> SCHOOL FIELD TRIP


Overview
Boat Ecotour + Barrier Island Hike
Grades 2-12
Take students on a land and sea adventure into Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge to explore a wild barrier island.
The Bulls Island field trip begins as soon as students board the passenger ferry and depart for Bulls Island! Coastal Expeditions educators lead students through Cape Romain on an ecotour, teaching about the building blocks of the estuary and offering opportunities to see dolphins bald eagles, Eastern brown pelicans and other wildlife.
Bulls Island is a dynamic 5000-acre barrier island with 16 miles of trails that wind through mature forests and alongside freshwater impoundments. The beach environment a wild habitat for shorebirds, horseshoe crabs, shells and marine organisms.
On the island, groups either hike from the dock through the island to the beach or opt for a beach drop. See options for details
Why We Love It
There is no place like Bulls Island to get kids connected with the outdoors!
The Bulls Island Quest provides a comprehensive overview of history, geology, biology, and botany as it applies to the estuary, maritime forest and beach. This trip adjusts to cover the science curriculum standards with vocabulary and concepts that students will see again on standardized testing.
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)
FAQ’s
Our fleet of boats
The vessels that are used to carry school groups are the same vessels that are used for the Bulls Island Ferry.
These passenger ferry boats are stable and fully covered, holding up to 49 people on each boat. Every year, they are fully inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and each hold up-to-date Certificates of Inspection (COIs).
Coastal Expeditions captains are all licensed Master Captains with years of experience as passenger ferry captains. Safety is their priority on every excursion.
The Outdoor School crew are trained as first mates on the ferry, adding additional attention to safety and comfort on the ecotour ot the island!
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