Botany Bay, Edisto Island South Carolina

Visiting Botany Bay is like entering a different world. Comprised of maritime forests, tidal creeks, freshwater ponds, beaches and hammock islands, it’s a destination you don’t want to miss.

Botany Bay

Visiting Botany Bay is like entering a different world. It’s an amazing destination. One could easily spend all day soaking in the beauty. From a self-driving tour to learn about the history of the area to enjoying the birding and wildlife, the possibilities are endless.

A little history on Botany Bay

Botany Bay has a long and interesting history behind it. I absolutely love talking to the volunteers during our visit. Filled with knowledge of the area, they can educate you on the rich history behind Botany Bay Area.  A history that dates back to 1798. If you haven’t had a chance to visit and speak with one of the volunteers that can often be found there, you can learn more about the facunating history by visiting HERE.

A shortened version of Botany Bay is that it was given to the state of South Carolina in 2007 after the wife of John Meyer passed away. Meyer and his wife were passionate about wildlife and they made it their mission. Because of all they did to preserve the area. Visitors today can now enjoy seasonal hunting, catch and release fishing, the interpretive driving trail and birding.

Favorite Destination

If getting to experience the boneyard beach isn’t enough, the drive up to it will take your breath away.  The dirt road you travel heading to Botany Bay’s boneyard beach is lined with live oaks. 

On the way in, be sure to stop at the information kiosk and pick up a map for the self-guided driving tour. This 6.5 mile route is both beautiful and educational.

Along the self-guided driving tour is where you’ll find the parking area for boneyard beach on the right. Once you park, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have bug repellent already on on put it on when getting out of the vehicle. The short hike down to the beach will have a lot of mosquitoes. The trail is about 1/2 miles in distance, but on it you pass over the marsh and the wooded hammock area.

One can easily spend half a day on Botany’s Bay boneyard beach.  Our boys love running up and down the beach. Checking out all the cool trees

and finding beautiful seashells that they can hang on the trees.

As far as the condition since the 2017 hurricane season, I’m not sure. I haven’t found any updates as to when the beach area will be reopen. Sadly, it will never be the same, but I’m sure it will still offer beauty and serenity to all who visit.

Things to know when visiting

When planning your visit to Botany Bay, be sure to check the tide schedule before heading out.  With all the erosion that Botany Bay has endured over the past couple of years, the ideal time is to go at low tide.  Erosion from Hurricane Matthew in 2016 has caused a lot of damage. During high tide, it’s no longer possible to get to the beach.

Remember to pack to bug repellent, sun block, camera, and bug repellent.. Did you catch that? I mentioned bug repellent twice…that’s how important it is.

Depending on the season you visit, be sure to head over to make sure the area isn’t closed. It is closed annually on certain days for scheduled hunts.