Bulls Island – Beach Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Give us the wide-angle view: what kind of beach are we talking about? If even the low-level development of the neighboring barrier islands is too much for you, Bulls Island (part of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge) delivers an even more remote experience. North Beach is a Robinson Crusoe-esque stretch of untouched sand, while Boneyard Beach, as its name suggests, looks like a ghoulish cemetery of sorts, with spiny tree branches poking out from beneath the sand. How accessible is it? From Charleston, you can take U.S. 17 North through Mount Pleasant, turning off for Garris Landing where a twice-daily ferry (in summer, it runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; in winter, just Saturdays) will transport you into the estuaries; if you’re lucky, a pod of dolphins will be there to welcome you as you approach. It’s $40 for adults and $20 for children over the age of two. Decent services and facilities, would you say? Although the beaches are incredibly scenic and panoramic, it’s not really a sunbather’s spot. Most people are there to spot the local wildlife, so don’t expect kiosks selling sunglasses, or even any real facilities. Bring what you need, including hiking gear and water. How’s the actual beach stuff—sand and surf? The gentle coastal waters are fine to swim and paddle around in, and granted, some visitors while away a few hours doing just that. But the real reason for coming to Bulls Island is to throw on your binoculars and look out for the fauna, which includes everything from alligators to flamingo. Hiking, shelling, and beachcombing for sand dollars and bits of Native American pottery are secondary, though no less enjoyable, activities. Can we go barefoot? North Beach has the smooth sands, while Boneyard Beach is a little tougher on the toes. Either way, bring a sturdy pair of sandals. Anything special we should look for? The all-encompassing natural beauty is a special thing all on its own, but to drum up the experience even more, book a sunrise expedition from one of the tour companies at Garris Landing, or book ahead for a more immersive all day experience, that will run between $60-85. If we’re thinking about going, what—and who—is this beach best for?   Those who are interested in a beach nature experience will be richly rewarded by the effort it takes to visit. You really feel like you're adrift on an island in the middle of the Atlantic when you're here." - Paul Oswell