Nature Programs
Fripp is Certified Wildlife Habitat and an Audubon Important Area. A variety of birds use our beaches, maritime forests, golf courses, ponds, and marshes. This walking tour will depart from the Activity Center and we will search for wading birds, shore birds, and woodland species. Beginners to expert birders are welcome!
- $10/$12, 1 hour
- Meet at Activity Center
This program is a walking tour of our island where we discuss native plants found on Fripp. Our naturalists will teech you about how to identify native species, which plants are good for eating and medicine, as well as why native plants are important for our region. The program will conclude with a hand on plant activity (like paint a pot or plant a native flower) or give guests the opportunity to try an in-season food or drink made from local native plants.
Ever wanted to explore that mysterious island across from Wardle’s landing? The only way to get there safely is by boat… join us for a quick canoe trip across Skull Inlet and walk the beach of this abandoned, uninhabited island. Some of the best shells can be found here!
Come learn all about the east coast’s coolest crustacean, the blue crab! Learn the life cycle and ecological importance of these edible crabs as we bait our baskets and wait for them to fall into our trap. We will teach you how to handle them and anything else we might catch! This program is catch and release only.
Fripp Island is home to a ton of alligators! First we’ll introduce you to our baby alligators, Savannah and Veranda. Then our naturalists will take you looking for these prehistoric predators in some of Fripp’s golf course ponds. As we watch for gators you’ll learn all about Fripp’s most awesome predator.
- $10/$12, 1 hour.
- Scheduled year round, but dependent on weather.
If you’re a budding herpetologist (a person who studies reptiles and amphibians) this is the program for you! Get familiar with some of the Activity Center’s resident reptiles before we head out to find some wild critters. We will discuss habitats, diets, anatomy, and more. We will check our humane traps for snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs, and anything else! Closed-toed shoes are required.
The best way to experience the winding tidal creeks behind Fripp is by kayak. Share a tandem kayak with a buddy or paddle yourself in a single. On this guided two hour tour we will watch for eagles and ospreys soaring overhead, mink and clapper rails walking the mud flats, dolphins splashing on the shore line and so much more! Please call ahead to reserve your spot. Tour departs from the Marina boat ramp.
Join our naturalists for a once-a-month guided tour under the stars and the full moon. This is a truly unique way to experience the sights and sounds of the tidal creeks after the sun goes down. Please call ahead to reserve your spot. Tour is 2 hours and will depart from the Marina boat ramp.
Come aboard the Fripper II with one of our naturalists for a pontoon boat tour of the tidal creeks and islands around Fripp. Hear stories of pirates and learn about the creatures of the marsh. We will stop to beach comb at Bull Point on Caper’s Island, so bring along a re-useable bag for the shells you find and learn about!
- Adults $65, Children 4-9 $45, 3 hours
- May through August
- Reservations required by closing time the day before the program
Join our naturalists on the search for Fripp’s animal night life. We will look for bats and night hawks, listen for owls, and search for spiders, bugs, and frogs! We may even be able to spot alligators and deer. Some flashlights are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Closed-toed shoes are required.
Join our naturalists on the beach to discover what’s under the waves! During the first portion of the program we’ll pull our seining net through the water and show you the many species that swim off our shore, as well teach you how to use a cast net. If you want to try it out, plan on getting wet! The second part of this program will teach you how to fish as well as some tips and tricks for catching some popular local species. This program is catch and release only.
The marsh is arguably the best place around Fripp to watch the sunset. On this guided tour we will look for and discus the plants and many animals of the salt marsh. Enjoy the peace and serenity of the tidal creeks and watch the colors of the sky and water change. Make sure you bring a camera and a way to keep it dry! Please call ahead to reserve your spot. Tour is 2 hours and will depart from the Marina boat ramp.
Fripp Island’s beach is an important nesting area for endangered sea turtles. Every summer dozens of loggerhead sea turtles crawl onto our beach at night and lay hundreds of eggs. Join our naturalists for a beach walk to check out some of the nests and to learn everything there is about our awesome sea turtles!
- $10/$12, 1 hour
- May through September only
When the water cools and the beach gets quiet, the beachcombing is at its best! Take a guided beach walk with one of our naturalists to find the best shells and learn about all the strange and wonderful things on our beach. Jellyfish, worms, sea stars, urchins… you never know what will wash up next. We’ll help you make sense of it all!
