City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Tybee Island, Georgia
The barrier island of Tybee Island is located just east of Savannah and south of Hilton Head Island along the Georgia’s Atlantic Coast. With Tybee Creek, the Bull River and the nearby Wilmington River, boaters can find a variety of water-based activities on this small island (it’s only about 3.19 square miles).
From fishing at the Tybee Beach Pier to swimming, sunning and lounging at North Beach, Mid Beach, Back River Beach or even Little Tybee Beach, you can’t go wrong with Tybee’s sand and surf. But what about when you want a drier activity? We know that’s a rare thing, but it happens. Today, we’re going to check out some land-based things to do from a private boat dock rental in Tybee Island. Let’s go!
Fort Screven
Photo: Tybee Island Marine Science Center (Facebook)
Located at the north end of the island, the 1875 Fort Screven offers a couple of different attractions for visitors to explore within its neighborhood. There’s the black and white Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, the 19th-century concrete gun batteries and the 1930s Tybee Post Theater. The lighthouse, built in 1773 (though the original was built in 1736 and has seen many renovations since), sits at the entrance to the Savannah River and is Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse. Climb the 178 steps to the top for stunning views of the coast and surrounding landscape.
Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Photo: Tybee Island Marine Science Center (Facebook)
Tybee Island Marine Science Center can be found near Fort Screven at the north end of Tybee Island. Visit alligators, horseshoe crabs, box turtles, spider crabs and more. Take part in nature walks and educational talks, visit interactive exhibits or learn about nesting sea turtles.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Photo: Wikimedia
Located on Cockspur Island, along the Savannah River, the Civil War-era Fort Pulaski National Monument makes a terrific spot to visit from a boat lift rental. History buffs can learn about the history and people involved in the events that took place there while the lighthouse fans can check out the 1839 Cockspur Lighthouse, the smallest lighthouse in Georgia. Visit plants and wildlife in the 4,500-acre park. You might see bald eagles, peregrine falcons, manatees, loggerhead turtles, armadillos and coyotes.
If you trailer a boat from a boat slip rental, Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp provides access to the waterways around the monument. There’s also a fishing pier if you prefer to cast from land.
Fish Art Gallerie
Photo: Fish Art Galleries (Facebook)
Fish Art Gallerie is an open-air gallery offering quirky art installations, metal sculptures, antiques and unique gifts. The featured artist is Tybee local Ralph Douglas Jones (a.k.a. “Fish Maker Extraordinaire). You’ll find art renderings of fish created out of everything from surfboards and watering cans to pots, pans and coffee pots. There’s also a diverse array of glassware, wrought iron, old bottles and more. This place is a picker’s dream!
Tybee Island Memorial Park
For those with a competitive edge, Tybee Island Memorial Park is the place to go. There are tennis, basketball and volleyball courts as well as a soccer field, a picnic pavilion, a playground and a restroom. It’s within walking distance to the beach if you feel the need to take a dip before heading off to another attraction or returning to a boat dock rental.
We hope you’ve discovered a few things to do the next time you’re passing through or spending time at a private boat slip for rent on Tybee Island.
