Wassaw Sound Cruises: Shell-Hunting the Wild Isles Off Savannah
3+ Hours • Up to 6 People • Find your perfect place!
At first light, the marsh wakes slowly. A heron stalks the bank like a patient fisherman, spartina grass exhales the night’s cool, and the river draws you east toward the open sound. The skiff slips past Isle of Hope’s weathered docks and bends of live oaks, then noses into wider water where wind and tide shake hands. Here the Atlantic doesn’t arrive so much as it persuades—rolling in with a steady push, rearranging sandbars and carving channels that change week to week. You ride that pulse on a three-hour voyage that feels longer in the best way, measured not in miles but in the small scenes that stick: a dolphin’s quick arc, the clack of oyster beds at low tide, the salt leaving lace on the gunwale.
Trail Wisdom
Time it with the tide
Ask for departures that bracket low tide for the best shelling and exposed sandbars on Deadman’s Hammock.
Footwear that grips
Wear water shoes or sandals with traction; slick shells and oyster beds can cut bare feet.
Sun-smart layering
Bring a UPF long-sleeve and hat—breeze plus reflection off the water amplifies UV exposure.
Respect live shells
Only collect empty shells; return any occupied shells or sand dollars to the water to protect the ecosystem.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Shell banks on the lee side of Deadman’s Hammock after a strong north wind
- •Quiet tide pools along the edge of Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge on mid-ebb
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, American oystercatchers
Conservation Note
Stay off posted dunes and nesting zones, and return live shells to the water; these fragile habitats rely on minimal disturbance and leave-no-trace practices.
Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1969 to protect one of Georgia’s least-developed barrier islands, a key nesting ground for shorebirds and loggerhead sea turtles.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Migratory bird viewing, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Changeable winds, Occasional storms
Spring brings comfortable air temps, active birds, and good visibility on the flats—great for wildlife and photography.
summer
Best for: Warm water landings, Sea turtle activity
Challenges: High heat and humidity, Midday pop-up storms
Summer is hot but lively; go early or late to beat the heat and watch for afternoon thunderheads.
fall
Best for: Peak shelling after storm cycles, Migrating raptors
Challenges: Stronger frontal winds, Variable morning chill
Autumn offers clear light, fewer crowds, and excellent beachcombing after fronts reshape the bars.
winter
Best for: Empty beaches, Crisp, dramatic skies
Challenges: Cooler temps, Occasional rough chop
Winter days can be bright and calm; dress warmer and pick calmer forecasts for smooth cruising.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Water shoes or sturdy sandalsEssential
Protect feet from sharp shells and provide traction on wet, slick landings.
UPF long-sleeve and brimmed hatEssential
Blocks intense coastal sun and wind while the boat is underway.
Lightweight dry bag
Keeps phones, cameras, and shell finds safe from spray and splashes.
Polarized sunglassesEssential
Cuts surface glare to spot wildlife, sandbars, and shells under the waterline.
Common Questions
How many people can join the cruise?
Up to six passengers per boat, keeping the experience intimate and flexible.
Is this suitable for kids?
Yes. Children who can sit unassisted and follow basic safety instructions will enjoy the wildlife and beach stops.
When is the best time for shelling?
Around lower tide, especially after recent winds or storms that expose fresh shell beds on Deadman’s Hammock.
What wildlife might we see?
Common sightings include bottlenose dolphins, ospreys, pelicans, terns, and seasonal shorebirds; sea turtle tracks are possible in summer.
Will I get wet?
Expect light spray while underway and shallow water during beach landings—quick-dry clothing and water shoes help.
Do I need any permits?
No permits are required for the tour; follow crew guidance and local regulations on shell collecting and protected areas.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses to cut glare and spot wildlife; water shoes for safe, comfortable beach landings; UPF sun layer and brimmed hat for protection in reflected light; a small dry bag to keep phones, cameras, and shells dry.
Did You Know
In 1958, a U.S. Air Force jet jettisoned a Mark 15 nuclear device off Tybee Island, now known as the “Tybee Bomb,” which is believed to remain buried in or near Wassaw Sound.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning departures for smoother water and cooler temps; check tide charts—low tide means better shelling; bring cash or card for gratuity; parking at Isle of Hope fills on weekends—arrive 15 minutes early.
Local Flavor
Post-cruise, grab waterside tacos and a cold drink at The Wyld Dock Bar in Isle of Hope. For coastal classics, Desposito’s Seafood dishes out Lowcountry staples, and nearby Sandfly BBQ serves smoked meats in a vintage Streamliner railcar. Pair the day with a stroll under the live oaks at Wormsloe Historic Site.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV). Departure area: Isle of Hope Marina (about 20 minutes from downtown Savannah). Cell service: Generally good near the river; spotty near the outer hammocks. Permits: None required for the tour; follow refuge rules and shell-collecting guidelines.
Sustainability Note
Barrier island habitats are fragile—pack out all trash, avoid stepping on dune vegetation, and never take live shells or disturb nesting birds. Choose reef-safe sunscreen to limit chemical runoff.