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Itinerary

The Nature Lover Itinerary

Birdwatchers on Tybee Island.

Day 1

EMBARK ON A DOLPHIN TOUR

Spend the morning capturing a close look at dolphins in their natural habitat. Take a charter exploration through coastal waterways where you can observe playful dolphins swimming in the boat’s wake and along the sides of the boat. Your group will learn all there is to know about these friendly, social creatures.

MCQUEEN’S TRAIL/FORT PULASKI TRAILS

For spectacular views of tidal creeks, marshland, Fort Pulaski and the deserted Cockspur Lighthouse, stroll down McQueen’s Trail, a six-mile trail between Tybee and Wilmington Island, or the shorter nature trails of Fort Pulaski.

KAYAK TO COCKSPUR

Active groups will enjoy renting kayaks, going solo or tandem, and kayaking to the Cockspur Lighthouse. Dating back to 1854, this abandoned lighthouse sits at the edge of Cockspur Island. After visiting the lighthouse, continue kayaking down the Back River for an unparalleled experience of calm marsh waters.

OCEANFRONT DINNER

Known as Tybee’s only absolute beachfront restaurant, visitors of The Deck Beach Bar & Kitchen can walk from deck to sand in a matter of a few steps. Dine on island dishes under the Tybee sunshine on the open-air deck of this relaxed eatery.

Day 2

BIRDING AT NORTH BEACH

Tybee’s North Beach is a popular destination for birders to view species such as the Northern Gannett, Purple Sandpiper, American Oyster Catcher, Black Skimmers, Red Knots and Black-Backed Gulls. Groups can sit back and relax while Tybee’s birds swoop and glide by.

EXPLORE AN UNINHABITED ISLAND

Many visitors to Tybee Island are unaware that just south of our bustling beach town lies an uninhabited nature preserve called Little Tybee Island. This hidden treasure is actually twice the size of Tybee Island and only accessible by boat. You can rent a boat or hop on a tour, and spend the afternoon exploring this island paradise.

SHELLING ON LITTLE TYBEE

For those in your group looking to collect natural, authentic mementos to take home, seashells from Little Tybee Island are the perfect answer. Shells on this uninhabited natural preserve can be quadruple the size of those on Tybee’s more populated beaches, making them great for decorating and happy memories of Tybee Island.

VISIT THE TYBEE ISLAND MARINE SCIENCE CENTER

Tybee’s ecosystem is vibrant and right at your fingertips, and the Tybee Island Marine Science Center is the perfect place to go for a closer look. The Center offers tanks filled with fish, turtles and crabs to view (and sometimes touch), as well as beach walks and eco tours for a more personal, hands-on experience. They also embark on floating classrooms that explore Tybee and Savannah’s creeks and rivers, which is perfect for groups looking to do something unique.

Day 3

WALK WITH THE WILDLIFE

Start the day with a Tybee Beach Ecology Trip. These are offered year-round by marine biologist Dr. Joe Richardson. You will embrace learning about the variety of marine life along the Georgia coast. Located just east of Savannah on a marsh island, the Oatland Island Wildlife Center features a two-mile Native Animal Nature Trail that winds through maritime forest, salt marsh and freshwater wetlands. More than 40 programs are available for groups to study endangered species and organism classification.

EXPLORE WORMSLOE STATE HISTORIC SITE

Drive through a breathtaking avenue of live oaks and Spanish moss that makes for a perfect group photo. At Wormsloe State Historic Site, groups can learn about early colonial life and tour the museum of original artifacts. Costumed interpreters and crafting programs available.

SAVANNAH PARKS AND GARDENS

Explore Savannah’s beautiful parks and botanical gardens to get a glimpse of the colorful and hearty plants that grow in the coastal zone. You can spot a variety of flowers and bushes across Savannah. From the Savannah Area Council of Garden Clubs’ Botanical Garden, the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens or Forsyth Park, there are several varieties of flora to be seen.

DINE WITH THE PIRATES

Since 1753, The Pirates’ House has been welcoming visitors to Savannah with a bounty of delicious food, drink and rousing good times. Situated a scant block from the Savannah River, The Pirate’s House first opened as an inn for seafarers and fast became a rendezvous for blood-thirsty pirates and sailors from the seven seas.

To download a print version of Tybee Island's Nature Lover Itinerary, click here

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