Kayaking Adventures on Tybee Island with Paddle Walk Inc. - Savannah, Georgia

Kayaking Adventures on Tybee Island with Paddle Walk Inc.

Savannah, Georgiaeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–4 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for beginners in reasonable physical shape, including those new to paddling.

Overview

Discover Tybee Island’s coastal waterways with Paddle Walk Inc., offering kayak tours through salt marshes, tidal creeks, and secret channels around Little Tybee Island. Perfect for paddlers of all skill levels seeking a direct connection with Georgia’s coastal landscape.

Details

Tybee Island, Georgia, a storied southeastern barrier island, offers a unique playground of salt marshes, tidal creeks, and secluded coastal waters perfect for paddling. Paddle Walk Inc. specializes in self-guided and guided kayak tours that bring paddlers intimately close to the natural rhythms of this dynamic landscape. Their trips vary from sunset paddles that paint the sky over still waters to private tours navigating Little Tybee Island’s secret waterways, revealing hidden channels where marsh grasses sway and wading birds hunt by foot.

The charm of Paddle Walk Inc. lies in its connection to the natural ebb and flow of the South Atlantic coast. The Little Tybee and Tybee Island tours offer an immersive experience of Georgia’s saltwater estuary system, showcasing diverse habitats rich in wildlife such as fiddler crabs, herons, and occasionally the elusive bottlenose dolphin. The paddling routes cross quiet creeks lined with palmettos and live oaks draped with Spanish moss, or open into expansive views of the Atlantic stretching toward the horizon.

Paddle Walk Inc. stands apart for its accessible mix of self-guided and expert-led tours, accommodating novices and seasoned paddlers alike. Whether navigating the serpentine waterways solo or setting out as a group under the guidance of a local expert, visitors gain a genuine understanding of this subtropical ecosystem’s fragile beauty.

The company’s location on Tybee Island integrates well with the area’s laid-back beach culture while emphasizing low-impact, environmentally conscious tourism. This respect for preservation enhances the paddling experience, encouraging visitors to appreciate and protect the marshes and coastal waters that define this section of Georgia’s coast. For those looking to trade the typical beach day for a journey through winding creeks and salt flats, Paddle Walk Inc. offers the gear, guidance, and local know-how to meet the moment.

Adventure Tips

Check Tide Schedules

Kayaking on Tybee Island is heavily influenced by tides, so plan your trip around high or low tides for optimal water levels and access to waterways.

Use Sun Protection

The open water sections expose paddlers to strong sun; wear sunscreen, a hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses for protection.

Wear Quick-Drying Clothing

Expect splashes and humidity—opt for synthetic, moisture-wicking apparel that dries fast to stay comfortable during your paddle.

Bring a Waterproof Bag

Protect essentials like phones, keys, and snacks in a dry bag to keep them safe from water exposure while on the kayak.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • The quiet tidal creeks behind Little Tybee accessible only by kayak
  • A secluded salt marsh area known for excellent birdwatching near Tybee’s north end

Wildlife

  • Great blue herons
  • Bottlenose dolphins

History

Tybee Island’s beaches have served as a strategic coastal point since colonial times and house remnants of early military fortifications.

Conservation

Paddle Walk Inc. emphasizes low-impact paddling practices and educates visitors on protecting endangered salt marsh habitats vital to Georgia’s coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour before sunset
Early morning light
Overcast midday for softer tones

Best Viewpoints

  • Mouth of the tidal creeks near Little Tybee
  • Open water vistas facing the Atlantic
  • Marsh grass channels lined with live oaks

What to Photograph

Salt marsh landscapes
Coastal birds wading
Sunset reflections on the water

Recommended Gear

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

Essential

A must-have for safety and often required by law on all kayak trips.

Dry Bag

Essential

Keeps electronics and valuables dry during paddling.

UV Protection Clothing

Essential

Protects skin from sun exposure during long hours on the water.

summer specific

Water Bottle

Essential

Staying hydrated is critical, especially during summer or longer paddles.