Skidaway Island

Skidaway Institute for Oceanography: This University of Georgia research facility is on 700 acres of remote pristine water front. The Institute's primary goals are to further understanding of marine and environmental sciences, conduct leading edge research on marine and coastal systems, and train tomorrow's scientists. The campus serves as a gateway to marine environments and helps to integrate marine programs throughout the University System. The Institute strives to create a more knowledgeable citizen capable of promoting sound utilization of natural coastal and marine resources while capitalizing on coastal economic opportunities. Research activities at the Institute are conducted on scales ranging from local economic and environmental issues to global processes and phenomena.

Skidaway Island State Park: Located near historic Savannah, this park borders Skidaway narrows, a part of Georgia’s intracoastal waterway. Trails wind through maritime forest and past salt marsh, leading to a boardwalk and observation tower. Visitors can watch for deer, fiddler crabs, raccoon, egrets and other wildlife. Inside the park’s interpretive center, birders will find binoculars, reference books and a window where they can look for migrating species such as Painted Buntings. Children will especially enjoy seeing the towering, 20-foot Giant Ground Sloth replica and reptile room.

A scenic campground is nestled under live oaks and Spanish moss, and some RV sites have sewer hookups. Leashed pets are allowed. Groups can enjoy privacy in their own pioneer campgrounds. Open-air picnic shelters and an enclosed group shelter are popular spots for parties, reunions and other celebrations. For cooling off during summer, Tybee Island's beaches are less than an hour away

UGA Aquarium:(Georgia's first salt water aquarium) features 16 exhibit tanks that showcase a variety of Georgia's marine life. Most species are caught by aquarium staff right off the coast. A public Touch Tank allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of Georgia's marine invertebrates such as snails and crabs. The Aquarium is cash or check only, open from 9am to 4 weekdays and 10am to 5pm on Saturday. Ages 13-54 $6, Children 3 -12 $3 and ages 1 - 2 are free.