Nature Activities

Disconnect and discover the natural wonders of the Golden Isles.

Jekyll Island offers a variety of activities for nature and ecology enthusiasts. The Island’s low-lying coastal environment attracts a wide array of wildlife, including sea turtles and an abundant avian population. Explore our nature lover’s paradise by foot, by bike, or on a guided tour.

Seat Turtle On The Beach.

Sea Turtle Center

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, located directly behind the Jekyll Island Club, is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the wonderful and protected species of sea turtles. Educational programs can also be prearranged. Please call 912-635-4444 for more information.

Tidelands Nature Center

Monday – Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm

Tidelands Nature Center offers educational nature walks around the island, kayak tours in the salt marsh, and coastal ecology programs, as well as an exhibit area that features live coastal species including sea turtles, snakes, and more. For information, dial 912-635-5032.

Birds On The Beach.
White Bird By The Ocean.

Bird Watching

Jekyll Island boasts some of the most diverse and plentiful bird watching in the country as one of the 18 sites along Georgia’s Colonial Birding Trail, as well as an important site along the Atlantic Migratory Flyway. The island’s two birding platforms are located at the Welcome Center before the island entrance and at the St. Andrews Picnic Area. Visit Coastal Georgia Birding for local area guides.

Ranger Walks

Jekyll Island is home to more than a thousand acres of maritime forest, 10 miles of shoreline, and marshes filled with many wonders. Learn about the Island’s natural resources from Jekyll’s own Park Ranger Ray Emerson during these unique eco-experiences. Reservations are required. Please call 912-635-4036 to arrange a private tour.

Dirt Road With Tree Overgrowth.
Alligator In The Water.

Gatorology at Horton Pond

Horton Pond is one of Jekyll Island’s hidden gems attracting a variety of wildlife. April through September you can sign up for a safe hands-on experience to learn about the American Alligator’s history, biology, and conservation. The pond features a wheelchair-accessible observation deck and is located on an unmarked road across the street from The Villas by the Sea Resort’s main entrance. Please visit The Jekyll Island Authority website to purchase tickets.

Turtle Tides

Located in front of the Jekyll Island Club at the historic Jekyll Island Wharf Marina, Turtle Tides is a locally owned and operated watersport company that offers guided tours, rental equipment, and delivery/pick-up services. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, and water bikes, or embark on a guided tour. For information, dial 912-635-2567.

Kayaking In Tidelands.
Lady In A Kayak.

Kayak Tours

SouthEast Adventure Outfitters Kayak Tours. Georgia covers 100 miles of coast and about one-third of all the eastern seaboard’s marshes. Only 3 of its 15 barrier islands are developed. With 2,000 miles of shoreline and remote river lowlands, the padding opportunities on our coast are endless. Learn the basic skills of sea kayaking while exploring the scenic “Marshes of Glynn”. Launching from the private dock at SouthEast Adventure Outfitters in Brunswick, the trip is an easy and informative way to discover why kayaking is one of the fastest growing sports today.

More info:
912-638-0673
Website

Seat Turtle On The Beach.

Sea Turtle Center

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, located directly behind the Jekyll Island Club, is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the wonderful and protected species of sea turtles. Educational programs can also be prearranged. Please call 912-635-4444 for more information.

Birds On The Beach.

Tidelands Nature Center

Tuesday – Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Tidelands Nature Center offers educational nature walks around the island, kayak tours in the salt marsh, and coastal ecology programs, as well as an exhibit area that features live coastal species including sea turtles, snakes, and more. For information, dial 912-635-5032.

White Bird By The Ocean.

Bird Watching

Jekyll Island boasts some of the most diverse and plentiful bird watching in the country as one of the 18 sites along Georgia’s Colonial Birding Trail, as well as an important site along the Atlantic Migratory Flyway. The island’s two birding platforms are located at the Welcome Center before the island entrance and at the St. Andrews Picnic Area. Visit Coastal Georgia Birding for local area guides.

Dirt Road With Tree Overgrowth.

Ranger Walks

Jekyll Island is home to more than a thousand acres of maritime forest, 10 miles of shoreline, and marshes filled with many wonders. Learn about the Island’s natural resources from Jekyll’s own Park Ranger Ray Emerson during these unique eco-experiences. Reservations are required. Please call 912-635-4036 to arrange a private tour.

Alligator In The Water.

Gatorology at Horton Pond

Horton Pond is one of Jekyll Island’s hidden gems attracting a variety of wildlife. April through September you can sign up for a safe hands-on experience to learn about the American Alligator’s history, biology, and conservation. The pond features a wheelchair-accessible observation deck and is located on an unmarked road across the street from The Villas by the Sea Resort’s main entrance. Please visit The Jekyll Island Authority website to purchase tickets.

Kayaking In Tidelands.

Turtle Tides

Located in front of the Jekyll Island Club at the historic Jekyll Island Wharf Marina, Turtle Tides is a locally owned and operated watersport company that offers guided tours, rental equipment, and delivery/pick-up services. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, and water bikes, or embark on a guided tour. For information, dial 912-635-2567.

Lady In A Kayak.

Kayak Tours

SouthEast Adventure Outfitters Kayak Tours. Georgia covers 100 miles of coast and about one-third of all the eastern seaboard’s marshes. Only 3 of its 15 barrier islands are developed. With 2,000 miles of shoreline and remote river lowlands, the padding opportunities on our coast are endless. Learn the basic skills of sea kayaking while exploring the scenic “Marshes of Glynn”. Launching from the private dock at SouthEast Adventure Outfitters in Brunswick, the trip is an easy and informative way to discover why kayaking is one of the fastest growing sports today.

More info:
912-638-0673
Website

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Get hands on with this rare, elegant species at Georgia’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility.

SEA TURTLE CENTER WEBSITE

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Get hands on with this rare, elegant species at Georgia’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility.

SEA TURTLE CENTER WEBSITE

PACKAGES & OFFERS

Locals Get It

Enjoy a staycation close to home. For our valued Georgia and Florida locals, Jekyll Ocean Club Resort is happy to extend up to 25% off our best available rates, daily breakfast for two and daily bike rentals for two.

VIEW ALL PACKAGES & OFFERS

Gift Cards Now Available

Give the gift of exploration, adventure, or relaxation on Jekyll Island. Gift cards to Jekyll Island Club Resort and The Wharf are now available for purchase.

BROWSE GIFT CARDS