Tybee Island Charters

Absolutely fabulous 2 hour nature tour on the water around Tybee Island and Little Tybee Island. Nice size boat for up to 6 people. (They also have a large boat for bigger groups.) Great price, great adventure, great guide. Elizabeth is knowledgable and gave us a wonderful eco tour including dolphin-​watching. The weather was perfect, the sunset was beautiful, the ride was fun and relaxing. She even took us into the bigger waves to watch the kite surfers up close… Too cool! We loved this and will be back! Was easy to schedule and located right in Tybee. Perfect!

My boyfriend, parents, and I came to Tybee Island for our college graduation celebration. We decided to do a fishing trip as part of our present from my parents. We searched through one of the Tybee Island visitor books to choose our charter company. We first called another company, but when they finally returned our call, they were too booked already. The nice gentleman did highly recommend Tybee Island Charters to us.
We called Tybee Island Charters, who immediately answered the phone. We spoke with Captain Elizabeth who was very friendly, professional, and informative. She explained the tour options for what we were looking for, the prices and what was included (and not included), what kind of boat we would be on, thorough directions to the boat dock, and extra tips (such as bringing food or drinks, that the number of anglers was optional, etc.). They were very genuine and up front with any and all information about the services they offered.
We chose to do a 4 hour inshore fishing trip (2 anglers) with Tybee Island Charters for $ 300, which I thought was very reasonable, though I am no fishing expert and have never paid for a fishing tour before. Their prices were comparable to the other inshore fishing tours on the island. Captain Elizabeth was very knowledgeable about the waters, wildlife, and fishing. She was able to name and give facts/​stories/​history about every single bird, fish, crab, oyster, dolphin, etc. we saw while on the trip. It was like we received their eco-​tour as an added bonus. The wildlife and scenery did not disappoint us either! She also knew a lot about the Tybee Island area, people, and history, even leading us to our favorite restaurant from the trip, Sundae Café. Learning about the Island from a local was extremely helpful to us first time tourists!
During the trip, Captain Elizabeth was very welcoming and made sure we were comfortable and had what we needed. Everything was prepared before we arrived, so we literally pulled up to the dock, loaded our cooler, and headed out to sea! She gave us professional tips on where/​how to cast and what types of equipment and bait we were using (even giving us options on what to use). She baited our hooks and unhooked/​measured the fish for us, as is customary on a guided fishing tour, but it was nice to only have to do the relaxing and exciting part of fishing!
She took us to three or four fishing locations that she said she has been successful at before, and the fish did not disappoint! We had a bite on almost every cast, including the first of the day. Though many were not big enough to keep, we enjoyed reelin’ em in all day. We ended up coming home with 7 whiting, which Elizabeth cleaned for us back at the dock. When keeping the fish, she measured them properly and only kept those that were the legal length. Again, she was very professional and seemed knowledgeable about Georgia fishing laws and followed them… even mentioning that the local marine science center had asked her to collect smaller fish for them, but she told them she wouldn’t do so until she had the proper permit from the Georgia DNR (Dept. of Natural Resources).
My parents noted that while they waited for us to return to shore, Captain Cecil had entertained them at the boat dock (which was at their own personal home). He even closed the gate so that our dogs could run freely in their backyard with his dog. They chatted and told stories (about their 40 year history in fishing Tybee waters) for quite a while. They said it was like just hanging out at an old friend’s house.
This is a long review, but I can’t think of enough good things to say about Tybee Island Charters! It was the highlight of our trip and I would call them to book another tour the instant I come back to Tybee Island. If you’re looking for a genuine, local, Mom & Pop, honest operation, that gives you more than your money’s worth and a fabulous, laid back experience, then give Cecil & Elizabeth at Tybee Island Charters a call.

Fantastic eco-​tour of the salt marshes and little Tybee. Two solid hours with a knowledgeable captain who is passionate about the history and ecosystems of coastal Georgia. We were lucky to book the charter for high tide after the full moon, and were rewarded with a trip worth repeating. Definitely worth going back!

Bad business, boat in poor condition, bad fishing practices. Save yourself time and money and legal troubles and don’t fish this unprofessional charter.