Most People Have No Idea You Can Do This One Awesome Activity In South Carolina
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Robin Jarvis
Author
If you’ve ever fantasized about spending the day on a deserted beach then here’s your chance.
Did you know South Carolina has a completely uninhabited barrier island that you can actually get to and explore? Seriously. And you don’t even need your own boat to get to it because there’s a ferry that will carry you out there.
Bulls Island, also known as Bull Island, is part of the 66,000+ acre Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. It's the biggest island in the wildlife refuge. At 4900 acres, it's roughly 7.5 square miles.
And you can only get there by boat. Luckily, there's a ferry service you can catch to make your way to the island. Private boats are also allowed.
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If spending the day on a deserted beach or roaming an uninhabited island is your thing, then you'll need to bring everything you need for the day. Other than a bathroom, you won't find any other amenities like restaurants or places to buy a cold beverage. (Ignore the pan in this image, you probably should bring food items that are already prepared.)
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A camera should probably be high on the list of items you bring, you know, for moments like this one at the island's infamous "boneyard beach."
...and for capturing great shots like this one...
...and this! Yes, a congregation of alligators calls Bulls Island home so don't go wading into any water that's not on the beach.
There are a few "ponds" on the island that, aside from providing a cooling off spot for gators, will provide you with some great photo opportunities.
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Don't forget a bag for collecting some of these...
The US Fish & Wildlife Service has strict rules about what you can carry off the island. The good news is that you're allowed to collect a small bag of shells.
Although undeveloped, Bulls Island does have 16 miles of trails and you'll be able to wander freely.
Here's a map to help you navigate. And here's a link to the map so you can print it out and bring it with you. The map is on page two.
As you can see, there's plenty of room on Bulls Island for the handful of people who will be joining you on the ferry. There are seven miles of beaches. So make a day of it and have fun!
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In season (March 1 - November 30) the ferry, operated in agreement with the US Fish & Wildlife Service by Coastal Expeditions, leaves from Awendaw at 9am and 12:30pm. You can choose to spend the whole day, returning on the 4pm ferry, or you can return on the noon run. Out of season (December 1 - February 28) the ferry runs at 10am and returns at 3pm.
It doesn't matter what season you go, this is one day you'll never forget!
It doesn't matter what season you go, this is one day you'll never forget!
Have you been to Bulls Island? We’d love to hear about it in our comments on Facebook.
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