St. Phillips Island at Sunrise

BEAT THE HEAT WITH THIS SUNRISE TRIP

Since we’ve been running the St Phillips Island Ferry, summer is one of the most popular times to visit the island for locals and visitors to Beaufort. Over time we’ve tailored the Ferry to run on a specific tidal schedule in the summer to ensure plenty of beach for guests to escape the island’s buggy residents, and this summer we’re excited to launch sunrise trips to the island to beat the heat!

BOOK YOUR SPOT

AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY TRIP

Departing from the Coastal Expeditions Beaufort basecamp on St. Helena Island at sunrise, the Saint Phillips Island Ferry begins with a naturalist-led ecotour through the estuaries behind Hunting Island State Park to the St. Phillips Island dock. You’ll get to see the magic of the estuary as the creatures within it start their day with wading birds coming to the creeks to feed and bottlenose dolphins cruising the shorelines in search of fish.

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. St. Phillips Island at Sunrise is the best way to start your day.

SEE UPCOMING SCHEDULE & BOOK

Tour Details

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!

Sea otter seen on Saint Phillips Island Ferry tour

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

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. This will give you 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.

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. Please 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!

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.

Yes! This is the same tour we offer throughout the year, just with a new departure time to enjoy sunrise on the boat trip out to the island and beat the hottest part of the day.

Dolphins, alligators, bald eagles, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, fox squirrels, ospreys and more are often seen on this experience.

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.

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.

Unfortunately dogs are not permitted on St. Phillips Island. In accordance with the land conservation and regulations from South Carolina State Parks pets of any kind are not allowed on the island. This restriction applies to all animals, including service animals.

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. 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.