Jekyll Island is on the southeast coast of Georgia in Glynn County. It is a part of four barrier islands called the Golden Isles or the Sea Islands and it is a state park. The 5,700-acre island is rich in American and natural history, and provides visitors with opportunities for all types of recreational sports including kayaking. The ecosystem of the island includes estuaries, marshes and tidal creeks with areas for kayaking.
Intracoastal Waterway
Riding along the six-mile causeway that separates Jekyll Island from the mainland, visitors can view miles of creeks and marshes in the vista. The body of water that flows underneath the causeway is the Intracoastal Waterway. Piers facing the mainland provide access to the area for kayakers to explore the vast marshes and nearby rivers and get up close to wildlife such as terrapin turtles, egrets, wood storks and pelicans. Manatees and dolphins also frequent the tidal creeks. Jekyll Creek will lead kayakers to a wildlife viewing area across the water from the island's visitor center. Tidelands Nature Center on the island gives kayak eco tours of the waterway and safety lessons.
Island Inlets and Ponds
On the island itself are several small inlets of water and ponds where kayaking is available, including near the fishing pier on the north side of the island next to the Clam Creek picnic area. Near the Tidelands Nature Center is the 23-acre man-made Ski Rixen Pond. Visitors can go kayaking in the waters of the saltwater pond, a marine life preserve managed by the University of Georgia. The pond is filled with several species of saltwater fish including mullet that jump out of the water.
Rentals and Tours
Outfitters are located all over Glynn County. You can rent your kayaks from hotels or from shops in the historic district shopping area on the island. The town of Brunswick on the mainland and nearby St. Simon's Island also have kayak rental and tour businesses. SouthEast Adventure Outfitters on St. Simon's Island provides kayak tours and overnight river camping trips of Jekyll Island and the surrounding area for individuals and groups.
Accommodations
Lodging on the island ranges from camping to mid-range hotels to luxury resorts. Most hotels are on the Atlantic Sea oceanfront of the island. Tent camping and RV sites are available at Jekyll Island Campground, which is on the island's northern tip. After a day of kayaking, visitors can relax at the nearby Driftwood beach. If you stay overnight on Jekyll, there is a daily fee of $5, as of 2010. Annual passes are available. Some hotels, such as the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, will arrange kayak tours for guests.
Weather Precautions
Coastal activity in the Golden Isles revolves around the tides. Residents pay close attention to barometers and tide clocks, as the tides can come in fast. During the summer months, torrential downpours are frequent. During the fall, the area is vulnerable to storms of the hurricane season. Before planning a trip, consult local weather forecasts. Check the tidal schedule frequently during your stay in the area, as the weather can change within minutes.
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