A WEEKEND AWAY ON ST. PHILLIPS ISLAND
TURNER HOUSE EXPEDITION
Accessible only by boat, St. Phillips Island is a place of wild beaches, winding creeks, and ancient maritime forest. Spend three days exploring with Coastal Expeditions naturalists, then return to the Turner House or nearby bungalow for Southern-inspired meals, ocean breezes, and a comfortable place to settle in.
Once Ted Turner’s family getaway, this remarkable island offers a chance to step away from everyday life and experience the quieter side of the Lowcountry.
3 days | 2 nights | $995 per person
Lodging, meals, boat transportation, and guided outings included.
Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 dates are open for booking.
The Turner House
Built by Ted Turner as a family getaway, this comfortable home provides excellent lodging for our weekend expeditions. When he built it in the early 1980s, all of the materials were brought over by boat and he designed it to blend with the natural landscape. The large screened porch offers wide views of the Atlantic Ocean and is the perfect spot for morning coffee or an afternoon break. There are five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms in this main house along with a kitchen, living room, dining room and den.
The nearby house that we’ve affectionately named the “Fonda Bungalow” is great for groups who are traveling together and has two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Meals are served family-style in the Turner House.
Couples will have their own private bedroom. Solo travelers may share a bedroom with another guest, and bathrooms may be shared. Let us know who you’re traveling with and any room preferences when booking- and if you have questions email us!
Gatherings
At the Turner House, the best moments often happen when we come together: over pancakes in the kitchen, a Lowcountry boil around a table or an oyster roast on the beach. We’ll linger in the Adirondack chairs by the fire pit, walk beneath the stars, and take our coffee down to the beach in the morning. It’s a chance to enjoy the island the way South Carolinians have long loved their barrier islands- sharing seafood, stories and unhurried time together.
Peaceful
Amazing
Relaxing
Just finished weekend excursion to St. Phillip’s Island courtesy of Coast Expeditions!! Stayed in the Ted Turner house, wonderful accommodations, staff fed us wonderful Lowcountry meal options – big breakfast, BBQ, Lowcountry Boil, oyster roast! And most importantly – peaceful and soul centering hikes in the maritime forest and along the beaches. This is a similar trip as the Dominick House on Bulls Island that Coastal leads. I highly recommend both of these weekend excursions with Coastal!
-Amy B., TripAdvisor
My husband and I had no idea on what to expect from this weekend trip to The Turner House on St. Phillips Island. However, thanks to Jackie, Annie, MC, Matt and Henry, our visit to the Turner House was amazing. The nature walks, boat rides, and beach explorations were very informative. We never felt rushed and we got to relax with eleven other people who we found very interesting. Jackie, Annie and MC stayed with us and kept us well-fed with some amazing meals. Although the bugs were waking up for the season, we could not have asked for better weather which was wonderful with warm temps and a constant breeze that helped with the pesky little creatures.
Teresa T., TripAdvisor
I just returned from the most wonderful, relaxing weekend on St. Phillip’s Island staying in the Turner House. Thank you to Annie, Jackie & MC for making the weekend fun & informative. They turned out incredible food and the walking, beach & boat tours were a great learning experience. I spent part of an afternoon in a hammock listening to the ocean and birds. It doesn’t get any better than that! I highly recommend this excursion.
-Kim B., TripAdvisor
Your Island Weekend
Your weekend begins at 10 a.m. Friday at our St. Helena Island outpost on Ward Creek. We load our gear aboard and set off through the estuary toward St. Phillips Island, often with dolphins alongside the boat. As we travel, the landscape grows wilder—winding creeks, open marshes, and undeveloped shoreline offer a glimpse of the Lowcountry you’ve imagined.
Once ashore, we settle into the houses and gather for lunch as our guides share the day’s plans. Weather and tides help shape our explorations, from birding walks beneath the maritime forest canopy to sunset boat cruises and evenings gathered around an oyster roast. The next morning brings an invitation to watch the sunrise together before another day of discovery among the island’s beaches, ancient dunes, and quiet waterways. Along the way, there are Southern-inspired meals, good company, and time to enjoy simply being here.
Sunday leaves time for one more morning of exploration and a leisurely lunch before we gather our belongings and board the boat home, returning to the mainland by 2 p.m.
Have questions before you book? Read these FAQ’s
Recommended Reading
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The Water is Wide by Pat Conroy – Conroy’s story of teaching on nearby Daufuskie Island reflects the enduring isolation and cultural richness of the Sea Islands, much like the spirit you’ll encounter on St. Phillips.
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Chesapeake by James Michener – This sweeping novel of the Eastern Seaboard captures the ebb and flow of human and natural history that still shapes barrier islands like St. Phillips.
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Conserving America’s Wildlands: The Vision of Ted Turner by Rhett Turner – A powerful reminder that St. Phillips itself was once Ted Turner’s private conservation project, this book underscores the value of preserving wild places.
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Tideland Treasure by Todd Ballentine – A naturalist’s field guide to the Carolina coast, it mirrors the discoveries you’ll make exploring St. Phillips’ maritime forest, beaches, and estuaries.
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The Overstory by Richard Powers – This Pulitzer-winning novel about trees and interconnectedness echoes the ancient maritime forest of St. Phillips, where every towering oak and palmetto tells a deeper story.
“St. Phillips Island is a salty eden where dolphins leap and vivid painted buntings perch on low branches while eagles and ospreys gaze from the treetops.” -Southern Living
Turner House Expedition: St. Phillips Island
Step into one of the Lowcountry’s most extraordinary places. Just a few miles from Beaufort at Hunting Island State Park, St. Phillips Island stretches for four miles of untouched shoreline, winding creeks, and maritime forest. Accessible only by boat, this 4,680-acre barrier island is as wild and unspoiled as the day Ted Turner purchased it to protect it nearly 40 years ago.
Now, it’s your turn to enjoy this National Natural Landmark. Join us for guided explorations through the island’s trails, beaches, and waterways, then return each evening to the comfort of the house. Meals, guides, and gear are included—you just bring a sense of adventure.
On this multi-day expedition, you’ll stay at the Turner House & Bungalow, a rustic retreat that Turner built in harmony with the landscape, hauling every beam and board across the water by boat. For decades, it served as his family’s beach getaway, a place to gather under wide skies and ocean breezes.
Coastal Expeditions’ St. Phillips Island adventure was featured as the cover story of Southern Living’s January 2021 issue on Winter Island Escapes. The editors highlighted the island’s rare story: a barrier island, tucked into the Southern Bight, that has been largely spared from the destructive power of hurricanes.
That protection has allowed the maritime forest to reach its full, ancient potential—creating a landscape that feels almost prehistoric. Here, a thriving mix of wildlife finds refuge: fox squirrels dart through the pines, American alligators bask in the sun, and wood storks and roseate spoonbills fill the skies.
Activity Level
We are almost always on the go between meals! Every day, you will walk several miles at a comfortable pace. Our longer hikes will typically range from 5-7 miles. Boat rides and safari-style rides through the island will also be on the itinerary.
All activities are optional and we will go over the itinerary each morning.
What To Pack & Wear
A packing list will be provided once you make a reservation, but essentially you just need to pack a weekender bag with your personal items. We’ve got the rest!
Accommodations & Meals
Meals are a hearty mix of southern and coastal-inspired meals that include trailside picnics, big southern breakfasts, and fresh, local seafood.
Accommodations are in the Turner Houses (Main House and Bungalow), providing a comfortable place to stay on St. Phillips Island. Both homes have heating and A/C. The main house, which we use as a group gathering spot, has a full kitchen, dining room, comfortable living space and screened porches with a beach view.
Couples will have their own private bedroom, while solo travelers may share a bedroom with another guest. Bathrooms may also be shared. When booking, please let us know who you’re traveling with and any room preferences or special needs. We’ll do our best to make everyone’s stay comfortable and welcoming.
Cancellation & Weather Policy
There is a 50% non-refundable deposit due at the time of booking. If you need to cancel your reservation, you will not receive a refund for your deposit under any circumstances. You must cancel your reservation at least 30 days in advance to avoid being charged the final 50% of your payment. Please understand that this policy is in place due to the high demand and planning required for a specialty overnight outing.
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.
