If you’re looking for a slice of Southern paradise, you’re in for a treat on Little Tybee Island! With unspoiled salt marsh and hammocks, tidal creeks, and miles of pristine beaches, it’s a perfect place for birdwatching, kayaking, and camping.
Despite its name, Little Tybee isn’t actually that little (it’s bigger than Tybee Island at 6500 acres!), and it’s not connected to Tybee Island proper. This pristine barrier island sits just south of Tybee Island, separated by Tybee Creek.
It’s about 15 miles east of Savannah, making it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway to connect with nature.
History of Little Tybee Island
Little Tybee has a fascinating past. Unlike its more developed neighbor, it’s remained virtually untouched by human hands.
Little Tybee Island has been mostly uninhabited for most of it’s history. It’s been suggested that Native Americans once lived on the island, and it was occasionally used as a stopping point for colonists, but it has otherwise been untouched.
Over the years, there were hopes to connect Little Tybee to the mainland, but ultimately none of those plans came to fruition. It was sold to an Oklahoma mining company who hoped to exploit the island’s mineral deposits, but it was determined that would be a disaster for the wildlife in the area. Luckily, that plan never came to pass.
The Coastal Marshlands Protection Act of 1970 put an end to all plans to mine or build on the island, and in 1982 the island became a part of the Coastal Barrier Resources System.
The state of Georgia bought the island in 1990 to preserve its natural beauty. It’s now a protected and uninhabited nature preserve, which also includes other barrier sea islands (like Cabbabe Island and Williamson Island) stretching from South Carolina down to Florida.
When you’re ready to plan your trip you’ll want to start here with the Complete Guide to Tybee Island.
How to Get to Little Tybee Island
Little Tybee Island is open year-round for day use and camping. There’s no admission charge, though if you don’t have your own way of getting there you’ll have to pay to make those arrangements.
Here’s the fun part – you can only reach Little Tybee by boat! There’s no bridge and no ferry. Your options are:
- Kayak or canoe from Tybee Island (my personal favorite way)
- Rent a boat
- Join a guided tour (more on this later!)
The trip takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your starting point and the conditions. Trust me, the journey through the rich coastal salt marshes is half the fun!
Plan Your Trip to Little Tybee Island
There are quite a few options for getting to Tybee Island, so let’s talk about them so you can decide the best one for you.
Sunset Picnic
This experience offered by Tybee Island Charters is unlike any other! They’ll set you up on the beach of Little Tybee Island and will prepare a low country boil, grilled shrimp, and other gourmet dishes based on what you family prefers.
Guided Boat Tours
Tybee Island Charters also offers 2 hour and 4 hour day trips, so contact them to learn about these options!
Guided Kayak Tours
If you’re not an experienced kayaker, this is definitely the way to go. Aqua Dawg Kayak Company provides a 1.5 hour tour with an experience guide who will make sure you have an educational and safe trip over to he island.
When you get there, you’ll have time to beach comb and take in the natural scenery. This is one of the most popular ways for families to visit since the trip isn’t too long for kids. They allow children ages 4 and up.
Self-Guided Adventure Kayak Tour
This option from Aqua Dawgs is perfect for the adventurers who are ready to set out on their own. They’ll set you up with kayaks, paddles, and life jackets and will provide you with instructions and a tour route.
These tours begin one hour before low tide, so check out the tide chart below and plan accordingly.
Camping on Little Tybee Island
Camping on Little Tybee is a must-do experience. There’s nothing like falling asleep to the sound of waves and waking up to a sunrise over the Atlantic. It has been named one of the best Georgia Beach Camping spots. A few things to keep in mind:
Essentials
Before heading off on your camping adventure, make sure you have:
- Plenty of water
- Insect repellent
- Wilderness camping experience
- Raccoon-proof food containers and rope
Camping Basics
Camping on Little Tybee is free and allowed anywhere on the island, in either beach or forested locations. However, it’s important to note that there are no facilities whatsoever on the island. All camping is primitive, on unmarked sites. You’ll need to bring everything you need with you and pack out all trash.
If you do not have wilderness camping experience, Sea Kayak Georgia offers guided camping trips to Little Tybee.
Best Times to Camp
Fall through spring are the ideal times to camp on Little Tybee Island, as the bugs won’t be as bad as in the summer. If you do decide to camp in the summer, stay away from the wooded hammocks where insects are abundant. An open site on the beach is a better choice during the warmer months, weather permitting.
Choosing a Campsite
When selecting your campsite, keep these factors in mind:
- Beach camping: Choose a spot clearly above the high tide line
- Be aware of the island’s very high tidal range
- Consider accessibility – some sites may be difficult to reach at low tide
Some beach camping sites are accessible via creeks through the island’s interior, which can be reached from the Tybee’s Back River/Tybee Creek. This route avoids a more challenging surf approach, especially when waves are high.
If you want to combine a wilderness camping trip with a kayak excursion to Wassaw Island (where overnight visits are not allowed), Little Tybee is an ideal place to set up camp. From the southern end of Little Tybee’s beach, the more northerly end of Wassaw is within reasonable paddling distance.
Wildlife Awareness
Little Tybee is home to various wildlife. Be prepared to encounter:
- Raccoons
- Venomous snakes
- Alligators
- Feral hogs
Safety First
While Little Tybee is beautiful, it’s also wild and potentially dangerous. Follow these guidelines to ensure a safe visit:
Critical Safety Warnings
⚠️ DO NOT attempt to swim, wade, or use inflatable vessels to reach Little Tybee Island. This is extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
⚠️ NEVER try to cross the sandbar from Tybee Island to Little Tybee on foot. The rapidly rising tides and fast currents have caused fatalities.
⚠️ ALWAYS secure your kayak on high ground to prevent it from floating away. Being stranded on the island is a serious risk.
Before You Go
Proper preparation is key to a safe trip:
- Check tide charts and weather forecasts before your trip.
- Let someone know your plans before you go.
- Obtain local advice on safety and weather conditions
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen
- Be aware of wildlife, especially alligators in marshes
Little Tybee Island Tide Chart
Understanding the tides is crucial for your safety on Little Tybee:
- The beach is submerged at high tide
- Access to many parts of the island is tide-dependent
- Do not attempt to cross the sandbar from Tybee Island on foot – this is extremely dangerous due to rapidly rising tides and fast currents
Check the tide chart to ensure you’ll be able to access the beach on your trip:
Restricted Areas
To protect the island’s ecosystem and ensure your safety:
- Stay on the beach area
- Do not enter protected dunes, tree areas, or sandbars
Little Tybee Island is one of coastal Georgia’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re kayaking through the marshes, watching for rare birds, or just soaking up the sun on a pristine beach, it’s an experience you won’t forget. So grab your sense of adventure and come explore this coastal wonderland!
Remember, leave no trace and help keep Little Tybee wild for future generations to enjoy. See you on the water!
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Currently planning a trip? Here are some helpful resources:
- Find the best hotel options here.
- Book the cheapest flight here.
- Find tons of tours and activities here.
- Book your rental car here.
More Coastal Georgia Adventures
If you’re visiting Little Tybee Island, chances are you’ll go through Tybee Island (you know, the other one) or Savannah first. Also, I bet you’re a fan of camping, too!
Check out the articles below to help you make the most of your time in Tybee, Savannah, and to find out more about camping in coastal Georgia.
- Tybee Island Campground Guide (2025)
- Brunswick GA Campgrounds – Tent and RV Camping
- Where to Get the Best Breakfast on Tybee Island (2025)
- 2025 Guide to the Best Restaurants on Tybee Island
- The Ultimate Guide to Jekyll Island Camping (2025)
- The Best Breweries in Savannah, GA (2025 City Guide)
- 15 Best Attractions at Tybee Island
- 15 Must Visit Barrier Islands Off the Coast of Georgia
- See how the Little Tybee beaches measure up in Georgia Beaches Ranked by a Local
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