Bulls Island Ferry
Boat Ecotour and Barrier Island Exploration- The Most Popular Way to See the Island!
Step onto the Ferry and into the wild.
Take a scenic 30-minute ferry ride through winding creeks to Bulls Island, a hidden gem in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, naturalists will point out dolphins, sea turtles, and some of the 293 bird species that call this place home. Once ashore, explore miles of trails and beaches—where every path leads to wildlife, shell-strewn shores, and the haunting beauty of Boneyard Beach.
$55 Adults | $35 Kids (3-12) | $0 2 & under
Groups of 5 or more: 1 child free with code FAM5
Ferry Schedule
Garris Landing pier will be under construction starting August 25, 2025.
Adjusted schedule below:
Tuesday 8/26 9am-2pm
Thursday 8/28 9am-2pm
Friday 8/29 9am-2pm
Saturday 8/30 9am-2pm
Tuesday 9/2 8:30am-1:30pm
Thursday 9/4 9am-2pm
Friday 9/5 9:30am-2:30pm
Saturday 9/6 10am-3pm
Tuesday 9/9 9am-2pm
Friday 9/12 8:30am-1:30pm
Saturday 9/13 9am-2pm
Tuesday 9/16 8:30am-1:30pm
Thursday 9/18 9am-2pm
Friday 9/19 10am-3pm
Saturday 9/20 10am-3pm
Tuesday 9/23 8:30am-1:30pm
Thursday 9/25 9am-2pm
Friday 9/26 9am-2pm
Saturday 9/27 9am-2pm
Tuesday 9/30 9am-2pm
Regular Ferry Schedule (Expected to Resume in October)
March 1 – November 30
Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Departures: 9:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Returns: 12:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.
Take the 9 a.m. ferry and stay all day if you’d like!
December 1 – February 28
Days: Saturdays only
Departure: 10:00 a.m.
Return: 3:30 p.m.
Check the Tides
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Where to Meet
Garris Landing
498 Bulls Island Road
Awendaw, SC 29429
Please park in the designated “Bulls Island Ferry” area.
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Don’t Miss the Boat.
Plan to arrive 20 minutes early so you can gather your things, use the bathroom and get down the long pier.
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Bring the Whole Crew.
Young kids? Come prepared (with snacks!) and head straight to the beach for a day you’ll never forget.
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Respect the Locals.
Take a couple of shells to remember the day, but leave the rest for habitat (Hermit crabs need them!)
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Protect South Carolina’s Wild Beaches
When you step onto places like Bulls Island, you’re not just visiting a beach—you’re entering a living, breathing ecosystem where every footprint can make a difference.
From March to October, shorebirds nest in the sand and it is important that we do not disturb them or flush them from their nests.
Activity Level
Following a 30-minute eco tour to the island, participants explore the island by foot. The captain and mate can help you plan a route that fits your expectations and time on the island.
What To Pack & Wear
- Water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and snacks
- Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire.
Cancellation & Weather Policy
You’ll need to cancel prior to 72-hours before your scheduled tour to receive a refund.
Weather (thunderstorms or high winds) may impact this excursion. Cancellations usually occur due to lightning, thunder or high winds and we will make sure to reschedule your group if needed. Our general cancellation policies apply unless our experts determine it is potentially unsafe or unwise to venture out. In the event that we decide to cancel due to weather, we will make every effort to call you at least two hours before your departure and help you reschedule or credit/refund the full cost of your trip.
Guide Safety & Training
All Coastal Expeditions guides hold certifications in first aid, CPR and lifeguarding. Throughout the year, they participate in continuing education and training to ensure that they are proficient paddlers, and all lead guides hold sea kayaking certifications from the American Canoe Association of Level 1 or higher.
Our captains hold 100-ton master captain licenses from the USCG. Coastal Expeditions boats are custom-built vessels that receive yearly inspections from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Gratuity
Gratuity is not included in your tour price. Our guides go above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic time out on the water! Average gratuity ranges from 15%–25% of your tour cost based on your experience. It is not required, but always greatly appreciated.
Collecting Shells & Bringing Bicycles
COLLECTING SHELLS
Please be respectful of the beach and only take a handful of shells. This beach is managed for the protection of wildlife and it is a special privilege to be able to take home a memento. This is not a shelling tour.
BICYCLES
If you’d like to bring a bike, you must make a reservation for it or you will have to leave it at the landing. Call or text (843)884-7684 to reserve. Space is limited. There are no bikes to rent on the island, you must bring your own.
Bikes are welcome on island trails and roads. No bikes are allowed on the beach.
Electric/motorized bicycles are not allowed.
★★★★★
As always, our trip to Bull Island was fabulous. Our guides Nick & Annie were knowledgable, personable, and just over all GREAT! We do this trip every time we visit the area (we have lost count..maybe 6 or 7 times for this tour) & we see something new each time we visit. Highly recommend this tour or any tour with Coast Expeditions…its always a great experience.