Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center — Attraction in Georgetown

Hidden Gem -worth the effort of booking a tour.

Our visit to the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center was truly memorable. From the moment we stepped into this untouched Lowcountry preserve, we found ourselves immersed in natural beauty and rich history. The setting is pristine, miles of marshes, maritime forest, and beaches where you hear natural sounds instead of boat traffic. Our guide Molly was informative and passionate about the center. We saw shorebirds, birds of prey, alligators, and enjoyed the hush of a place intentionally managed and balanced by God’s creation. The center’s legacy is meaningful: it’s not just a scenic outing, but also a refuge committed to conservation and education.

Tips: Plan your ahead of time as you must make a reservation and sometimes weeks in advance. However always check last minute as people do cancel so you never know. Its only accessibility is by boat, which they provide. Bring insect repellent, yes the hard stuff too! Do not wear shorts and bring a sleeved shirt to keep the mosquitos away. Take your time this isn’t a quick stop. It’s best experienced slowly, listening and observing. If you appreciate nature, history, and quiet beauty, this will be a highlight of your visit.

I highly recommend the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center for anyone looking for something off the beaten path and deeply rewarding. We’ll definitely be coming back! they have several different tours and did I mention FREE! Thanks to the Tim...

I can't put into words what a phenomenal, pristine, & quite magical place this is. Jim Lee is a treasure. The amount of information he relays is incredible. Jim deeply loves and is passionate about what the wildlife area - and Yawkeys legacy - means to the Low Country. The history is fascinating and the wildlife & flora is so diverse. We even saw a species of flower that grows ONLY in the Yawkey preserve. I highly HIGHLY recommend any of the tours they offer. This is a...

A tour by bus of these beautiful islands that have been preserved for wildlife. Driver Jim gave lots of history and info about species there. Saw at least 5 Bald Eagles, a group of Roseate Spoonbills, and some Wood Storks. Of course also alligators including a group of curious juveniles. Tour is free so check out their Facebook page to see what's coming up. They fill up fast as groups...