Sanddollar Island - Beaufort, North Carolina

Sanddollar Island: A Hidden Gem in Beaufort, North Carolina

Nestled in the heart of Beaufort, North Carolina, Sanddollar Island, operated by Island Ferry Adventures, is a picturesque destination that offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. This enchanting barrier island, located at 610 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516, is not your average tourist spot. It's a hidden gem that promises an unforgettable experience for visitors seeking an escape from the ordinary.

Main Services

• Ferry Services: Island Ferry Adventures provides daily ferry services to Sanddollar Island, ensuring a convenient and safe journey for visitors. The ferry departs from the historic downtown Beaufort and transports visitors to the island's pristine shores.
• Guided Tours: The company offers guided tours that showcase the island's unique ecology and history. These tours are led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the island's diverse wildlife and plant life.
• Private Charters: Island Ferry Adventures also offers private charters for groups or individuals seeking a personalized island experience. These charters can be customized to suit specific interests or needs.

Location and Access

Sanddollar Island is located off the coast of Beaufort, North Carolina, approximately 2.5 miles from the mainland. The island is part of the Rachel Carson Reserve and is accessible only by boat. Island Ferry Adventures operates the only ferry service to the island, making it the exclusive provider of transportation to this secluded paradise.

The ferry terminal is conveniently located at 610 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516, in the heart of historic downtown Beaufort. This bustling area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it an ideal starting point for your island adventure.

Featured Characteristics

• Pristine Beaches: Sanddollar Island boasts miles of unspoiled, white-sand beaches that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply taking a leisurely stroll. The clear, blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean offer a refreshing respite from the summer heat.
• Wildlife and Ecology: The island is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including various species of birds, sea turtles, and dolphins. The island's ecology is a mix of maritime forests, marshes, and tidal flats, providing a unique habitat for these creatures.
• Historic Significance: Sanddollar Island has a rich history that dates back to the colonial era. The island was once home to a bustling fishing village and played a role in several key historical events, including the American Revolution and the Civil War.

Practical Information

• Transportation: Island Ferry Adventures offers frequent ferry services to Sanddollar Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 30 minutes each way, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views of the coast.
• Parking: Ample parking is available at the ferry terminal in downtown Beaufort. The lot is well-lit and monitored by security cameras for added peace of mind.
• Facilities: Sanddollar Island has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a day trip with friends.
• What to Bring: Visitors should bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and non-motorized beach equipment. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent at the ferry terminal.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an average rating of 4.5/5 from 37 reviews on Google My Business, Island Ferry Adventures and Sanddollar Island have clearly made a positive impression on visitors. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned positive aspects:

• Convenient Location: Several reviewers praised the ferry terminal's convenient location in downtown Beaufort, noting that it was easy to find and offered ample parking.
• Professional and Friendly Staff: Many visitors commented on the friendly and professional service provided by the Island Ferry Adventures staff, from the ticket agents to the ferry captains.
• Beautiful Scenery: The stunning views of the coast and the island's pristine beaches were a consistent highlight for reviewers. Some even described the ferry ride as an attraction in itself.
• Worth the Trip: Despite the island's remote location, many visitors agreed that the journey was well worth it, noting that the island's unique beauty and tranquility made it a memorable experience.

In conclusion, Sanddollar Island, operated by Island Ferry Adventures, is a true gem hidden in plain sight. This enchanting barrier island offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty that is sure to captivate visitors seeking an escape from the ordinary. Whether you're a history buff, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful day at the beach, Sanddollar Island has something to offer everyone. So, why not embark on this unforgettable journey and create lasting memories in this coastal paradise?

👍 Reviews of Sanddollar Island

ShellSeeker

4/5

We went the first time on the tour boat but after that we've been taking our kayaks over. It's a nice trip, but if you are in a kayak, be careful of the boat traffic. Lots of people are drinking and boating. We find dead sand dollars each time we go plus other marine life. Take some chairs and snacks to make a day of it. You can save money in the summer by getting the ferry to Bird Shoals and wading/swimming across to Sand Dollar Island at low tide (not recommended for small children). We got to see horses on the way back, and since we were in our kayak, we got close but kept our distance.

Tammy T.

3/5

Ok the ride out and back was amazing. We saw dolphins and it was beautiful. The island is just a sandbar but it is fun and pretty. Down side, we did not find any dead sand dollars, only live ones. So we went home empty handed.
Be prepared to get wet. Could easily spend all day out here if you could.

Laura N.

4/5

So 4/5 because it IS a cool trip to a disappearing island that's only accessible for a few hours a day. It's really peacful and calm water. One end has minor waves but nothing crazy.

You can snorkel and walk out pretty far and still see your feet. It's definitely called crystal coast for a reason!

I'm sure if you are reading this you are or will be taking 1 of the 2 ferries out to the sand bar... book early and READ THE TIDE CHARTS. It changes EVERYDAY!!!

Also they leave ON time.... like...literally if it's at 8:00... they are shipping off at 7:59:9 😆

You can.... and should tip your captain! They are quick to get you there and will stop if there are dolphins near by.

So the important part... ARE THERE SAND DOLLARS on "sand dollar island"? Yes... but definitely not like the ferry companies advertise for. BUCKETS and BAGS filled to the brim.... sure... maybe from oct-apr. Come warmth and tourist... and the DEAD (white) dollars are few and far in-between.

You WILL find the grey/purple fuzzy round little guys... those are LIVING sand dollars .... please put them back gentle after you giving them a gentle feel. I witness a few folks taking living ones and even a kid stomping on one. Please only take a white ones as they are DEAD.

You will see crabs and hermits, small fish that are VERY curious to meet you 😉. You may even get to see some of the horses on carrot Island if its early enough!

Even if you don't find any dollars its definitely worth the trip! I wish I was local I would come all the time!

Oh...if youre in beauford or visiting keep in mind they are VERY dog friendly. If youre not a dog person this could be an issue. Most of the boats allow dogs so just an FYI.
I loved seeing all the doggos... but I know some folks aren't fond of animals in their spaces!

Necia C.

5/5

Absolutely a must with the family! Great place to spend the day. My children love finding all the Sandollars and shells.

Christopher C.

5/5

There are barely any sand dollars available to collect on this excursion! I can’t stress that enough. I am giving 5 stars because the boat ride was very nice, the captain and the other crew member onboard were terrific, and the sandbar, island, and water were all beautiful and very enjoyable. We also found and handled a ton of live sand dollars and also a hermit crab. That was all great! But if you are under the assumption you will collect a lot of sand dollars on this trip, you will be very disappointed. There may be instances where they are more plentiful than when we went, but I have to assume those are rare and still not in abundance. This is still a great experience and well worth the nominal fee to go. Just set your expectations low for collecting sand dollars to take home.

Randy B.

3/5

Had the impression sand dollars are plentiful, but they're not. After 2 hours of searching we only found one large one and about a dozen the size of a baseball and smaller. After we returned we were told bird shoals was the place to find sand dollars. I'd recommend doing more research before picking a trip.

Alicia L.

5/5

Went today and it was a fun experience. It was not hard to find live sand dollars at all. One corner of the sand bar there were large ones every few inches, however the dead ones were harder to find. Didn't have much luck, but I am sure it depends on when you go. Had a great time and also found some cool shells. Great experience and would recommend it.

Betty W.

5/5

Great trip over, wonderful Captain, saw the horses going and coming back, only found one sand dollar, but lots of live ones...imagine our surprise when we arrived as the tide was going out and there were only a couple of small areas of sand showing. Within 30 minutes the island sand bar was ready for a great time!