Where the Tides Run Wild: A Little Tybee Island Wildlife Safari
Three hours, forty islands, and a front-row seat to Georgia’s untamed saltmarsh.
At first light the marsh breathes, exhaling a hush that rides the backs of pelicans. The boat noses into a ribbon of creek, and the tide—always in charge here—tugs you forward like a patient guide. Spartina grass stands tall in green ranks, glistening with brine. Somewhere ahead, a dolphin surfaces and exhales, a single punctuation mark in the quiet sentence of morning. Little Tybee Island wears the hour well. As the outboard settles into a low hum, you feel the world thin out to essentials: water, wind, and a maze of islands that don’t care for crowds. This three-hour, small-group outing is a Wildlife Safari in the purest form—simple, focused, and wildly alive.
Trail Wisdom
Time Your Trip to the Tide
Tours here are booked by the tides for a reason—high water offers marsh panoramas; low water exposes oyster beds and feeding flats. Aim for a window that shows both.
Sun & Bug Strategy
Wear a UPF sun shirt, hat, and reef-safe sunscreen; pack insect repellent for calm mornings and evenings when no-see-ums can be active.
Footwear for Wet Landings
Bring sandals with heel straps or water shoes to step onto shell-strewn sandbars and muddy creek banks comfortably.
Wildlife Etiquette
Keep respectful distances—especially from nesting shorebirds and dolphins corralling fish. Listen to your captain for approach limits.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Low-tide sandbars on Little Tybee’s south end where shells concentrate after spring tides
- •Quiet interior creeks where roseate spoonbills are occasionally spotted in late summer
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphin, Bald eagle
Conservation Note
Stay off dunes, avoid disturbing resting or nesting birds, and never collect live shells or sand dollars. Slow to no-wake near wildlife and oyster reefs to minimize erosion.
Little Tybee is a Georgia State Heritage Preserve, protected to conserve its barrier island habitats and rich tidal marsh system within the Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Migratory shorebirds, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Gnats/no-see-ums at dawn and dusk, Pop-up thunderstorms
Spring brings clear light and active birdlife. Expect comfortable temps with occasional breezy fronts and fast-moving showers.
summer
Best for: Warm-water dolphin activity, Long beach stops
Challenges: Intense sun and heat, Afternoon thunderstorms, Biting insects on windless days
Summer delivers lush marsh scenes and playful dolphins. Hydrate, protect your skin, and plan around stormy late afternoons.
fall
Best for: Fewer bugs, Crisp visibility, Southbound bird migration
Challenges: Early cold fronts can bring gusty winds, Shifting sandbars after storms
Autumn is prime—golden marsh grass, steady weather, and migrating flocks. Layers help for cool mornings and breezy returns.
winter
Best for: Quiet beaches, Long vistas through leafless hammocks
Challenges: Chilly winds on open water, Short daylight window
Winter is stark and beautiful with low humidity and sharp light. Dress warm and expect a peaceful, crowd-free experience.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized sunglassesEssential
Cuts surface glare so you can spot dolphins, rays, and sharks in the shallows.
UPF long-sleeve sun shirt and brimmed hatEssential
Provides all-day sun protection on reflective water without overheating.
Lightweight rain/wind shell
Useful for surprise squalls and breezy runs between creeks.
Compact binoculars (8x42)
Enhances birding and lets you scan distant shorelines without disturbing wildlife.
Common Questions
Is this tour suitable for kids and older adults?
Yes. It’s a calm-water, small-group boat tour with beach stops; guests should be able to step on and off the boat with assistance.
Will I get wet on this trip?
Expect light spray while underway and wet feet during beach landings. Quick-dry clothing and water shoes are recommended.
Are restrooms available during the tour?
There are no facilities on Little Tybee Island; use the restroom before departure. Some marinas have facilities at the dock.
How likely am I to see alligators or sharks?
Bottlenose dolphins are common. Alligators are occasional in brackish backwaters, and small coastal sharks sometimes cruise the shallows. Wildlife encounters can’t be guaranteed.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Safety comes first. If conditions are unsafe, the operator will reschedule or refund according to their policy.
Can I bring snacks and drinks?
Yes—pack water, salty snacks, and avoid glass. Please pack out all trash to protect the preserve.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses for spotting wildlife; UPF sun layer and hat for relentless coastal sun; Water shoes or strapped sandals for shell-strewn landings; Refillable water bottle and salty snacks to stay hydrated and energized.
Did You Know
Though Georgia has only about 100 miles of coastline, it contains roughly one-third of the East Coast’s remaining salt marsh—habitat that Little Tybee’s State Heritage Preserve protects.
Quick Travel Tips
Book by the tides for the best wildlife and beach conditions; Plan for limited cell service once you’re in the back barrier islands; Bring cash or card for parking at the marina if applicable; Check wind forecasts—breezier afternoons can make open-water hops choppy.
Local Flavor
Post-safari, grab peel-and-eat shrimp and lowcountry boils at The Crab Shack on Tybee (casual, waterfront). For a relaxed slice and a cold beer, Huc-A-Poos on Tybee’s north end hits the spot. Coffee? Tybean Art & Coffee Bar fuels early departures. Back in Savannah, The Wyld Dock Bar (short drive) pairs sunset marsh views with local oysters.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV). Typical departure: Tybee Island area marinas (exact meeting point confirmed after booking). Drive time: ~30–40 minutes from downtown Savannah. Cell service: Generally good near Tybee, spotty in interior creeks. Permits: None needed for guided trips; follow State Heritage Preserve rules.
Sustainability Note
Little Tybee’s dunes and marshes are living infrastructure—stay off vegetation, observe no-wake around wildlife, and pack out every scrap. Leave live shells where they belong so the ecosystem keeps working.