pinckney tours

Your refuge - your accessibility
In 2016, Friends of the Savannah Coastal Wildlife Refuges was awarded a grant from the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry to provide assistance to mobility restricted guests to Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Using those funds, we were able to purchase a 15-seat electric shuttle and have operated accessibility tours on Pinckney Island ever since.
TOUR DETAILS

TIMEFRAME

Each tour is an hour and a half and departs from the parking lot to Ibis Pond and Starr Pond with commentary during the tour. (Itinerary subject to change.) Each tour is led by one of our Master Naturalist docents.

WALK OPTIONS

There is an optional walk around Ibis Pond. If you prefer not to walk, you can stay on the shuttle with the driver (usually trained as a docent as well) and see a view of Ibis Pond from the shuttle.

EASY ON/OFF

Our shuttle is easy to get on and off but passengers do not have to leave the shuttle during the tour.

BOOK EARLY

Be sure to register for a tour as they typically fill up prior to the date offered and walk-ups are not always guaranteed a seat.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

WATER & FACILITIES

There are no public facilities and no water fountains on the refuge.

INSECT REPELLANT

During the warmer months at the refuge, come prepared with insect repellent for mosquitoes and other biting insects. 

SUNSCREEN & HATS

Always recommended, as well as comfortable walking shoes to ensure your safety while enjoying the refuge. 

GUIDE BOOKS

Consider bringing field guides to help identify a variety of flora and fauna on the refuge. 

PROPER ATTIRE

If you plan on walking in the refuge, long pants and closed walking shoes are recommended.

STINGING INSECTS

Be careful you, or your party, do not step on red ant hills. Please pay attention to where you walk. Red ants have an unpleasant bite and may create an allergic reaction.

ALLIGATORS & SNAKES

Do not approach alligators, snakes or other dangerous species under any circumstances. 

POISON IVY

Stay on established trails. Certain plants may cause allergic reactions.

REFUGE HABITAT

To protect wildlife and their habitat do not disturb flowers, trees, grasses, bushes or wildlife. You will be escorted off the refuge if there is any violation. 

WHAT MIGHT I SEE?
01.

BIRDS

Waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors and neo-tropical migrants with large concentrations of white ibis, herons and egrets.

02.

WILDLIFE

Wildlife commonly observed on Pinckney Island include white-tailed deer, American alligators, bobcats, raccoons, opossums and river otters.

03.

LANDSCAPES

Freshwater ponds, salt marshes, brushland, forestland and fallow fields. A wide variety of land types support a diversity of bird and plant life on Pinckney Island.

READY TO DISCOVER PINCKNEY ISLAND?

Photo Credits: Matthew Emmer  “Pinckney Island” “Clubhouse Pond”