New tour brings more visitors to Turner House on St. Phillips Island

New tour brings more visitors to Turner House on St. Phillips Island

Beaufort, SC – If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a deserted island, the wild landscapes and untouched beauty of St. Phillips Island might be right up your alley. This quaint spot off Beaufort’s coast saw a surge of visitors thanks to Coastal Expeditions’ expanded tours.

Bring out the adventure in you

St. Phillips Island used to be the private retreat of billionaire Ted Turner and his family. It’s easy to see why – its raw wilderness, flourishing wildlife, and tranquil ambiance give it a unique charm that echoes Jurassic Park feels. Turner, a CNN founder who is no stranger to conservation endeavors, bought the island in 1979 to shield it from being developed.

Fast forward to a few years ago, the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism purchased the island and honored Turner’s vision by opening it as a state park. Now, visitors are getting the opportunity to live up the island life, making this idyllic place the go-to spot for adventurous souls and nature-lovers.

Tours, rentals, and stays on the island

Coastal Expeditions offers a four-hour boat ride and tour of the island for a cool $65. If you’re aiming for a longer and more indulgent stay, you can either shell out $12,000 for a five-day retreat or $20,000 to have the entire island to yourself. But if you’re searching for a happy medium between a day trip and a protracted vacation, the boat tour company has got you covered with a three-day, two-night stay deal for 14 guests at Turner House.

The Turner House stays don’t come cheap though. At $795 per person, it’s the priciest option among the state’s lodges. Despite the steep price, you’ll be getting bang for your buck with a slew of amenities from golf carts, kayaks, beach chairs and umbrellas to a fully-stocked food pantry included.

A slice of untouched beauty

Running a rental property on an untouched barrier island certainly poses quite a handful of challenges. Clearing walking paths, updating the house and even ferrying guests in and out are no small feat when access to the island is a 40-minute boat ride away.

What makes the island truly irresistible for many visitors, however, lies in the rare experience of being in an untamed environment. From birdwatching tours where you can spot bald eagles and ospreys to treks into alligator, deer and fox squirrel territories, you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.

Spring and fall are the preferred seasons for an overnight stay at St. Phillips. During these times, guests can relish the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean from the Turner House porch, bask in breathtaking views, and immerse themselves in the unique rhythm of the island’s wildlife.

Whether you opt for the day tour or a lengthier visit, Coastal Expeditions’ expanded offerings are sure to make your trip to Ted Turner’s former private oasis an unforgettable one.