Wild South Carolina Escape: Beaufort and the Barrier Islands

Arrive in Charleston and transfer to National Geographic Sea Lion. This evening, sail out of scenic Charleston harbor and follow the coast southwest, skirting the barrier islands that shelter the mainland. (D)

We round Bay Point Island early this morning and enter the mouth of the Harbor River. Be on deck as the South Carolina coastline awakens. We’ll make our way along the coast of Port Royal Island to the historic town of Beaufort. This beautiful area was alternately settled—and sometimes fought over—by English, French, and Spanish colonists as well as its original Native American inhabitants. Dive in to this diverse heritage today, visiting Old Sheldon Church; the Port Royal Museum; and the Penn Center, the first academic school for freed people. See opulent historic mansions, and then head to Lady’s Island Oysters for a tasting of oysters raised in the nearby estuary. (B,L,D)

Spend today exploring several of the barrier islands. On pristine St. Phillips Island, which was never developed and is now part of a state park, hike trails that weave from sand dunes to salt marshes to maritime forest. Keep an eye out for migrating warblers and roseate spoonbills in the quiet waterways, as well as alligators, loggerhead sea turtles, and more. Watch for dolphins as we cross St. Helena Sound. Conditions permitting, we’ll go ashore at Edisto Island to visit Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area. Originally two plantations that played a role during the Civil War, this protected area now comprises 4,600 acres of wild beach, pine forests, and freshwater ponds, dotted with historic plantation ruins. (B,L,D)

Trace the coast north past Charleston to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, which spans 104 square miles from Bull Island in the south to Murphy Island in the north. We have an entire day to explore the refuge and discover its wildlife and history. Hike one of the its many trails, or cruise close to shore in a Zodiac, watching for dolphins and seabirds. Have your camera ready as we pass the Cape Romain Lighthouse. (B,L,D)

Today we set off into the waterways of Francis Marion National Forest. Dotted with towering old-growth bald cypress trees, this black water region draws all manner of wildlife, from nesting birds to sunning reptiles, and insects humming among the reeds. (B,L,D)

This morning, National Geographic Sea Lion arrives in Charleston where we disembark and transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)