Last Updated on December 7, 2023
Sandy Island is a hidden gem in South Carolina, a state in the United States of America.
It is the largest undeveloped freshwater island on the East Coast and a refuge for wildlife and nature lovers.
Sandy Island is also home to a small community of Gullah people, descendants of former slaves who have preserved their culture and traditions.
If you are looking for a unique and adventurous destination, Sandy Island is the place for you. Here are some tips on how to visit Sandy Island and what to expect.
Getting to Sandy Island
Sandy Island is located between the Pee Dee and Waccamaw Rivers in Georgetown County, about halfway between Georgetown and Myrtle Beach.
The island is only accessible by boat, so you will need to arrange a transportation service or rent a kayak or canoe.
There are several options for getting to Sandy Island, depending on your budget and preference.
One option is to book a tour with Sandy Island Boat Tours, a private company that offers guided trips to the island.
You can choose from a half-day or full-day tour, which includes a boat ride, a nature walk, a visit to the Gullah community, and a picnic lunch.
The tours cost $75 per person for a half-day and $125 per person for a full-day.
You can also customize your tour to suit your interests and needs. The tours depart from the Wacca Wache Marina in Murrells Inlet, about 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach.
Another option is to take a scenic boat ride with Brookgreen Gardens, a public garden and wildlife preserve that owns part of Sandy Island.
The boat ride lasts about 45 minutes and takes you along the Waccamaw River, where you can see various plants and animals.
The boat ride does not stop at Sandy Island, but you can get a glimpse of it from the water.
The boat ride is included in the admission fee to Brookgreen Gardens, which is $18 for adults, $10 for children, and free for members.
The boat ride departs from the Brookgreen Gardens dock, about 15 miles south of Myrtle Beach.
A third option is to rent a kayak or canoe from Black River Outdoors, an outfitter that offers rentals and guided tours in the area.
You can rent a kayak or canoe for $35 per day and paddle to Sandy Island on your own. You will need to launch from the Wacca Wache Marina or the Hagley Landing, both of which are about 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach.
You will also need to check the tide charts and weather conditions before you go, as the currents and winds can be strong and unpredictable.
You should also respect the privacy and property of the island residents and avoid trespassing or littering.
Exploring Sandy Island
Sandy Island is about 9,000 acres in size, of which about 9,165 acres are protected by The Nature Conservancy as a preserve.
The island has a diverse landscape, ranging from longleaf pine forests to old rice fields.
The island is also home to many species of plants and animals, some of which are rare or endangered, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, the American alligator, and the Venus flytrap.
Sandy Island is a great place to enjoy nature and wildlife, but you should also be aware of the potential hazards and challenges.
Hiking and Biking
One of the best ways to explore Sandy Island is by hiking or biking along the trails that crisscross the island. You can find a map of the trails at the Sandy Island Preserve website.
Some of the trails are easy and flat, while others are more challenging and hilly. You can expect to see a variety of scenery, such as pine woods, swamps, marshes, and fields.
You can also spot many birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals along the way.
Some of the highlights of the trails are:
- The Larry Paul Trail, which is a 2-mile loop that starts and ends at the Thoroughfare Creek Landing. This trail takes you through the southern part of the island, where you can see the longleaf pine and pocosin bay communities. The trail also includes interpretive signage about the island’s abundant plants and wildlife.
- The Little Bull Creek Trail, which is a 2.2-mile loop that starts and ends near the Bull Creek Landing. This trail takes you through the northern part of the island, where you can see the remnants of the old rice plantations and the Gullah community. You can also visit the Sandy Island Cultural Center, where you can learn more about the history and culture of the island’s residents.
- The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Trail, which is a 3.9-mile loop that starts and ends near the Bull Creek Landing. This trail shares a portion of its length with the Little Bull Creek Trail. This longer trail offers the best chance to view rare red-cockaded woodpeckers, which depend on the mature, fire-resistant pines for forage and nesting sites.
If you are hiking or biking on Sandy Island, you should bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit. Wear comfortable shoes, long pants, and a hat.
You should also be careful of poison ivy, snakes, spiders, and other wildlife.
Remember to stay on the marked trails and avoid wandering off or getting lost.
Fishing and Boating
Another way to enjoy Sandy Island is by fishing or boating on the surrounding waters.
Try and fish for bass, catfish, bream, and crappie in the rivers and creeks, or for flounder, redfish, and trout in the marshes and inlets.
You may also boat or kayak along the waterways and see the island from a different perspective.
You can also visit some of the smaller islands nearby, such as Goat Island, Bird Island, and Cat Island, which have their own charm and wildlife.
If you are fishing or boating on Sandy Island, you should bring your own equipment, bait, and license.
You should also check the tide charts and weather conditions before you go, as the water levels and currents can change rapidly.
You should also be respectful of the island residents and other boaters and anglers. Always follow the state and local regulations and limits on fishing and boating.
Camping and Picnicking
If you want to extend your stay on Sandy Island, you can camp or picnic on the island.
There are two designated camping areas on the island, one at the Sandy Island Landing and one at the Bull Creek Landing.
Both camping areas have picnic tables, fire rings, and portable toilets. You can also find potable water at the Sandy Island Cultural Center.
You can camp for free on the island, but you need to register in advance with The Nature Conservancy.
You can also picnic at any of the landings or along the trails, but you need to bring your own food and drinks.
Gullah People on Sandy Island
The Gullah people are descendants of enslaved Africans who were brought to the coastal plantations of South Carolina and Georgia in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Gullah people of Sandy Island have maintained their traditional culture and language, which are influenced by their African ancestry and their history of enslavement and isolation.
These people worked on rice, indigo, and cotton fields, and developed skills in fishing, hunting, and farming.
They also developed a unique creole language, called Gullah, that blends English with words and grammar from various African languages.
The Gullah language is still spoken by many residents of Sandy Island today.
The Gullah people of Sandy Island have faced many challenges and threats to their land and culture over the years.
They have resisted attempts by developers and government agencies to buy or take over their property, and have fought for their rights to education, health care, and environmental protection.
They have also endured natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and fires, that have damaged their homes and crops.
Despite these hardships, the Gullah people of Sandy Island have preserved their heritage and identity, and have shared their stories, music, art, and cuisine with the world.
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