Bull Island Ferry

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
We are pleased to have been chosen to provide passenger ferry service to a remote Class I Wilderness just a 45 minute drive from downtown Charleston.

A leisurely 30 minute passenger ferry ride with a naturalist takes you through rich salt water marsh creeks, home to dolphins, egrets, pelicans and herons. Relax and enjoy the scenery within South Carolina's most pristine wilderness, 64,000 acre Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

Disembark on Bull Island, a 6 mile long island managed for endangered and threatened species such as the Wood Stork and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Stroll through protected maritime forest along sixteen miles of footpaths. Enjoy the most fabulous stretch of beach along the East coast including "Boneyard Beach."

Get Oriented:

Bull Island is a wilderness area managed for the flora and fuana that make there home there. As with any wilderness area, being prepared is paramount to having a safe and comfortable day exploring. On the 30 minunte ride through the estuary one of our dedicated naturalist will share knowledge about Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge and prepare you for your exploration of the island. You will be given a map along with recommendations of possible routes that fit in with your itenary for the day. Visitors may

explore for only the morning (9am-12:30pm), the afternoon (12:30pm-4:30pm), or as we recommend all day (9am-4:30pm). Once on the island, visitors are on thier own to explore the 16 miles of trails and 7 miles of sandy beach. Guests should be prepared with sunscreen, bottled water, bug spray, good walking shoes, and snacks to ensure a comfortable day. In the middle of Bull Island is where you will find bathroom facilities, picnic area, and storm shelter, and beyond that nothing but a vast andpristine barrier island.

For Educators:
The Island Quest field study program.

Please call about our hands on marine science and maritime forest naturalist-led adventures. Half day and full day programs are available. Island Quest programs are structured to meet S.C. Science Curriculum Standards. For further information please refer to the Field Trips page.

"Your naturalist was wonderful and helped each child see a new and great thing. We look forward to putting together a specialty trip for the Southeastern Heritage Development Conference."

-Jennifer Rennicks

Ferry Schedule:

March 1- November 31

Tues., Thurs., Fri. and Sat.
Depart at 9:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Leave Bull Island at 12:00 & 4:00 p.m.

December 1 - February 29

Sat. only
Depart at 10:00 a.m.
Leave Bull Island at 3:00 p.m.

Pricing:
Adults $30 *same price regardless of full or half-day trip
Children 12 and under $15
Family of 5 or more: one child at no charge.
Cash or checks only please. No Credit cards.

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the departure time and walk to the end of the pier. No reservations are needed. Bring drinking water and food and wear comfortable walking shoes. Any visit during warm spring, summer and fall months requires insect repellant.

Printable Map of Bull Island
This map is in printer-friendly (Adobe Acrobat) format.
If you do not have the free Adobe Reader, click here.

Directions to Bull Island Ferry:
Ferry departs from Garris Landing, off U.S. Highway 17.

From Charleston, S.C. take Hwy. 17 North 16 miles, turn right onto Sewee Rd., go 3.5 miles, turn right onto Bull Island Rd, which ends at the landing.
From Georgetown, S.C. take Hwy. 17 South 33 miles, turn left onto the second Doar Rd turn, take an immediate right onto Sewee Rd., go approximately 4 miles, turn left onto Bull Island Rd., which ends at the landing.