Learning the Ebb and Flow of St. Phillips Island

The St. Phillips Island Ferry has been running for about two months now and this amazing island never ceases to amaze our staff and our guests. This dynamic barrier island reveals something new each trip that awakens the naturalist in everyone.

We’re learning the island’s heartbeat, from the daily ebb and flow of the ocean on the beach to an osprey pair rebuilding a nest that was damaged during the recent tropical storm Isaias.

Guests have been escorted to the island by pods of dolphins and a variety of birds, including anything from bald eagles to black skimmers. Once on the island, Carolina saddlebags zoom through the air and anoles scurry over oyster middens to remind us to keep our ears and eyes open for the smallest treasures. St. Phillips’ unique topography of rolling ancient dunes allows us to visit estuaries filled with oysters, freshwater ponds coated in duckweed, high marshes lush with black needlerush, and an expansive beach crowned sea oats.

Painted buntings serenade us as we have explored these varied landscapes where we catch glimpses of fox squirrels scurrying for magnolias, white-tailed deer picking their way through clumps of saw palmettos, and American alligators peering at us from tannin-infused waters.

After a day on St. Phillips it’s difficult not to have an enhanced appreciation for the Lowcountry and all that it has to offer. We hope that if you haven’t made the trip down to Beaufort to experience St. Phillips that you book your trip today!

-Claire Mueller, Lead Naturalist
St. Phillips Island Ferry

Roseate Spoonbills are now a commonly seen bird on St. Phillips Island (and we’ve learned where they hang out).

Explore. Chat. Visit. And come on back, y’all.
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St. Phillips Island & Beaufort Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our St. Phillips Island & Beaufort tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text

Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text