Water Sports and Activities near St. Simons Island, Georgia

The lovely island of St. Simons provides a great opportunity to explore unlimited water sports and activities during your stay. From kayaking to scuba diving, there's something for everyone. Take the beautiful beaches out of the equation and you can still have days filled with water fun and excitement.

St. Simons is situated on a gently sloping area of the continental shelf. The island functions as a barrier to rough weather affecting the mainland, hence its "barrier island" name. As a result, many sandbars have formed along the island shores, forming a break to rough wave action. What makes this area so delightful is that any nature lover can combine outdoor fun with a firsthand nature experience.

Scuba Diving

If scuba diving is your thing, you've come to the right place. Those very sandbars mentioned above create some murky water immediately surrounding the island, as does the constant run off from the Frederica and Mackay Rivers. However, a diver's delight exists right offshore St. Simons. Gray's Reef Marine Sanctuary is one of 14 marine sanctuaries off the U.S. coast and the only protected area in Georgia offshore waters. Unlike a typical coral reef, this area is home to a sand, shell, and mud reef that began forming as layers of loose sediment between 2 and 6 million years ago.

Diver's can encounter all manner of marine life including loggerhead turtles, angelfish, barracudas, and hundreds of colorful sea critters. The crowning glory to this dive site is a 441-foot long Liberty ship located in 40-80 foot water. Diver's can tour this sunken sea treasure that is home to all manner of sea life. Visibility is usually between 25-75 feet. Local charters are available at various locations on the island.

Surfing

The abundant sandbars lining the island shores don't allow much surfing. Surfing at the 5th street jetty area is best at high tide. There is an area known to have 3 to 6 foot waves for some surfing fun. There are some breaks and some very strong currents so surfers should take safety precautions.

Fishing and Crabbing

Whether you choose to charter a boat or park yourself in a comfy lawn chair on a fishing pier, St. Simons Island has wonderful opportunities for all levels of fishermen. Charter boat captains will take you to the best fishing sites to ensure a good catch. It's also said that tying a piece of raw chicken to a string and tossing it into the bay is sure to land you a tasty treat. Blue crab is common in the area so fetching your own dinner could be in order. Give crabbing a try but make sure you have a net and some basic instructions first. Most first time crabbers get addicted within the first 10 minutes!

Kayaking, Sailing, and Wave Runners

Tidal salt marshes make up a significant portion of St. Simons Island. Many visitors rent kayaks to explore the abundant creeks, marshes, and inland sounds and small bays that make up the complex ecosystem surrounding the island. Why not combine a great workout with the perfect touch with nature? This mixed water estuary is the nursery to a myriad of marine and mammal babies that make up the unique and varied wildlife that abounds in the waters around St. Simons Island.

Kayak rentals are available at a number of shops on the island. Vary your water sport routine by renting a sailboat and take a leisurely sail through the peaceful sounds and inlets around the island. One company, Barry's Beach Service also rents boogie boards and windsurfing boards. Various other companies also rent wave runners but reservations are recommended.

Visiting St. Simons Island is a treat. Many of the water activities are the same as those you'd find at any other beach. But the location makes it special. St. Simons Island is unique in its genteel southern atmosphere, pristine beaches, and protected inland waterways and marshes. The added bonus is that visitors can get a true picture of the incredible ecosystem that functions in and around this barrier island.