Bulls Island Stargazing Tour
Meteor Shower and Milky Way Expeditions
The Darkest Skies in the Lowcountry
Drift away from the fading city lights as we travel by boat through the pristine saltmarsh of Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge and arrive on the wild beach of Bulls Island. 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
2026 Dates
Milky Way
9/5 7pm-11pm
10/3 6:30pm-10:30pm
11/28 4:30pm-8:30pm
Meteor Shower
8/13 4am-8am
*11/18 4:15am-8:15am
*12/13 4:30am-8:30am
*Select dates where the boat goes straight to the beach instead of taking safari-style truck ride through the island and short walk to the beach
Head down to St. Helena to hop on a Stargazer tour
See Tours
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Where to Meet
Garris Landing
498 Bulls Island Road
Awendaw, SC 29429
PM trips: look for the “Bulls Island Ferry” parking sign.
AM trips: look for your guide’s flashlight as you approach the entrance. They’ll point you in the right direction.
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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
Once 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
The boat ride and safari-style truck get you to and through the island with minimal walking required. Guests should be prepared for short, nonconsecutive walks ~1/4 mile each to get to the boat, down the beach access trail, and then disperse on the beach.
*For limited mobility, see select dates where the boat takes you straight to the beach. Noted under 2026 dates at the top of the page.
What To Pack & Wear
Pack drinking water, insect repellent, and snacks. Beach blanket and red light flashlight encouraged!
Dress for the weather. We suggest comfortable walking shoes and long sleeved layers in case it’s buggy.
Cancellation & Weather Policy
This tour is non-refundable within 1-week of your scheduled date. You may transfer tickets to someone else to take your spot (just let us know and we’ll make a note for the captain).
Weather may impact this excursion. If our expert guides determine it is potentially unsafe or unwise to venture out due to thunderstorms or high winds, we will let you know as soon as possible and reschedule your group or credit/refund the full cost of your trip.
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.