Is previous kayaking or boating experience required?

No, the guides provide thorough instructions, and pre-trip briefing makes it accessible to beginners.

Are there restroom facilities on Little Tybee Island?

No, the island is undeveloped with no facilities; restrooms are available before departure on Tybee Island.

Can I bring children on the safari?

Children are welcome if they are comfortable in watercraft and accompanied by an adult; check age policies with the operator.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

Common sightings include dolphins, alligators, bald eagles, raccoons, and various marsh birds.

What should I bring with me?

Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and appropriate clothing for weather and paddling conditions.

Are there any safety concerns regarding wildlife?

The guides maintain a safe distance from animals like alligators and provide safety instructions to ensure a secure experience.

Explore Little Tybee Island: A Wildlife Safari Through Untouched Georgia Wilderness | Wildlife | Dolphin

Set just off the coast of Tybee Island, Georgia, the Wildlife Safari on Little Tybee Island State Heritage Preserve offers adventurers a rare chance to encounter one of the region’s most secluded natural havens. Little Tybee Island, often overshadowed by its more popular neighbor, is a sprawling expanse of unspoiled marshes, tidal creeks, and remote beaches larger than Big Tybee. This three-hour guided journey reveals a landscape where nature rules, with no roads or permanent inhabitants, making every turn a fresh discovery. This excursion begins on serene waters winding through brackish creeks alive with the movement of dolphins and the occasional splash of an alligator’s tail. As you paddle or glide in your small craft, the calm is often punctuated by the cry of bald eagles soaring overhead or the chatter of raccoons along the shore. The preserve’s unique ecosystem supports diverse wildlife, from marsh birds to crustaceans, all thriving in a protected environment. What makes this safari truly stand out is its immersive quality; the absence of crowds and motorboats means you’ll feel deeply connected to the landscape’s quiet power. Guides share insights on the island’s history as a protected natural area and its role in preserving coastal biodiversity along Georgia’s coast. For photographers and nature lovers alike, there’s an opportunity to capture intimate, undisturbed scenes of marsh grasses dancing in the breeze and reflective tide pools filled with life. Little Tybee Island’s wilderness is dynamic—rising and falling tides shape the terrain and influence animal behavior, making timing a key part of the experience. Nearby Tybee Island offers convenient accommodations and a charming beach-town atmosphere to relax before or after your adventure. Whether you arrive with a camera, binoculars, or simply a readiness to absorb nature’s rhythms, the Wildlife Safari invites you to step beyond typical beach trips and discover a coastal treasure where wildlife and wilderness remain largely intact. Ideal for active explorers and curious minds seeking something off the beaten path, this trip is a striking complement to any Georgia coastal itinerary.

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

3 hours.

Fitness level

Moderate fitness is recommended since you'll be outdoors paddling or on a small boat for hours.

Wildlife

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin
American Alligator

History

Little Tybee Island was designated a State Heritage Preserve to protect its unique coastal ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

Conservation

The area is managed to minimize human impact, with strict rules on visitation to preserve the delicate marshland environment.

Old Coast Adventure Company operates guided boat tours and private charters based on Tybee Island, Georgia. The company specializes in small-group coastal excursions that showcase the Lowcountry's wildlife, tidal creeks, and barrier islands. Offerings include a three-hour Wildlife Safari through Little Tybee Island State Heritage Preserve, a Fossil Finder’s Expedition along fossil-rich beaches on the Savannah River, a private Little Tybee Day Adventure for swimming and beachcombing, a five-hour A Day on Daufuskie tour to explore Daufuskie Island's history and galleries, and a Low Country Sunset Sail aboard the classic Schooner Faith. Experienced local guides lead every trip, providing natural history interpretation, wildlife spotting, and safe navigation of tidal waters. Trips are guided with attention to conservation and respect for protected habitats, allowing guests to observe dolphins, eagles, alligators, and native shorebirds without disturbing sensitive areas. Private and small-group options accommodate families, photographers, and celebration groups looking for a personalized coastal experience. Booking information, departure locations on Tybee Island, and seasonal availability are provided on the company's reservation channels. Safety briefings, life jackets, and guidance for beach terrain and tidal conditions are standard on all excursions. The combination of local knowledge, classic vessels, and focused itineraries makes Old Coast Adventure Company a reliable choice for visitors seeking authentic Lowcountry adventures from Tybee Island. Guides offer interpretive commentary on coastal ecosystems and local history, and the Fossil Finder’s Expedition is led by knowledgeable guides who explain fossil finds. Sunset sails may include catered beverages and a charcuterie board on select departures.

Base locationTybee Island, Georgia

Tours offered5+

Specialtywildlife-nature

StewardshipLeave No Trace