WINTER SCHEDULE (DECEMBER-FEBRUARY) 

Saturdays 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

*Trail access is limited on December 7th due to the annual archery hunt hosted by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Hunters’ campsites are set up in the picnic area where the public restrooms are located and ferry passengers are restricted to Beach Rd, the beach itself, & Turkey Walk Trail.

Click here to see dates & availability:

Families of 5 or more: Use code FAM5 at checkout for a $35 discount!

REGULAR SCHEDULE (MARCH-NOVEMBER)

Tuesdays-Thursdays-Fridays-Saturdays
• Departs 9 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
• Returns 12:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.

You’ve never seen a place like Bulls Island.

The adventure begins as you board the ferry and head to Bulls Island. As we navigate through fields of Spartina and oyster-lined estuary creeks to the island, the captain and mate share their knowledge and passion about the refuge, the wildlife, and the regional history.

The Bulls Island Ferry ecotour to the island takes about 30 minutes, and it is not uncommon for us to see loggerhead sea turtles, pods of gregarious bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, and some of the 293 bird species that live in Cape Romain.

Once on the island, you’ll be on your own to explore the 16 miles of trails and seven miles of sandy beach on foot. The crew will prepare you with a map and some trail suggestions. This is the most dynamic place to hike and explore in the Lowcountry. 

The jewel of the island is the magnificent Boneyard Beach. Located 2.5 miles from the dock, Boneyard Beach is a forest of skeletonized trees, weathered by the salt and sun. The Boneyard is underwater and inaccessible at high tide, plan accordingly or ask our staff for help when choosing a day to explore this portion of the island.

ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS:
• Native wildlife, including American Alligators, Horseshoe Crabs, Fox Squirrels and Bobcats
• 16 miles of trails and 7 miles of shoreline
• 293 migratory and resident bird species
• Beachcombing and Boneyard Beach

Want to know more?  Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT TO WEAR
We recommend wearing breathable, comfortable layers and close-toed shoes to dress for an active outdoor adventure on a remote barrier island. Long pants, long sleeves, and a hat will help protect you from the sun and bugs.

Weather/seasonal considerations: Rain gear if applicable, extra layer for the boat ride during cooler months, buff or mosquito net during buggy season

WHAT TO BRING
Small backpack with plenty of drinking water, lunch, sunblock, and insect repellant.

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Bulls Island is 5,000 acres, with 16 miles of trails and 7 miles of beach. The ferry crew can help you plan a route that fits your expectations and time on the island.

• Bathroom facilities are 0.5 miles from the dock
• Nearest beach access is 1.5 miles from the dock
• Boneyard Beach 2.5 miles from the dock

WEATHER
The ferry runs during all seasons and even in the rain! If the conditions are unsafe (lightning, high winds, etc.) Coastal Expeditions will cancel the excursion. If we decide to cancel the trip, we will make every effort to contact you before your departure and help you reschedule or credit/refund the full cost of your trip. If the ferry is running and you decide not to attend for any reason, including but not limited to, a chance of rain and other weather-related conditions, our general cancellation policies apply (48-hour notice to be eligible for a refund).

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

BICYCLES & WHEELED TRANSPORT
If you’d like to bring a bike, you must make a reservation for it or you will have to leave it at the landing. E-bikes are not permitted. Call or text (843)884-7684 to reserve.  Space is limited. There are no bikes to rent on the island, you must bring your own. Read this first if you’ve never brought a bike to Bulls.

If you have a physical limitation that requires a wheelchair, please call our office before you book so that we can be prepared.  Check out the FAQs for additional information.

DOG POLICY
Pets are not permitted on Bulls Island.  Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge is managed for the protection of habitat and wildlife species.  Bringing pets into this environment risks disturbance of nests, feeding and breeding, and it could introduce parasites to the island. Pets are illegal anywhere in the refuge.

CHARTERS
We are available for private charters throughout the week.  Just give us a call and we’ll set it up! (843)884-7684

DISCOUNTS
• Get a Frequent Ferry Card from the captain or mate and get every 4th trip to the island free!
• Families of 5 or more: Use code “FAM5” at checkout for a $35 discount!

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

Best Seller, Adventurous, Birding, Dolphins & Wildlife, Young Kid Friendly

If you want to experience a true slice of the Lowcountry, then I highly recommend this trip! My sister and I visited yesterday with my niece (11) and nephew (9) and it was a huge hit! This is the first time we have taken this trip....but it won't be our last. Will and Nick from Coastal Expeditions shared lots of great info about the island, wildlife we could expect to see, and their habitat. It was informative, entertaining and fun! The kids had a blast exploring the beach looking for shells and we saw dolphins, blue crabs, birds and lots of other wildlife. We will definitely take bikes on our next visit. It's a great way to see a little more of the island. Bring plenty of water, food and snacks...and hit the trails for a trip you will not soon forget!
Amy

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