day).

Think of this as a “Dominick House Day Trip.”  You’ll get the same in-depth look at the island, just condensed into a 6-mile hike.  The Bulls Island Alligator Walk is a don’t-miss.

Want to buy a gift card? Get one here!

WHAT TO WEAR
Bulls Island is a 5,000-acre remote barrier island, so dress for hiking.  Dress in layers (LONG SLEEVES & LONG PANTS) and wear a hat for sun protection.  Once you get to the beach, you can ditch your shoes and dip your toes in the Atlantic, but you’ll want closed-toe walking shoes while you are hiking the roads and trails of the island.

WHAT TO BRING
Small backpack with plenty of drinking water, lunch, sunblock, insect repellant.  Binoculars would be nice to have, too!

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Be prepared to hike 6 miles at a brisk pace with one break for lunch.

WEATHER
Weather (thunderstorms or high winds) may impact this excursion. Cancellations usually occur due to lightning, thunder or high winds and we will make sure to reschedule your group if needed. Our general cancellation policies apply unless our experts determine it is potentially unsafe or unwise to venture out. In the event that we decide to cancel due to weather, we will make every effort to call you at least two hours before your departure and help you reschedule or credit/refund the full cost of your trip.

GRATUITY
Gratuity is not included in your tour price. Our guides go above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic time out on the water! Average gratuity ranges from 15%–25% of your tour cost based on your experience. It is not required, but always greatly appreciated!

NEED TO CANCEL?
You’ll need to call at least 48 hours prior or you will not be eligible for a refund for the tour.

I took the newest guided walk on Bulls Island. Amazing!!! Guides were great and full of wonderful information!!! I’m 65 and the walk was long but easy, just bring bug spray and wear good walking shoes and it’s the best! We saw over 60 alligators basking in the sun and in the lakes... it’s also a birders dream! The island is so flat that anyone can do it. Great price that includes an informative ride over and backing the ferry.
Do yourself a favor and go!!!
-DeeAnne, TripAdvisor

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