St. Phillips Island

John Alexander

Operations Manager

Hello, my name is John Alexander, and I am the Operations Manager of Saint Phillips Island. I began my career as an Assistant Ranger on Saint Phillips, and it didn’t take long for me to realize just how special Saint Phillips Island truly is. From the very beginning, the island left a lasting impression on me, and that experience made me realize I had found my dream career in life. Working directly with the land and sharing it with others confirmed that this was exactly where I was meant to be.

Some of my greatest memories come from leading guests across the island, watching them experience its beauty for the first time and seeing the sense of amazement it inspires is something I’ll never forget.

One of the best parts of Saint Phillips Island is the trail system. These trails are situated on an ancient dune system and take you through the heart of an old-growth maritime forest. Along the way, visitors can see Native American shell middens, the remains of a crashed World War II airplane, and a stunning boneyard beach, all accessible directly from the trails. Hiking them offers a unique perspective of the island’s natural history, from towering trees to diverse wildlife and pristine coastal landscapes.

For first-time visitors, I recommend taking a day trip with Coastal Expeditions, including a beautiful boat ride to and from the island, or renting Ted Turner’s former vacation home for a more immersive experience. Both options provide an incredible opportunity to fully appreciate the beauty, history, and solitude that make St. Phillips Island such a remarkable place.

St. Phillips Island is an extraordinary barrier island on the Carolina coast. Spanning 4,680 acres, this secluded paradise, once the private retreat of media mogul Ted Turner, blends ancient dune ridges with old growth maritime forest and is designated a National Natural Landmark. Seven winding trails lead from boneyard beaches into the untouched forest for an intimate look at the island’s wild beauty. Accessible only by boat, visitors can take a day trip with Coastal Expeditions naturalists or immerse themselves with a two night, three day stay.

For a gathering, rent Ted Turner’s historic vacation home, the 3,350 square foot Turner House, with five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and an 820 square foot screened porch overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.