Bulls Island Stargazing Tour
Meteor Shower and Milky Way Expeditions- Only 3 Dates This Year
The Darkest Skies in the Lowcountry
As the sun sinks behind the salt marsh, we’ll travel by boat through the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge and drop you on the wild beach of Bulls Island just as the stars begin to appear. From this remote shoreline, walk beneath a truly dark sky where the Milky Way stretches overhead and meteors streak across the horizon in one of the most awe-inspiring night sky experiences on the East Coast.
4 hours | $75
Fall 2025 Dates:
August 13 | 4-8 a.m.
Persiads Meteor Shower
October 15 | 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Milky Way Rising
December 14 | 4:30-8:30 a.m.
Geminids Meteor Shower
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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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The Boat Leaves on Time.
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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How to Prepare
One you are on the island, lay out a blanket and prepare for the light show.
Wear long sleeves & pants (in case it is buggy) and pack a picnic. You may want a camera or your swimsuit, too!
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Under Naturally Dark Skies
Bulls Island is part of the longest contiguous stretch of undeveloped shoreline on the East coast
“I’ve never seen the Milky Way that clearly—like someone dusted glitter across the sky.”
CAPE ROMAIN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
An Island Made for Stargazing
Bulls Island is surrounded by protected wilderness, with no artificial lights for miles. It’s one of the last places on the South Carolina coast where you can experience true dark skies.
Activity Level
You’ll step right off the boat onto the beach using a ramp or set of steps. Once you’re on Bulls Island, it’s totally up to you—wander the shoreline, find a quiet spot to stargaze, or stay close to the boat. There’s no required hiking, just a wild beach to explore at your own pace.
What To Pack & Wear
Pack small backpack with snacks, water, insect spray and a blanket. If bringing a flashlight or headlamp, use the red light setting.
Wear clothes that are good for the beach and weather for that day. We suggest an outer layer of long sleeve & pants in case it is buggy.
Cancellation & Weather Policy
This tour is non-refundable within 1-week of your scheduled date.
Because this is a boat trip to a remote barrier island, we keep a close eye on the weather—especially for things like lightning, thunder, or high winds. If our team decides it’s not safe to go out, we’ll contact you (usually at least two hours in advance) to reschedule or offer a full credit or refund. Your safety—and your experience—are our top priorities.
Guide Safety & Training
Our guides aren’t just great naturalists—they’re also trained to keep you safe. All hold certifications in first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding, and they regularly participate in hands-on training to stay sharp. Our lead guides are certified sea kayakers through the American Canoe Association (Level 1 or higher), and our captains hold 100-ton USCG Master licenses.
The boats you’ll ride in? Custom-built for these waters and inspected annually by the U.S. Coast Guard—so you can focus on the adventure, not the logistics.
Gratuity
Gratuity isn’t included in your tour price, but it’s always appreciated. Our guides work hard to make your time on the water unforgettable—and if you feel they went above and beyond, a tip of 15–25% is a great way to say thanks. Totally optional, always appreciated.
Collecting Shells
This isn’t a shelling tour, but you’re welcome to take a small handful of shells as a memento. Bulls Island is a protected wildlife habitat, and we’re lucky to visit a place this special—let’s help keep it that way by treading lightly and leaving most treasures for the next explorer.