Things to Do
Little Tybee Island
Who It's For
Couples
Families
First-Time Visitors
Groups
Outdoor
Photography
Romantic
Solo Travelers
Location
Little Tybee Island
Best Time To Visit
Afternoon
Morning
Duration
2-4 Hours
Best Seasons
Fall
Spring
Summer
Environment
Outdoor
Type of Experience
Attraction
Beach
Nature
For guests who want to experience Tybee at its wildest and most untouched, Little Tybee Island is the escape. This uninhabited barrier island sits just south of Tybee and feels worlds away from the activity of South Beach, with broad sandy shorelines, tidal creeks, salt marshes, dunes, and an extraordinary sense of space.
Accessible only by water, Little Tybee rewards a little planning with one of the coast’s most memorable adventures. Arrive by private boat, kayak, jet ski, or guided charter, and you will find the kind of quiet, elemental Lowcountry landscape that makes visitors fall in love with this stretch of Georgia coast.
Why We Recommend It
Little Tybee is a wonderful choice for travelers who prefer experiences over crowds. There are no shops, boardwalks, or developed beach facilities—just nature, open water, and a rare feeling of privacy.
We recommend it for couples, families with experienced guides, photographers, birdwatchers, and anyone eager to see the island’s more adventurous side. A half-day trip here is a particularly memorable complement to a classic Tybee beach day.
History
Little Tybee Island is a protected, uninhabited barrier island that has remained largely undeveloped, preserving the coastal habitats that once defined much of Georgia’s shoreline. Though it sits immediately beside more developed Tybee Island, Little Tybee has retained its remote character and natural rhythm.
Today, the island is valued for its beaches, salt marshes, tidal creeks, dunes, and abundant wildlife. Its protected setting makes it an important part of the region’s coastal landscape as well as one of the most distinctive outdoor experiences available from Tybee.
What We Like
What we love most about Little Tybee is the contrast. Within a short boat ride, the restaurants, beach umbrellas, and easy activity of Tybee give way to a remarkably peaceful coastal preserve.
The approach is part of the experience. Cruising through the Back River and surrounding waterways gives you a beautiful perspective on the marsh, while the island itself offers room to explore, picnic, look for shells, watch birds, and settle in for a spectacular sunset.
Things To Know Before You Go
You Must Arrive by Water
Little Tybee has no road or bridge access. Private boats, guided charters, kayaks, and jet skis are the usual ways to reach the island.
Do Not Attempt to Walk Across the Sandbar
Changing tides and strong currents can make a sandbar crossing dangerous, even when the distance appears manageable. Plan a water-based trip instead.
Check Tides and Weather Carefully
Tidal conditions change dramatically throughout the day. If you are not familiar with local waterways, a guided trip is the most relaxed and dependable choice.
Pack Everything You Need
There are no stores, restrooms, or developed facilities on the island. Bring drinking water, sun protection, food, and any beach essentials you will need.
Leave No Trace
Carry out everything you bring in and respect the island’s wildlife and natural habitats. Little Tybee is special precisely because it remains so unspoiled.
Make Time for the Return Trip
Give yourself ample daylight and account for the tide when planning your return. Sunset is beautiful here, but it requires thoughtful timing.
FAQs
Little Tybee Island offers the kind of coastal day guests remember long after their vacation ends: quiet beaches, salt air, wildlife, and a sense of discovery that is increasingly hard to find. Whether you book a guided outing or set out with an experienced local captain, it is one of the best ways to experience Tybee beyond the shoreline.
Our Tybee Island Vacation Rentals place you close to Tybee’s beaches, Back River access, and the local guides who can help you experience Little Tybee Island at its best.
Continue Exploring Savannah
While you're here, check out nearby attractions and our favorite restaurants.