Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge protects 66,000 acres of barrier islands, salt marshes, and coastal forest north of Charleston. Bull Island is the largest island in the refuge and one of the most pristine barrier islands on the East Coast.
Reaching Bull Island requires either a passenger ferry (seasonal, from Garris Landing) or a kayak crossing of the Intracoastal Waterway. The crossing is about 3 miles of open water, which qualifies this as a Level 4 experience. Conditions in the ICW can be challenging, and the crossing should only be attempted by experienced paddlers in appropriate conditions.
Once on the island, you have 5 miles of undeveloped beach, a freshwater impoundment with extraordinary birding, and maritime forest trails. Loggerhead sea turtles nest on the beach from May through August. Alligators inhabit the freshwater impoundment. The birding is exceptional year-round.