St. Phillips Island Ferry
EXPLORE A WILD BARRIER ISLAND
With ancients dunes and a mature forest dominated by Spanish moss-draped live oaks, Southern magnolia and saw palmetto, St. Phillips Island is a nature lover’s paradise, providing critical habitat for alligators, sea turtles, bobcats and a myriad of seasonal and resident bird species, including bald eagles, roseate spoonbills and painted buntings.
AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY TRIP
Departing from the Coastal Expeditions basecamp on St. Helena Island, the adventure begins with a naturalist-led ecotour along the Story River to the St. Phillips Island dock. Bottlenose dolphins feed in these creeks with their calves, and birds like herons and egrets hunt along the shoreline.
SAFARI RIDE THROUGH THE ISLAND
At the dock on St. Phillips Island, we’ll board a tram that takes us through the maritime forest to the beach. Along this 3.5 mile tram tour, you’ll learn about the island and see wildlife like fox squirrels, raptors, ibis and painted buntings.
EXPLORE THE SHORELINE AND INLAND TRAILS
Once we arrive at the beach, you get to choose your adventure. Walk the beach and search for ocean treasures or hike some of the trail system within the maritime forest to look for birds, alligators and other wildlife. It’s a day in nature that you won’t forget.
TOUR INFO
Adults: $65
Children 3-12: $35
Children 2 & under: Free
6 hours
WHERE TO MEET
ST. HELENA BASECAMP
1928 Sea Island Parkway
St. Helena Island, SC
From Hunting Island State Park, turn right and drive 5.9 miles. Coastal Expeditions will be on the left.
THINGS TO KNOW
Sunscreen, water, snacks and bagged lunch in a small backpack. Optional: binoculars, towel, swimsuit
Wear hat, sunglasses, quick-drying clothes and walking shoes (not flip-flops). Layers are your friend since the temperature on the island and boat can vary!
A SALTY EDEN
“St. Phillips encompasses nearly 4,682 acres of ancient landscape, all of it accessible only by boat, featuring narrow ridges of upland dunes flanking freshwater sloughs, with live oaks and magnolias on the high ground, palmettos and marsh grasses on the low. Here was a strand of pale and shifting sands cradling the boneyard remnants of trees, a salty Eden where dolphins leaped and vivid painted buntings perched on low branches while eagles and ospreys gazed from the treetops.”
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOUTH CAROLINA STATE PARKS
Since 2020, Coastal Expeditions has proudly provided ferry service and ecotours of St. Phillips Island for Hunting Island State Park under a contract with South Carolina Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT).
Unless you are staying at the campground or have an annual park passport , you will need to pay the daily park admission fee to go on this tour. You can pay beforehand or when you get to our campus.
$8/adult; $5/SC seniors; $4/child ages 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger
“It’s a bit like a fragile family heirloom passed down with care and love. What better way to describe South Carolina’s remarkable St. Phillips Island?”
-SOUTHERN LIVING
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW EARLY SHOULD I ARRIVE FOR MY DEPARTURE?
The St. Phillips Island Ferry departs on time and does not return for latecomers.
We recommend that you plan to arrive 20-30 minutes before departure to give yourself time to park, check your backpack and use the facilities before we go. Our St. Helena Island basecamp is a 2-acre campus shaded by live oaks and overlooking the estuary, making it a great place to relax before your adventure.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
We recommend dressing for hiking while visiting St Phillips by wearing long, quick drying layers, close toed shoes, and a hat. There are no food options available on the island, so make sure you pack in all of the water and food you will need for the day! Binoculars, sunscreen, and bug spray (especially in the summer!) are also backpack essentials according to our guides. Rain coats can be your best friend to help fend off salt spray on the boat, the occasional shower on the island, and even bites from pesky mosquitos!
We get a lot of questions about bringing beach chairs, and while you can, we find that people rarely end up actually using them. You’re better off taking advantage of the picnic tables, a favorite beach blanket, or really immersing yourself in the island by using the trees in the boneyard as a makeshift lunch spot!
WHAT IS THE ACTIVITY LEVEL?
After an enjoyable ecotour through the estuary, you’ll board a tram and ride 3.5 miles to the beach. From there, you can explore the shoreline or head into the interior island trails. You’ll need to be able to walk 1/4 mile from the tram to the seashore, or there is a short walk from the tram to the picnic area. This is a great intergenerational tour to a remote location due to the tram service offered on the island! Please call with any questions you may have about accessibility and we’d be happy to help.
The captain and mate can help you plan a route that fits your expectations and time on the island.
WHAT WILDLIFE SHOULD I EXPECT TO SEE?
Dolphins, alligators, bald eagles, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, fox squirrels, ospreys and more are often seen on this experience.
DOES TED TURNER LIVE ON THE ISLAND?
In 2018, Ted Turner sold St. Phillips Island to South Carolina State Parks. During the time that he owned St. Phillips Island, he put it under a conservation easement and had it designated a National National Landmark.
The house that he built is now available to rent by the week through South Carolina State Parks.
IS THIS A GOOD TOUR FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN?
If you come prepared, this is a good day trip for families with young children. Pack extra snacks and a change of clothing and set a pace that works for your family. If you have questions, please give us a call.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL? WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?
There is a 48-hour cancellation policy on this tour. If you cancel after this time, you are not eligible for a refund.
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.