SAINT HELENA ISLAND SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Lagoon Paddle to Hunting Island’s Boneyard Beach
A 1.5–2 hour sheltered lagoon paddle to the boneyard beach for close-up views of haunting coastal trees, seasonal loggerhead turtle nests, and rich shorebird life.
Lagoon Paddle to Hunting Island’s Boneyard Beach.
Settle into a low-angle paddle through Hunting Island’s protected lagoon, then land at the so-called boneyard beach—a strand ringed by weathered, sculptural trees and framed by dunes. From late spring into summer the route also includes discussion and viewing of loggerhead turtle nests and offers reliable sightings of ospreys, herons and egrets, with the occasional bald eagle, all within a gentle, sheltered corridor of water and shoreline.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A sheltered lagoon and a haunting boneyard beach
Paddlers move through a protected tidal lagoon before arriving at the boneyard beach, where wind-bleached trees create a stark shoreline tableau and expansive coastal views.
Seasonal turtles and abundant shorebirds
From May through August the guide will point out and discuss loggerhead turtle nests; the lagoon and beach are also good for spotting ospreys, herons, egrets and occasionally a bald eagle.
An easier, sheltered paddle
Compared with farther southerly lagoon options, this route is generally an easier paddle because it is protected on the ocean side by dunes and trees and bounded by the island’s mainland on the other side.
What the day feels like
What the paddle feels like
The outing unfolds as a short, unrushed paddle across a calm lagoon, punctuated by stops to admire the gnarled trees at the boneyard and to listen as the guide explains wildlife activity and, in season, the presence of loggerhead nests. The overall tone is relaxed and observational, shaped by protective dunes and shoreline vegetation that keep the water calm and the route approachable.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs in conditions suitable for a short lagoon paddle; from May through August guides will also discuss and show loggerhead turtle nests.
Bring water shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or visor; carry valuables in a dry bag or Ziploc and bring a long sleeve for windy or chilly conditions.
Expect about 1.5–2 hours on the water.
Meet at the Hunting Island State Park lagoon access parking at Hunting Island Dr and Cabin Rd for launch.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the paddle?
The outing typically lasts about 1.5–2 hours.
Where do we meet?
The meeting point is the Hunting Island State Park lagoon access parking at Hunting Island Dr and Cabin Rd.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Visitors commonly see ospreys, herons and egrets; observers may also spot a bald eagle, and from May–August the guide will discuss and show loggerhead turtle nests.
Is this paddle difficult?
This lagoon tour is usually an easier paddle because it is sheltered by sand dunes, trees and the island mainland, making it gentler than some farther-south lagoon routes.
What should I bring for comfort and protection?
Recommended items include water shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or visor, a dry bag or Ziploc, and a long sleeve for windy or chilly conditions.