Waites Island
An unspoiled barrier island offering miles of quiet beaches, rich wildlife, and a serene escape accessible by water.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Explore tidal pools & beaches
Waites Island
Best Time
Explore tidal pools & beaches
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An unspoiled barrier island offering miles of quiet beaches, rich wildlife, and a serene escape accessible by water.
"Beautiful. Quiet. Dolphins and jellyfish."
Kayak or Boat Access
Plan your watercraft rental or trip in advance. Kayaking is popular for exploring the inlet.
Pack Essentials
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. No facilities are available on the island.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secluded Beaches
Entire island
Miles of undeveloped coastline offering a peaceful escape and pristine natural beauty.
Tidal Pools
Near Cherry Grove Inlet
Discover fascinating marine life trapped in shallow pools during low tide.
Wildlife Spotting
Throughout the island
Look for dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of shorebirds in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild Side
Tides and Wildlife Watch
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Kayak or Boat Access
Plan your watercraft rental or trip in advance. Kayaking is popular for exploring the inlet.
Pack Essentials
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. No facilities are available on the island.
Check Tides
Crucial for safe access and exploring tidal pools. Consult a tide chart before you go.
Leave No Trace
Help preserve this natural gem by taking all your trash with you.
Tips
from all over the internet
Kayak or Boat Access
Plan your watercraft rental or trip in advance. Kayaking is popular for exploring the inlet.
Pack Essentials
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. No facilities are available on the island.
Check Tides
Crucial for safe access and exploring tidal pools. Consult a tide chart before you go.
Leave No Trace
Help preserve this natural gem by taking all your trash with you.
Watch for Midges
During certain times, biting flies can be numerous. Bring repellent!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Waites Island for its secluded, natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, offering a true escape. While the ever-changing landscape due to tides and storms is noted, the opportunity to see diverse wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles is a major draw. Some caution is advised regarding biting flies during certain periods.
"This is a neat "island" that is not really an island, maybe parts of the day when the tide is in. Sadly the beach is ever changing here due to hurricanes/storms, so expect a completely different landscape year to year. We've seen everything from horseshoe crabs to bald eagles to a beached/partially buried sailboat to an old 1940s/50s car that for some reason is buried in the sand on the beach. The better years are when the beach(at the point near where the inlet separates Waties from Cherry Grove Beach) is when the sand/beach extend out 100+ yards to the ocean at low tide. The worst years to go are when it's less than 50 yards.(Again this erosion/change happens after ever named/major storm rolls through the area.). Why the worst? Because when the beach is short, for some reason there are a TON of midges/biting flies and you cannot get away from these horrible swarms. Really cool island, just do some scouting before you take the kayak trip out there."
A Jones
"Secluded and quiet. I great place to kayak and relax."
Chris Measimer
"Beautiful. Quiet. Dolphins and jellyfish."
r vandall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Waites Island is an undeveloped barrier island accessible primarily by boat or kayak. You can launch from Cherry Grove Beach or nearby marinas. Some visitors rent kayaks or take guided boat tours.
While close to Myrtle Beach, Waites Island is technically a separate undeveloped barrier island located near Cherry Grove Beach in North Myrtle Beach, offering a more secluded experience.
No, Waites Island is not accessible by car. It's an undeveloped island, and the only way to reach it is by watercraft like kayaks or boats.
There are no public ferries to Waites Island. Visitors typically arrange their own kayak or boat transportation, or join a private tour.
Exploring Waites Island is best done on foot after arriving by kayak or boat. Walking along the beach and observing the natural environment is the primary activity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Waites Island is a natural, undeveloped barrier island and does not require tickets for entry. It's a public access area for nature exploration.
There are no entrance fees for Waites Island itself. However, you may incur costs for kayak rentals, boat charters, or parking at your launch point.
As a natural barrier island, Waites Island does not have set opening or closing hours. Access is generally determined by daylight and tidal conditions.
Yes, Waites Island is accessible year-round, though weather conditions and tides can affect accessibility and comfort during different seasons.
Camping is generally not permitted on Waites Island as it is an undeveloped natural area. It's best suited for day trips.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can spot dolphins, sea turtles (especially during nesting season), various shorebirds, and potentially other marine life in the tidal pools.
No, Waites Island is undeveloped and has no facilities, including restrooms, picnic areas, or trash cans. Be prepared to pack out everything you pack in.
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the beach and water, including sturdy shoes or water shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.
Yes, Waites Island offers opportunities for fishing, particularly in the inlet and along the shoreline. Remember to check local fishing regulations.
The beach is natural and can change significantly due to tides and storms. Expect varying sandbars and potential for finding unique shells or driftwood.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the undeveloped coastline, tidal pools teeming with life, diverse bird species, and the serene ocean views. The natural light is often beautiful.
Yes, drone photography can offer breathtaking aerial views of the island's unique geography and surrounding waters. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
Waites Island is ideal for birdwatching and wildlife photography, with opportunities to capture dolphins, sea turtles, and various shorebirds in their natural habitat.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography. However, always be respectful of wildlife and the natural environment.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be good for capturing details in tidal pools and wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities. Bring sand toys and buckets for beach fun. Consider a guided boat tour for a more relaxed experience and to learn about the local wildlife. Ensure everyone wears sunscreen and hats, and bring insect repellent for potential midge swarms.
🛶 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
The island is also a fantastic spot for wildlife photography, with opportunities to capture dolphins, sea turtles (especially during nesting season), and the intricate details of tidal pool ecosystems. The serene environment and lack of crowds make it ideal for quiet observation and appreciation of nature. Remember to practice responsible wildlife viewing and maintain a respectful distance.
🎨 Artists & Photographers
+1Consider bringing your easel and paints to capture the plein air beauty, as artists like Mary Edna Fraser have done. Drone photography can offer unique aerial perspectives of the island's shape and its relationship with the surrounding waterways. The tranquility of the island allows for focused creative work, free from the distractions of more developed tourist spots.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Waites Island
When planning your watercraft, consider the distance and conditions. Kayaking can take a significant amount of time and effort, especially if paddling against currents. Boat rentals offer more flexibility and speed, allowing you to cover more ground and potentially explore further along the coastline. Always ensure your vessel is suitable for coastal waters and that you have adequate safety equipment. The journey to Waites Island is part of its charm, offering a sense of discovery and escape from the mainland bustle.
Remember that Waites Island is a natural environment with no facilities. This means you need to be entirely self-sufficient. Pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and any necessary medications. It's also wise to bring insect repellent, as midges can be prevalent at certain times. The lack of development is precisely what makes Waites Island so special, offering a pristine natural experience for those willing to make the effort to get there.
Ecological Significance and Wildlife
The waters surrounding Waites Island are also rich with marine life. Dolphins are frequently spotted playing in the surf and the Hog Inlet, offering magical encounters for visitors. During the nesting season, the island becomes a critical site for sea turtles, and conservation efforts, like those undertaken by the Waites Island Sea Turtle Patrol, are vital for protecting these vulnerable creatures. Visitors might even see marked nests on the beach, a testament to ongoing conservation work.
Beyond the larger wildlife, the tidal pools that form during low tide are miniature ecosystems teeming with smaller marine life. Exploring these pools can reveal fascinating creatures like crabs, small fish, and various invertebrates. The island's landscape itself is dynamic, constantly shaped by wind, waves, and tides, creating a unique and ever-changing environment. This natural dynamism is part of what makes Waites Island a special place for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Preserving Waites Island's Natural Beauty
Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and respect the natural habitat. Avoid disturbing wildlife, especially nesting birds and sea turtles. Stick to designated paths where they exist, though on Waites Island, much of the exploration is on the open beach. The island's fragile dune systems should not be trampled, as they play a crucial role in coastal protection.
Participating in or supporting conservation efforts, such as the sea turtle patrols, is a great way to contribute to the island's preservation. Even simple actions like picking up any litter you find, even if it's not yours, make a significant difference. By being mindful and responsible, visitors can ensure that Waites Island remains a beautiful and ecologically significant natural area for generations to come.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit