If you are a bird lover, wildlife enthusiast, or enjoy meandering through undeveloped landscapes, head to Tybee Island. Georgia's northern most barrier island, this area is home to a diverse landscape of beaches and dunes, jetties, tidal rivers, salt marshes, coastal hammocks, and woodlands.
If you are a bird lover, wildlife enthusiast, or enjoy meandering through undeveloped landscapes, head to Tybee Island. Georgia's northern most barrier island, this area is home to a diverse landscape of beaches and dunes, jetties, tidal rivers, salt marshes, coastal hammocks, and woodlands.
Bird Watching
Tybee's North Beach is the Colonial Coast Birding Trail's end point and one of the best spots for year-round bird watching. More than 210 species have been sighted here and it's the best place in the state to find purple sandpipers and Tybee's official bird – the painted bunting.
Easily accessible off Tybee's main road (Highway 80), the Sally Pearce Nature Trail and the Blue Heron Trail are great places for any amateur botanist and/or birder, while on the island proper.
The marshes west of Tybee Island and on Cockspur Island are host to many wading birds. A visit to Ft. Pulaski or the McQueen's Island Trail are a treat for both history buffs and birders.
Home to thousands of migratory birds, Little Tybee Island (an uninhabited barrier island south of Tybee) is accessible only by boat. Well worth the trip for the chance to see osprey, bald eagles, roseate spoonbill, curlew sandpiper, and the endangered Least Tern in their undisturbed habitat.
Guided Tours
The best way to see marsh birds and marine life is by water – boat, kayak, or paddleboard. Get up close and personal with bottle-nose dolphins and float by herons, egrets and water fowl. You can head out on your own or take a guided tour.
Tybee Island Ecology Trips are conducted on Tybee Island by marine biologist Dr. Joe Richardson, and these two-hour beach trips are great for families. Comb the beach, explore tidal pools and try your hand pulling a 50-ft beach net – all while learning about the animals your find. Visit their website at www.tybeebeachecology.com for more information.
Explore the barrier islands on Georgia's coast with Sundial Nature Tours. Tours can be specialized to focus on fossil hunting, birding, salt marsh ecology, and dolphin encounters, to name a few. Book your tour on their website: www.sundialcharters.com.
Nature and Wildlife
Exploring undisturbed natural habitat is still possible, especially at Tybee Island and the surrounding areas. Imagine the ever-changing landscapes and wildlife you will see as you bike, hike, kayak or paddleboard or boat on one of the many trails, tidal creeks or ocean. Call us today to book your stay!