Overview
Skidaway Island is a barrier island located roughly 12 miles southeast of downtown Savannah, Georgia, separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway and surrounded by tidal marshes and estuaries. Despite a population of around 8,300, the island functions less like a conventional town and more like a quiet residential enclave, anchored by the large gated retirement community known as The Landings and bounded on its southern end by Skidaway Island State Park.
The island is not a beach destination in the conventional sense — it has no ocean-facing public beach. Instead, its appeal lies in its dense maritime forest, salt marsh ecosystems, and accessible nature. The state park anchors most visitor activity, offering trails, camping, and some of the best wildlife viewing in coastal Georgia.
For travelers, Skidaway Island is best treated as an easy half-day or full-day excursion from Savannah, or as a camping base for those who want to explore the broader coastal Georgia area without staying in the city. It is a calm, low-key place well-suited to hikers, birders, and anyone seeking a quiet counterpoint to Savannah's busier historic district.
Before You Go
Skidaway Island is part of Chatham County, Georgia, and no international border crossing or special permit is required to visit. International travelers entering the United States should check TravelerPulse's Visas section and verify current entry requirements with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at cbp.gov.
The island has very limited visitor-facing commercial infrastructure — there are no large grocery stores, pharmacies, or shopping centers inside the park area. Stock up on food, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any other supplies in Savannah before heading out. This is especially important if you plan to camp overnight.
- Insects: Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be intense in warmer months (May–September). Long sleeves and DEET-based repellent are advisable.
- Heat: Summers are hot and humid. Carry plenty of water if hiking between June and August.
- State Park fees: Skidaway Island State Park charges a parking/entrance fee. Verify current rates at gastateparks.org before your visit, as fees change periodically.
- Camping reservations: Campsites at the state park can fill quickly on weekends and holidays. Reserve in advance through the Georgia State Parks reservation system.
Getting There
The most practical way to reach Skidaway Island is by car. From downtown Savannah, follow Abercorn Street (US-204) south, then turn onto Diamond Causeway, which leads directly onto the island. The drive takes approximately 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
The nearest major airport is Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), located northwest of the city. From the airport, the drive to Skidaway Island typically takes 30–40 minutes by car. Rental cars are available at the airport and are the most convenient option for visiting the island.
There is no scheduled public transit service directly to Skidaway Island State Park. Chatham Area Transit (CAT) serves parts of greater Savannah, but does not operate routes onto the island. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft operate in the Savannah area and may be able to reach the island, but availability for a return trip is not guaranteed — verify locally before relying on this option.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essentially required to get around Skidaway Island. The island is not walkable between points of interest, and there is no internal transit or bike-share system.
Within Skidaway Island State Park itself, the trail network is accessible on foot once you have parked. The park features several miles of hiking trails through maritime forest and along tidal marshes, all clearly marked. A trail map is available at the park office.
Cycling is possible on some roads within and around the park, and the Diamond Causeway has a paved multi-use path, but conditions vary — verify locally before planning a cycling visit.
Things to See & Do
Skidaway Island State Park
The park is the primary reason most visitors make the trip. It encompasses roughly 588 acres of maritime forest, salt marsh, and freshwater wetlands. Two main loop trails — the Big Ferry Trail and the Sandpiper Trail — wind through diverse habitat and past Native American shell middens, Civil War earthworks remnants, and a former moonshiner's still site. The trails are generally flat and suitable for most fitness levels.
Wildlife and Birdwatching
The island and its surrounding marshes are excellent for wildlife observation. White-tailed deer, fiddler crabs, painted buntings, herons, egrets, wood storks, and alligators are commonly seen. The salt marsh boardwalk within the state park offers particularly good views of estuarine wildlife. Birding is productive year-round but especially during spring and fall migration.
University of Georgia Marine Education Center and Aquarium
Located on the island adjacent to the state park, the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium (MAREX) maintains a small public aquarium focusing on marine life native to coastal Georgia and the South Atlantic. It is a worthwhile stop, particularly for families. Verify current public hours and any admission fees directly with UGA before visiting, as educational facilities often adjust schedules.
Camping
The state park campground offers full-facility RV sites and tent sites under a canopy of live oaks draped in Spanish moss. It is among the more atmospheric campgrounds in coastal Georgia. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Food & Drink
Skidaway Island has virtually no public restaurant or café scene — The Landings community has private dining facilities not accessible to outside visitors, and the state park has no on-site food concessions. Plan to bring your own food and beverages, or eat before you arrive.
Savannah, just 12 miles away, offers a wide range of dining options covering all cuisines and price points. If you are camping overnight, the Diamond Causeway corridor and the Abercorn Street commercial strip heading back toward Savannah have gas stations and fast-food outlets. For a sit-down meal, driving into Savannah is the practical choice.
Practical Information
- Emergency services: Call 911 for all police, fire, and medical emergencies. The nearest full-service hospital is in Savannah — verify the closest facility to the island before your visit.
- Cell coverage: Coverage is generally available on the island, though it can be spotty in areas deep within the state park. Download offline maps before your trip.
- Park hours: Skidaway Island State Park has published opening and closing hours that vary by season. Check gastateparks.org for current hours before visiting.
- Pets: Leashed dogs are permitted on the trails in the state park. Verify any restrictions at the park office.
- Swimming: There is no designated public swimming area on Skidaway Island. Tidal creeks and marshes contain alligators and strong currents — swimming in these areas is not advisable.
- Leave No Trace: The island's ecosystems are sensitive. Stay on marked trails, pack out all trash, and do not disturb wildlife.
Safety
Skidaway Island is a quiet, low-crime residential area. The primary safety considerations for visitors are environmental rather than social.
Alligators are present in the freshwater ponds and tidal areas of the state park. They are common throughout coastal Georgia and should be treated with respect — maintain a safe distance and never feed them. Keep children and pets away from water's edge.
Stinging insects, including yellow jackets that nest in the ground, can be encountered on trails. The subtropical heat and humidity in summer months carry a real risk of heat exhaustion if you are not adequately hydrated. Ticks are present in wooded areas; check yourself after hiking. Poison ivy is also common in the maritime forest.
