BULLS ISLAND

Step into the wild heart of Cape Romain.

Just north of Charleston, Bulls Island is your gateway to the protected landscapes of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge—home to sea turtles, dolphins, wood storks, bald eagles, and more. This is the Lowcountry as it once was: raw, quiet, and alive with life.

The Bulls Island Ferry runs year-round, with special tours like beach drops, sunrise trips, and lighthouse expeditions offered on select dates. Most experiences are also available as private charters.

Family-friendly

Bulls Island Ferry

Daily boat service to Bulls Island with a naturalist. Hike, bird, and roam where the wild still rules.

Family-friendly

Bulls Island Beach Drop

Drop in for a day of beachcombing, birdwatching, and exploring one of the wildest places on the coast.

Boneyard Beach Sunrise

After a pre-dawn boat ride, watch the sun rise over driftwood giants. Worth the early wake-up.

Cape Romain Lighthouses

Step back in time as you cruise to Cape Romain’s remote lights, standing watch since the 1800s.
Fall Dates: Oct 11 & Nov 22

Bulls Island Paddle+Hike

A naturalist’s double feature: salt marsh paddling followed by forest and beach exploration on foot.
December Spots Available!

Dominick House Expedition

All-inclusive 3-day, 2-night escape to a historic refuge house surrounded by wild coast and marsh.
Seasonal Tour: September 3 & 20

Boneyard Safari

Explore Bulls Island by boat and trailer, ending at a driftwood-strewn beach lost in time.
Offered once a month!

Cape Romain by Moonlight

Full moon boat cruise through Cape Romain’s marshes—silver waters, dolphins & shorebird silhouettes.
Only 3 dates!

Bulls Island Stargazing Tour

Bulls Island beach drop, followed by Milky Way rising or meteor shower stargazing under a brilliant night sky.

Outpost Location

Bulls Island Ferry
498 Bulls Island Road
Awendaw, SC 29429

*The Cape Romain Lighthouses Tour and some speciality tours leave from different locations. Please check your reservation.

(843)884-7684

The Give Back

Your adventure in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge with Coastal Expeditions gives back in two direct ways:

• 5% of the proceeds from your purchase goes directly to the US Fish & Wildlife Service to help pay for the active conservation projects at the 560 National Wildlife Refuges across the United States.

• The Coastal Expeditions pays the seasonal salaries of two wildlife technicians and three college interns to sustain the largest Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest Protection Program north of Cape Canaveral, Florida.  Through donations, fundraisers and proceeds from the Bulls Island Ferry, the Coastal Expeditions Foundation is able to provide the $40,000+/year needed to maintain this program.

Concessionaire for Cape Romain NWR

Since 1994, Coastal Expeditions has been the official concessionaire for Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge—operating in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to provide guided access to this protected landscape.

From the Bulls Island Ferry to sunrise expeditions and lighthouse tours, we’re the only outfitter authorized to lead tours into the heart of Cape Romain. Come see the wild side of the Lowcountry with the guides who know it best.

Daily Tides

sea turtles, sea turtle nest protection program, loggerhead sea turtle
FUNDRAISING TOUR | JULY 20

Beach Drop for Sea Turtles

Come out on Beach Drop with a purpose—an unforgettable trip to see where loggerhead sea turtles nest and hatch. Every ticket directly supports the protection of these endangered turtles in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

Bulls Island, Sunrise Expedition, Tom Blagdon, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
SPANNING OVER ONE MILE OF SHORELINE

See the Otherworldly Beauty of Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island

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.

Bulls Island Ferry, Cape Romain Lighthouses, Charleston birding tours, Field trips, kids programs, Olivia
Cape Romain Lighthouses, Bulls Island Ferry, Charleston birding tours