At over 10,000 acres and suited near Savannah, Georgia is Wassaw Island National Refuge. Wassaw is an uninhabited island and completely undeveloped with the exception of the ranger station. The island is one of few unspoiled barrier islands in the state of Georgia.

When Are You Allowed To Visit Wassaw Island National Refuge?

The island is open to visitors every day from sunrise to sunset. You will want to consider the time of year that you head out to Wassaw Island. In the summer the coastal Georgia area will be quite warm and you may be able to sneak in a swim at the beaches off of Wassaw. The downside to the summer is going to be the bugs that you will run into. During the winter months, you may not get the same beach experience but you will have a very comfortable hike.

How To Get To Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge?

When asked how to get to Wassaw Island, Wassaw Island is only accessible by a personally owned boat, kayak, or as part of a paid tour.

When trailering a boat, the closest boat ramp to Wassaw Island is called Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp. The ramp is positioned at the foot of the Skidaway Island Bridge.  You will not need to pay fees, the ramp is free to the public.  When you arrive at the island, good anchorage areas are located on both the north and south ends of the island along the beach. Always use the double anchor method (one on off the bow and one off the stern) is recommended because the current moves swiftly with the change in tides. 

The best Wassaw Island beach is Wassaw Island North Beach. Here you will find more clear water, ample space, and a creek to play on the backside of the beach.

Once the boat is firmly anchored with a bow and stern anchor it is safe to depart the boat and head for the shore. Understand that when exiting the boat at Wassaw Island North Beach and Wassaw Island South Beach the current will set the unexpecting swimmer down.

When departing the boat assist small children to and from the shore and avoid dipping dry items into the water when lugging gear back and forth. We have ventured to and from the beach countless times and strongly advise you to use caution.

In the event you are not a strong swimmer or inexperienced boater, another point of access to Wassaw Wildlife Refuge is by entering Wassaw Creek near the south end of the island. Just up the creek is a public dock for use and is free. Dock the boat in the area marked for public use

Can You Get To Wassaw Island If You Don’t Own a Boat?

Wassaw Island is a great place for anyone to visit. It is of course much easier for boat owners to make their way to the Wassaw Island National Refuge, but even if you don’t own a boat there are still a few ways that you may be able to get there.

If You Don’t Own A Boat, Who Offers Paid Tours To Wassaw Island

Boat tours
Savannah Coastal Eco Tours
Sundial Charters
Wilderness Southeast

Kayak tours:
Sea Kayak Georgia
Savannah Canoe and Kayak

What Can You Do On Wassaw Island?

View dolphins playing in the water along its seven miles of beaches. Hike down 20 miles of dirt roads meandering through the maritime forests and past vast salt marshes. Along the way, you may find deer, alligator, and feral pigs.

Take in the sights and sounds of the abundance in varieties of birds. In the spring and fall migrating birds will call Wassaw, their hotel before continuing along the journey.

Often spotted are Loggerhead sea turtle nests all along the beach. These turtles return year after year.

Wassaw Island allows saltwater fishing but bans freshwater fishing. The primary saltwater catches include Sea Trout, Redfish, Bonnet Head Sharks, Stingrays, Whiting, Croaker, and Flounder can all be caught from the beaches. 

On the north side of the island is a tidal creek, on low tide, the water is crystal clear and knee-deep. It’s great entertainment for the family to explore. Often you will see hermit crab, stingrays, and flounder swimming around you in the clear waters. 

Tips For Your Trip To Wassaw Island

Pack plenty of sunscreen; the suns glare off the water can leave your skin blistered. Wear comfortable walking shoes; sandals will not give you the support you need for the long trails. Additionally, stepping into a pile of fire ants will relate to a week’s worth of avoidable pain. 

Remember, this is an uninhabited island; the comforts of your neighborhood bug services are nonexistent. Mosquitos are prevalent- pre-spray and pack bug repellent. 

The heat and sun will leave the weathered local dehydrated if not inadequately prepared. Bring along plenty of water to stay hydrated for your day on the island. 

Watch the time, never be on the opposite side of Wassaw that you need to depart from ten minutes before sunset. Lastly, many people inquire about Wasssaw Island National Wildlife refuge camping. Unfortunately, camping is prohibited on the island.

Visit Wassaw Island Georgia

The pristine barrier islands of coastal Georgia are beautiful. The state has done an excellent job of preserving nature for families and nature lovers to enjoy. Whether you’re beaching, exploring, fishing, taking wildlife shots, or a combination of it, the entire day will be packed with entertainment. Conveniently located near both Tybee Island and Savannah, access points are easily found to launch a boat. Next time you’re in the area, add it to your list.