Bull Island, a hidden gem located along the South Carolina coastline, remains largely unexplored by both tourists and locals. However, those who make the short trip to this barrier island are often enchanted by the pristine charm of its seven-mile stretch of beach. This lesser-known spot is a true haven for beachcombers, offering the opportunity to discover an array of treasures such as sand dollars, shells, and more.
Regardless of the time of year, visitors to Bull Island will likely find themselves lucky in their search for sand dollars. The island’s unique location in the Atlantic, coupled with the specific tidal movements in this area, seems to draw these delicate treasures to the shore, making it feel as though the island is a natural magnet for them.
The sole way to reach Bull Island is by boat. About once a month, the Bull Island Ferry, managed by Coastal Expeditions, offers a beach drop that aligns seamlessly with the tidal schedule.
Following a 50-minute guided excursion departing from Garris Landing in Awendaw, the tour boat delivers guests to the northern tip of Bull Island. Here, they can immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty and serene sounds of this untouched shoreline for nearly three hours.
Sand dollars are just one of the many treasures from the ocean that you can discover on this beach. In fact, the shore is often adorned with a diverse collection of seashells waiting to be explored.
When it comes to sand dollars, you’ll often find many nestled in the sand just beneath the waves. However, it’s important to distinguish between the living sand dollars and those that have passed away. While it’s acceptable to take home the deceased ones, be sure to return the live sand dollars to the water to ensure their survival.
Live sand dollars exhibit a darker hue compared to their deceased counterparts. When you turn them over, their underside is adorned with tiny, delicate hairs that may wiggle slightly. If you’d prefer not to flip one, you can still observe these small, hairy structures moving slightly along the edges of the living sand dollar, which belongs to the sea biscuit family.
Conversely, it’s perfectly acceptable to collect dead sand dollars to take home with you. These unique treasures can serve as a lovely memento of your trip to Bull Island in South Carolina. Distinguishing between live and deceased sand dollars is quite simple: live specimens will have tiny, moving hairs, while dead ones will lack these and have started to fade to a white color from exposure to sunlight.
Before heading to Bull Island, here are a few important tips to keep in mind: Make sure to pack sunscreen, plenty of water, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. The beach offers no shaded areas for relief, and it’s worth noting that there are no restroom facilities available on-site.
If you’re planning to relax on the sandy shores of Bull Island, feel free to bring along a beach towel and enjoy the ocean waves. Just keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty, so swimming is at your own risk.
To experience this beautiful haven for sand dollars and beachcombing, visit the official Coastal Expeditions website. They provide multiple tour options to Bull Island, so be sure to select the Beach Drop tour. The cost for the ferry is $40 for adults and $20 for children, and the journey takes approximately 50 minutes each way. Overall, you can expect to enjoy a total outing of about five hours.
Garris Landing Address: 498 Bulls Island Road, Awendaw, SC, 29429