Hello, Adventurers! Welcome back to the Coastal Expeditions’ blog! High summer has arrived in the Lowcountry and temperatures are reaching an all-time high across the country. Need to take a break from your sweltering summer? Join us on a refreshing ferry ride along the Story River to St. Phillips Island, the treasure of South Carolina! Our naturalist-led tour will imbue you with plenty of wonderful knowledge about the undeveloped barrier island. You’ll also have time alone to explore the beach, hike interior trails, and enjoy a picnic on the beach.

South Carolina is home to a treasure trove of natural locations. So far, on this blog, we’ve covered what you need to know about Hunting State Park, the wonders of Wambaw, and the history of Morris Island. If you’re interested in learning more about South Carolina’s natural assets, our blog is definitely the place to be! Today we’ll be detailing why St. Phillips is such a rare gem—both ecologically and culturally—and why you’ll be missing out if you neglect a day trip!

History

St. Phillips is a rare commodity among barrier islands. Located near Hilton Head, by all accounts, the 4,682 acres of land should have been developed into a resort or golf course a long time ago. The reason the island has been able to maintain its “untouched” status up to this point is because of the billionaire conservationist, Ted Turner. In 1979, Turner purchased the island in its original pristine condition. For over forty years, Turner kept the private island as a retreat for his family to enjoy. During this time, he made minimal changes to the natural landscape, including: clearing a four-mile long path through the forest, building a 3,350 square foot beach house, eliminating a species of aggressive boar and reintroducing endangered species such as the fox squirrel, the indigo snake, and loggerhead turtles.

Turner was a media mogul and philanthropist, as well as a conservationist, and he went even further in his conservation efforts than most. Turner tied the land deed to a conservation easement held by the Nature Conservancy, which ensures the land will be protected and never destroyed for commercial use. Currently, the island lacks both electricity and water; and the only way to access the island is by boat. The Turner house, which does have access to generated power and water, is available for five-night rented stays. The island, at-large, is available for private buyouts (meaning no tours are conducted during your stay) as well.

In 2018, after years of happy memories, Turner sold the island to the state of South Carolina for $4.9 million. Since then, the island has been named a National Natural Landmark—one of only six in the state—and incorporated into the state’s park system. As a result, St. Phillips is now available to all of us for exploration and enjoyment!

Unique Ecological Aspects

From above, the land appears to have been ripped by the talons of a large bird. However, the land has been virtually untouched for centuries. There are no roads, no stores, no people. The land was never colonized by Europeans, timbered by early loggers, or built out by developers. The land was briefly inhabited by Native Americans and used as a hunting ground for wild hog hunts. As Phil Gaines, the retired director of the South Carolina State Park Services (who played a significant part in establishing St. Phillips as a state park), stated: “This has to be what people saw the first time they set foot here at the turn of the eighteen century.” He’s likely right!

Saltwater estuaries, which compose the majority of St. Phillips’ ecosystem, are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Saltwater estuaries earn this title by a number of unique factors, including: its spartina grass, which acts as a line of defense against runoff and erosion; its absorption of rainwater, which reduces flooding; and its filtering and metabolization of excess nutrients, which protects the water quality.

Ancient sand dunes are another example of one-of-a-kind ecological wonders present on St. Phillips Island. Bo Peterson, from the Charleston Post & Courier, describes the dunes as “thousands of years old, rolling like waves interspersed with canal-like inlets.” The ridges are dotted with swales and rain-fed ponds. A combination of freshwater and brackish ponds on the island facilitates the livelihood and growth of a number of species. These swales are home to various types of vegetation which contribute to biodiversity, while the rain-fed ponds are home to freshwater species such as catfish and trout. Peterson goes on to say, “viewed from the air, [the dunes] look like a series of long ribs.”

Close by, on the opposite side of the island, is Trenchard’s Inlet. The inlet is a small arm of the sea and an ideal location for fishing. Home to bull redfish, the surfside of Capers, at the end of the inlet, is also a popular surfing spot.

Wildlife

The island is home to three hundred species of bird. From bald eagles to roseate spoonbills to osprey to painted buntings can be spotted. Vigilant watchers will be kept busy for hours! During a hike through the maritime forest, you might also encounter alligators in the various ponds. Deer, black fox squirrels and bobcats occupy the same space. The maritime forest is dominated by giant, Spanish-moss draped oaks, timeless magnolias, and saw palmetto trees.

Departing from the Hunting State Park Nature Center, the thirty-minute ferry ride along the Story River is accompanied by interesting facts and stories from our resident naturalist. The brisk wind will be a brief respite from the Lowcountry heat and you might even encounter a bottlenose dolphin or two on the way! Upon arriving at the St. Phillips’ dock, you’ll take a 3.5 mile tram ride to Turner’s former home. This ride will be a chance to view St. Phillips’ inhabitant wildlife from a distance and appreciate the raw beauty of the land. From Turner’s former home, you’ll be free to chart your own course. Go for a solo hike, take a dip in the ocean, or enjoy a picnic at one of South Carolina’s only boneyard beaches. St. Phillips is yours for the day!

There’s no shortage of reasons to visit St. Phillips, especially if you’re a native South Carolinian. It’s pristine beauty and unique history separate the island from most other barrier islands along the southeast coast. There are no high rises or resorts to impede your view of the land. There’s only the sand, the trees, and the wide-open sky. Without bustling roads nearby and tons of people, the island is a haven of peace and serenity. You might as well be on your own private island! It’s future as a cultural and environmental artifact make it a must-see destination among nature lovers. This primal pocket of biodiversity and beauty is a legacy the state of South Carolina will leave for future generations. We encourage you to join us on our St. Phillips Ferry trip! It’s a great destressor and opportunity to learn with the kids. We cater to adventurers and seek to offer a special experience for everyone who joins us!

Are you looking for nature tours, kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, island tours, kid-friendly tours, and chances to explore all around you right here in the Lowcountry? We can help you with all of that and more! Until next time—get out there and explore! Adventure awaits!