Jekyll experiences two high tides and two low tides each day. The tides reach 6 to 9 feet, a situation unique as compared to normal water patterns along the East Coast. Every 6 hours 12.5 minutes, Jekyll experiences a change in tides. The tides pervade deeply inland due to high tides and the gradual slope of Georgia's Coastal Plain, which results in the most expansive marshes of the entire Atlantic Coast.
It is interesting to note that Jekyll Island beaches are "tide formed." The continental shelf extends far out from Jekyll Island, causing oceanic waves to lose their energy long before they reach the shoreline. We therefore experience very small waves and shallow waters as compared to beaches formed as a result of wave patterns.
After a devastating hurricane in 1964, President Johnson found it necessary to import boulders from throughout the state of Georgia to Jekyll Island to create a breakwater. Various factors have contributed to the erosion of our beaches on Jekyll Island including storms, tides and human impact. The boulders were placed along the northern shoreline in an effort to prevent further beach erosion. During periods of high tides, the ocean reaches the rocks but during low tide there is 30 feet of beach for your personal enjoyment.
There is an ample amount of sand beach between the rock barrier and the natural dunes which provide an expansive space for play and exploration in an undisturbed natural environment.
Beach Accessibility
There are five public beaches that are accessible by those with limited mobility, including Beach Village, Corsair Beach Park, Glory Beach, Great Dunes and St. Andrews. Beach-ready wheelchairs are available to those in need at no cost and with delivery on-site, on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 912.635.2368 for reservations and delivery.
Tides on Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island has two high tides and two low tides each day. The elapsed time from the first high tide to the next high tide is 12 hours and 25 minutes. High tides typically range between 6-9 feet above low tide levels. Be sure to check out our current Jekyll Island Tides Chart below for current levels and information.
Practice Safe Beach Lighting
Jekyll is a haven for nesting sea turtles, who use lighting to orient themselves on the beach. These sea turtles can become confused by distracting lights. Please practice responsible lighting by using turtle-safe red lights and use as few lights as possible. There are numerous vendors and many hotels offer turtle-safe flashlights, or pick one up at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Corsair Beach Park
Conveniently located near the shops and restaurants of Jekyll's Beach Village, this park offers beach access, picnic tables, restroom and shower facilities.
Driftwood Beach
Located on the North end of Jekyll Island, Driftwood Beach is a natural scenic wonderland with beautiful driftwood and trees washed ashore, making this a popular location for picturesque weddings and photographs. Don't leave your camera at home because you'll want to capture this hauntingly beautiful natural area that is unlike anyplace else on earth. The soft white sand casts a stark contrast to the preserved trees that collect on the north shore of Jekyll Island.
Access to Glory Beach is by way of a lengthy boardwalk which crosses natural sand dunes and freshwater pools, offering visitors an undisturbed view of Cumberland Island. No pets are allowed. Steady ocean breezes provide great winds for flying a kite or staying cool while riding a bike on the flat sandy beaches. Most times you won't find many crowds and you'll have plenty of space to relax and unwind as you listen to the soothing sounds of nature.
Great Dunes Beach Park
Offering easy beach access, Great Dunes Beach is conveniently located across from playgrounds, a mini-golf course and bicycle and Segway rentals, making this a perfect spot to setup your family's beachhead. Popular with families, Great Dunes Beach is a gathering spot for visitors to Jekyll during the warm weather months. You'll find plenty of activities here and nearby attractions offer something for everyone when you're ready for a break from the sun and surf.
Oceanview Beach Park
Located in the middle of Jekyll Island, this public-access beach offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and plenty of parking available, with an ADA deck overlook and restroom and shower facilities on site.
South Dunes Beach Park
Features an observation deck and freshwater pond, with an elevated boardwalk over the sand dunes. Popular for gatherings, this spot offers picnic tables, BBQ grills and both open-air and screened picnic pavillions.
St. Andrews Beach Park
Located at the Southern tip of Jekyll Island and a short walk from Jekyll Point, this spot provides plenty of shade under the Live Oaks, with picnic tables available. A two-story viewing platform is popular for birdwatching and looking out over the Atlantic and inlet waterway that flows through the marshlands, where you can sometimes spot dolphins nearby. Local history of the slave ship Wanderer is remembered here with various signs and artifacts on site, see the Wanderer Memory Trail photo gallery below. Restrooms are available on site.
The Wanderer Memory Trail
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Jekyll Island Tides Chart
Pet Policies on Jekyll Island Beaches
Unless otherwise posted, dogs are allowed on the beach as long as they are under the owner's control or on a leash.
Pets must be under immediated control of their owners and on a leash no longer than 16' at all times.
No pets allowed on South Beach - between South Dunes Beach Park and 2000 feet northeast of St. Andrews Beach Park.
Pet owners are to remove and dispose of pet fecal material.
Keep all pets out of the protected dunes.
Jekyll Island Beach Rules
Remove all trash, tents and personal belongings from the beach; anything left overnight will be removed and discarded.
No overnight camping.
No fires.
No motorized vehicles.
No glass containers.
Do not disturb turtles or turtle nests.
No fireworks.
No horseback riding, unless bu licensed vendor.
No flashlights, unless turtle-friendly.
No metal or mineral detectors.
Stay off the dunes.
Use caution on sandbars.
Only take empty shells and dead sand dollars.
Fill in sandcastles and holes.
Jekyll Island Sand Dunes
Our sand dunes are home to millions of species of plant and animal life. These communities are protected by the State of Georgia. It is our goal to promote the preservation of these natural habitats. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, "these sand dunes form a natural buffer and protect upland homes, hotels and other buildings from the tides, winds, waves and storms. Morning glory vines, ghost crabs, sea gulls, Spanish bayonets and sea oats all made their home in and around the sand dunes. Many shorebirds lay eggs directly on the sand in the dune area. Even the threatened loggerhead turtles come ashore during the summer months to lay their eggs in the warm sands of our coast. The dunes are extremely fragile and the plants which hold the sand in place are easily killed by foot traffic.
Exploring the natural splendor and marsh wetlands of Jekyll Island is the best way to take in all the unspoiled beauty that Coastal Georgia has to offer. Take a guided kayak tour of the Jekyll River and tidal marsh. Rent a canoe or pedalboat and enjoy fishing or a relaxing paddle on Rixen Pond. Learn about Jekyll's coastal ecosystems and wildlife as you explore Jekyll's beaches, forests and marsh.
View Jekyll Island Outfitters »
Jekyll Island offers a variety of dining options to choose from, from casual to fancy, as well as places to grab a quick bite or take the whole family. We've compiled a complete directory of all the local restaurants on Jekyll, along with contact information and an interactive map so you can easily find the one you're looking for.
View Jekyll Island Restaurants »
Terrapins are the only turtle species in the world known to live their whole life in brackish water (a mixture of salt and fresh water, common in the Golden Isles). Found in the marsh habitat of Georgia's Barrier Islands, they have webbed feet with claws on each toe, allowing them to swim well and also walk on land at low tide.
Diamondback terrapins are one of the most common turtles to see along the causeway. Female terrapins are almost twice as big as the males. Because of their hard shell, female terrapins can't expand their bodies to accommodate eggs. A female terrapin grows to about 8 to 10 inches long in comparison to a male and she lays 8 to 10 eggs which take about 65 days to incubate.
ExploreJekyllIsland.com is an independently owned enterprise of Stratatomic LLC and is not in any way affiliated with the Jekyll Island Authority, the State of Georgia, any federal, state, local or municipal governments or entities and makes no claims or representations otherwise.
Our sand dunes are home to millions of species of plant and animal life. These communities are protected by the State of Georgia. It is our goal to promote the preservation of these natural habitats. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, "these sand dunes form a natural buffer and protect upland homes, hotels and other buildings from the tides, winds, waves and storms. Morning glory vines, ghost crabs, sea gulls, Spanish bayonets and sea oats all made their home in and around the sand dunes. Many shorebirds lay eggs directly on the sand in the dune area. Even the threatened loggerhead turtles come ashore during the summer months to lay their eggs in the warm sands of our coast. The dunes are extremely fragile and the plants which hold the sand in place are easily killed by foot traffic.
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