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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Get hands on with this rare, elegant species at Georgia’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility.
PACKAGES & OFFERS
Twas The Night Before Christmas
Jingle all the way to the Jekyll Island Club with our ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ package! Enjoy exclusive rates, a festive stocking gift, and breakfast for two. Valid for stays from November 29 to January 2.
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.
JEKYLL ISLAND CLUB & COTTAGES
371 Riverview Drive
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
HOTEL DIRECT
ROOM RESERVATIONS
JEKYLL OCEAN CLUB
80 Ocean Way
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
HOTEL DIRECT
ROOM RESERVATIONS
AWARDS & PRESS
USA Today, 2024
10 Best Destination Resorts in the U.S Ranked #2, 2024
AAA– Jekyll Ocean Club, 2024
Four Diamond Award
ADDRESS
Jekyll Ocean Club
80 Ocean Way, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
HOTEL DIRECT
619-677-1161ROOM RESERVATIONS
877-259-0010AWARDS & PRESS
TODAY
#2 Best Family Resorts in the US, 2019
US News & World Report
#8 for The Best Resorts in San Diego, 2019