Barrier Islands of Georgia, and South Carolina, Yacht Charter along the Southern East Coast of Ameri

Once a favorite hiding place of Pirates, such as Blackbeard, the Barrier Islands have played an active role in history, and yet are still languid, quiet islands, pristine in their beauty, while providing an active ocean barrier for the southern state coastlines of Georgia and South Carolina.

Life moves slowly on these islands and still is reminiscent of the past. Tall live oaks draped in Spanish Moss gently blowing in the breeze, and the polished beauty of large Magnolia Trees mark these islands with their southern heritage. Here at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters we recommend a spring or fall charter through this largely undiscovered cruising area to enjoy the best of what these quiet waters have to offer. In between the Barrier Islands stop into historic downtown Savannah and Charleston steeped with pre Civil War architecture and in many ways still exuding a pre Civil War manner of life, for you will find that America´s Civil War, or the War Between the States as it is referred to in America´s South, is still alive and well in this cruising area.

Also unique and unexpected in the Barrier Islands, are the herds of wild horses. Horses were not native to North America and were brought here by early Spanish and English Explorers, both along the eastern coast of America and in the western states. There are herds of wild horses on many of the Barrier Islands, descended it is felt originally from exploration groups as early as the late 1500´s. The native Indians quickly discovered the usefulness of horses and helped introduce horses to the rest of America. However the herds of wild horses existing today on the Barrier Islands are descendent from a special lineage unique to these herds, and first introduced to this area at the end of the 16th century. Following is our suggested itinerary for a cruise of these islands and coast from Jacksonville, Florida to Charleston, South Carolina.

Join your Charter in Jacksonville, Florida, once a strategic Civil War port and now a haven for boaters and fishermen who enjoy access to salt water for deep sea fishing and fresh water via the St. Johns River, Florida´s longest navigable waterway.

Cumberland Island is the largest of the Georgia Barrier Islands. Visit the shell-dotted white sand beaches or play a game of golf on one of 4 golf courses. In many ways, Cumberland Island is the crown jewel of Georgia's Barrier Islands. But, it certainly is not the most visited island, as the National Park Service limits how many people can be on the island at any one time. Due to this guest restriction, the island retains its wild natural beauty. Much in evidence here are the herds of wild horses that move from the beaches to the inland areas foraging for food. Cumberland Island also was the secret wedding location of John F. Kennedy, Jr.

The winter home of many of America´s wealthiest of the Gilded Age; Jekyll Island maintains a delicate balance between preserving its rare natural qualities and providing amenities for vacationers seeking out island delights. The captivating beauty of the island enhances the golf, tennis, and 20 miles of bike trails as well as the 200-acre Jekyll Island Club National Historic District.

Audubon studied the natural beauty of St. Simons Island. Virtually untouched for centuries, Little St. Simons Island is a privately owned 10,000-acre barrier island along the Georgia coast. A rich and varied natural world, its pristine beaches, maritime forests, shimmering marshes and tidal creeks await your exploration.

Sea Island, a sliver of an island lying east of St. Simons, is just five miles long with barely 750 acres of uplands. It has been known by a variety of names. The English called it Fifth Creek Island and in the plantation era it was known as Long Island. By the 1920s, it was briefly called Isle of Palms, then Glynn Isle. Planters also discovered that the warm, humid climate was well suited for the growth of long-staple cotton, felt to be high quality and much sought after. It was a small insect that spelled the doom of Sea Island cotton. However the boll weevil in the late 1800´ was the final act in the Sea Island Cotton Tragedy. Today there is still a small amount of cotton growing, and Sea Island Cotton products, while few and far between, can still be found.

Surrounded by 16,000 acres of pristine marsh, Sapelo Island offers a rare opportunity for marine studies that are now acknowledged worldwide, involving a resident research team, graduate students and visiting scientists from around the world. Be sure to visit the mysterious 6-foot high ring of oyster shells left by Native Americans centuries ago.

St. Catherine´s offers a rich blend of distant past and recent history. This 10-mile long island of 14,000 acres is owned and managed by the St. Catharine´s Island Foundation. In a cooperative effort with the New York Zoological Society, the island's interior, off-limits to the public, is in part a survival center of last resort for endangered species from around the world.

Located 20 miles south of Savannah, Ossabaw has remained one of the best preserved of Georgia's magnificent Barrier Islands. With a total area of 25,000 acres, its many natural zones progressing from the ocean include beaches, dunes, meadows, ponds, maritime forests and freshwater and saltwater marshes. Inhabited by the Native Americans from as early as 2200 B.C. to the 18th-century, the island offers numerous archeological sites.

Just 14 miles south of Savannah, Wassaw is the most unspoiled of Georgia's Barrier Islands. This National Wildlife Refuge, accessible by private boat or charters from local marinas, offers biking, hiking, surf fishing, birding, sea kayaking. Wassaw's virgin stands of oak, pine and cedar support an incredible diversity of animal species. This rare bit of wilderness attracts a large variety of migratory birds, along with alligators, nesting sea turtles and manatees. In fact be sure to watch for sea turtles and manatees in the waters around this island as you approach.

Tybee Island and Little Tybee Island are situated close to Savannah, so they are the most densely developed islands and certainly the most colorful. Folks of all tastes, colors, philosophies, backgrounds and dispositions make up this vibrant beachside community. The beach is still the main attraction, anchored by an imposing pier and pavilion. The Tybee Lighthouse, Fort Screvin, Tybee Island Museum and the Marine Science Center are fascinating features of the Tybee Island experience. Listen carefully and you can hear the unique speech patterns common to the native islander.

Savannah is 8 miles upstream from the waterway crossing. Visit the city´s 2-square-mile historic district. It is the largest urban National Historic Landmark, with more than 1000 architecturally or historically significant structures restored and in use, and is a lovely location to wander and explore, looking at all of the different architectural details in evidence. Visit the many water front restaurants along the river with its beautiful cobblestone walkways.

Conveniently located along the south Atlantic coast, Hilton Head Island combines breathtaking natural beauty, world-class golf, award-winning dining, and quality shopping on a barrier island just 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. This enchanting boot-shaped island is widely considered to be one of the finest resort communities in the United States, welcoming millions of visitors from across the country and around the globe each year. With miles of white sand beaches, dozens of championship golf courses, more than 300 tennis courts and countless bicycle paths, Hilton Head Island offers a range of options for the active visitor. Carefully built to be environmentally cohesive with the natural island landscape, the living area on the island centers around a busy little town square great for people watching.

Cruise into Charleston Harbor and dock in the historic center of this city. Charleston is a hubbub of activity mostly reflective of the Old South. Visit the old city market, built in 1841. This open-air market features everything from produce to antiques, small shops and restaurants. Hear the lilting dialect of Gullah ladies as they weave and sell handmade sweet grass baskets. Built in 1840-41, the hall was the commercial center of Charleston for many years and served as a recruiting station during the Civil War. A National Historic Landmark, considered one of Charleston´s best examples of Greek Revival-style architecture and meticulously restored to its former grandeur, the museum contains artifacts and exhibits on the South during the Civil War. Wander the streets packed with historic buildings built before the Civil War as market day town houses for the wealthy planters with plantations up river inland. East Battery Street still looks similar to how it looked watching over the Charleston Harbor in the heyday of the early 1800´s. Close by is Fort Sumter, location of the shot heard ´round the worldtriggering the Civil War, which can be visited by ferry or with your chartered yacht.

This is the end of your sojourn through the lazy quiet coastal towns and Barrier Islands of Georgia and South Carolina. Hopefully you will take away a remembrance of the southern lifestyle and feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

For more information on this cruising area and charter yachts available, please see: Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters

Written by Missy Johnston

Copy write 2009

Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters