Pritchards Island & Center For Coastal Ecology

Owned by the University of South Carolina Beaufort, Pritchards Island is a remote barrier island located between Hilton Head and Hunting Island State Park. Accessible only by boat, overnight visitors are accomodated at the modern and fully equipped “Phillip Rhodes Barrier Island Research Facility”, which has a maximum capacity of 18. Explore uninhabited beaches and pristine maritime forest. Surf fishing is excellent in the summer and fall. Summer participants assist with the loggerhead sea turtle project, which includes nightly walks, assisting with tagging and measuring of turtles, and nest relocation. Events may range from family workshops, beach sweeps, photography workshops, and artist retreats…a great place to learn to value and protect those fragile ecosystems on our planet!! Educational programs for ages 7 through adult are available. Reservations are in October, and the facility fills up quickly, so plan early.