BULLS ISLAND QUEST
CAPE ROMAIN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Overview
Boat Ecotour + Barrier Island Hike
Grades 2–12
Where the classroom ends, the wild begins.
This land-and-sea adventure takes students deep into Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge to explore Bulls Island—a 5,000-acre barrier island rich with biodiversity and history.
The journey begins the moment we leave the dock. As the ferry heads through Cape Romain’s saltwater estuary, Coastal Expeditions educators guide students through the ecology of the refuge, pointing out dolphins, bald eagles, pelicans, and the building blocks of this coastal ecosystem.
Once we reach the island, it’s time to explore. Bulls Island offers 16 miles of trails, maritime forest, freshwater impoundments, and a beach alive with shorebirds, horseshoe crabs, and marine life. Depending on the group’s needs, we’ll hike from the dock to the beach—or do a beach drop for a more direct experience.
It’s an unforgettable field trip where students connect with nature, conservation, and the incredible wildness of the South Carolina coast.
Why We Love It
There’s no better place to spark a love for the outdoors than Bulls Island.
The Bulls Island Quest gives students a deep, hands-on understanding of the estuary, maritime forest, and barrier island ecosystem. Along the way, they explore the connections between history, geology, biology, and botany—all while immersed in one of South Carolina’s wildest landscapes.
Aligned with state science standards, this trip reinforces key vocabulary and concepts students will encounter on standardized tests—only here, they’re not reading about ecosystems, they’re walking through them.
Options & Rates
Island Quest | 4 hrs
$34/student
(20 student minimum)
Beach Drop | 3 hrs
$30/student
(20 student minimum)
*Funding may be available for Title I schools through the Wings Over Wilderness program
DEPARTURE POINT
Garris Landing
498 Bulls Island Road
Awendaw, SC 29429
THINGS TO KNOW
- Adapted for grades 2-12 with SC Science Curriculum standards
- Customized itineraries are available (birding, history, geology, etc.)
- We can handle large group sizes and have ample motor coach parking
- Two chaperones free; $30-34/additional adult (space is limited)
PASSENGER BOATS
The boats that are used to carry school groups are the same that are used for the Bulls Island Ferry.
Guide training and safety
Coastal Expeditions employees are certified in first aid, CPR and life guarding.
Throughout the year, they participate in continuing education programs to become skilled as naturalists, guides and field trip leaders.
Optional add-ons to the field trip
- Expand the Bulls Island field trip experience with a raptor demonstration at the Center for Birds of Prey
- Bagged lunches can be provided for an additional fee