Nestled within the untouched wilderness of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Bulls Island is a place where nature thrives, history lingers, and adventure beckons. One of its most captivating features is Boneyard Beach, a striking landscape that feels like a scene from another world.

What is Boneyard Beach?

Boneyard Beach is a hauntingly beautiful stretch of shoreline where time and tide have sculpted a natural masterpiece. Ancient live oaks and palmettos, once part of the island’s maritime forest, stand like skeletal sentinels along the sand, their trunks bleached by the sun and sea. Over the years, erosion has claimed sections of the forest, leaving behind this dramatic, otherworldly display.

The Magic of Sunrise and Tides

One of the best times to experience Boneyard Beach is at sunrise. As the first light of day spills across the horizon, the twisted and gnarled branches cast eerie yet stunning silhouettes against the pastel sky. It’s a photographer’s paradise, offering an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow, water and wood. High tide transforms the beach into a surreal scene, where the skeletal trees appear to rise out of the surf, adding to its ethereal charm. Once a month, Coastal Expeditions offers the Boneyard Beach Sunrise Expedition to enjoy this experience.

Wildlife Encounters

Bulls Island is home to an incredible array of wildlife, and a walk along Boneyard Beach often comes with glimpses of nature in action. Shorebirds skim the water’s edge, dolphins breach just offshore, and bald eagles soar overhead.  The beach, part of the longest contiguous stretch of shoreline on the Eastern seaboard, is littered with the shells of whelks, moon snails, Florida horse conchs, banded tulips and lettered olives.

Getting to Boneyard Beach

The only way to visit Bulls Island is by boat, and the best way to get there is with Coastal Expeditions’ Bulls Island Ferry. Departing from Garris Landing, the ferry ride itself is an experience, winding through the pristine estuary of Cape Romain. Once on the island, a scenic 1.5-mile walk through the maritime forest brings you to the beach. Turn left and walk up the beach another mile to the Boneyard where you can explore, reflect, and soak in the raw beauty of this extraordinary place.

Plan Your Adventure

Whether you’re a photographer, a nature lover, or simply someone seeking a peaceful escape, Boneyard Beach is a must-visit destination. Book your ferry with Coastal Expeditions and step into a world where nature tells its own timeless story—one shaped by wind, waves, and the steady passage of time.

Ready to experience Boneyard Beach?