Welcome to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1932 as a migratory bird refuge, Cape Romain NWR encompasses a 22-mile segment of the southeast Atlantic coast. The refuge consists of 66, 267 acres which include a fascinating expanse of barrier islands, salt marshes, intricate coastal waterways, long sandy beaches, fresh and brackish water impoundments, and maritime forest. Points of interest include Bulls Island, Cape Island, and Lighthouse Island where two lighthouses, no longer operational, still stand.

The refuge's original objectives were to preserve in public ownership habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds and resident species. In recent years, objectives have expanded to include: managing endangered species, protecting the 28,000 acre Class I Wilderness Area, and preserving the Bulls Island and Cape Island forests and their diverse plant communities. Currently, the refuge is actively working to aid the recovery of the threatened loggerhead sea turtle.

Turtle Hatchling Video

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Getting to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

The Refuge Headquarters and Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center, located 20 miles north of Charleston on US Highway 17, and Garris Landing (public boat landing) are the only mainland sites. As Cape Romain is a barrier island refuge, the remainder of the refuge is accessible only by boat. There is a public dock on the leeward side of Bulls Island suitable for craft 12 – 17 feet in length. The dock is first-come, first-serve. Large boats often anchor in Price’s Inlet, an inlet south of Bulls Island that separates Bulls Island and a state-owned island called Capers Island. Access to other refuge islands requires “beaching” of private boats. To provide public accessibility, the refuge contracts with a private company, Coastal Expeditions, Inc. to transport passengers from Garris Landing to Bulls Island (and other refuge islands according to demand).

Coastal Expeditions - Ferry Service

Coastal Expeditions, the exclusive concessionaire of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, is a reputable guide service and outfitter in the Charleston area. In addition to providing ferry service to Bulls Island throughout the year, they promote conservation and environmental education through their interpretive talks and programs. Contact Coastal Expeditions for more information on their ferry schedule and other services such as guided kayak outings.

SEWEE Association Friends Group

The South Eastern Wildlife and Environment Education (SEWEE) Association, Inc., is a Friends Group formed in 1996 to support the missions of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the Francis Marion National Forest. The Association recently partnered with the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin and Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuges. Learn more about the SEWEE Association and how it is helping the South Carolina Lowcountry Refuges Complex.

Cape Romain NWR is one of four refuges within the South Carolina Lowcountry Refuges Complex. The Lowcountry, low lands which extend from the western sandhills to the Atlantic Ocean, is an area rich in natural and cultural history. Together, the South Carolina Lowcountry refuges total approximately 99,000 acres.