General Information

St. Phillips Island is a 4-mile-long, 4,680-acre undeveloped barrier island off the coast of Beaufort, South Carolina. This former private island can only be accessed by boat and is a true hidden gem of the Lowcountry. For nearly 40 years, it was owned by billionaire conservationist Ted Turner, who purchased St. Phillips in 1979 to preserve its integrity as an unspoiled natural environment and protect it from development. In 2017, the State of South Carolina purchased the island, which is now operated in conjunction with nearby Hunting Island State Park.

For information on Day Trips and FAQ, see below

Click here for a map of St. Phillips Island

Click here to book your day trip

Click here for more information on overnight lodging at the Turner House

Day Trips to St. Phillips Island

Departing from St. Helena Island, the St. Phillips Island Ferry starts with a 30-minute boat ride along the Story River led by a naturalist with extensive knowledge of the fragile coastal environment and the history of the Beaufort barrier islands.

As you pass through the salt marsh estuary, considered the most productive ecosystem in the world, you’ll learn about its role as the “nursery of the sea” and the spartina grass that acts as the first line of defense for runoff and erosion control.

The educational and entertaining lessons continue on the 3.5-mile tram ride from the St. Phillips dock on the back side of the island to the beach located near Turner’s former home. Traversing the dense maritime forest on the rambling sand road Turner built across the island, you get a visual understanding of the ancient dune system and interdunal swales and ponds where it’s not unusual to spot alligators, egrets and other wildlife.

Once at the tram stop, you are free to walk the beach and explore the island on your own on some 4 miles of trails carefully carved through the forest.

As you venture into the untamed wilderness, you quickly discover the stunning beauty of the primordial landscape, thick with towering longleaf pines, old-growth magnolias and gnarled live oaks covered in Spanish moss. The trails take you past freshwater ponds, between brackish sloughs and over sand dune ridges to experience a variety of ecosystems and wetland habitats. Traveling the length of the island, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the salt marsh, Trenchards Inlet and a “boneyard” beach scattered with the weather-beaten remnants of trees. It’s a day in nature that you won’t forget!

Book your tour here!

Tour FAQ

Price

• Adults: $65
• Children 3-12: $35
• Children 2 & under: Free

Duration

• Tours are 6 hours long and depart at 9 a.m.
• The St. Phillips Island Ferry departs on time and does not return for latecomers. We recommend that you plan to arrive 20-30 minutes before your departure to give yourself plenty of time to park, gather your belongings, and use the facilities before you board the ferry.

Where to Meet

• Coastal Expeditions St. Helena Basecamp
• Address: 1928 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island, SC 29920
• From Hunting Island State Park, turn right and drive 5.9 miles. Coastal Expeditions will be on the left. 

What to Bring

• Participants should bring water, insect repellent, sunscreen, snacks and a bagged lunch. There are no food options available on the island, so make sure your pack all of the food and water you will need for the day.
• Participants should wear a hat, sunglasses, quick-drying clothes, and walking shoes (not flip-flops). Layers are encouraged since temperatures can vary on the boat and the island. 
• Optional: binoculars, swimsuit, towel, rain coat, beach blanket

Facilities

• Picnic tables are available in the area to enjoy the packed lunch you’re encouraged to bring on the day trip.