Please keep in mind
that Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area is... well wild. There are many wonderful things to see, birds, flowers and wildlife. And you are free to wander much of the over 4,000 acres.

However when you do go off the designated roads and tour areas (and sometimes even on them) you may encounter:

Alligators, o'possums, snakes, wasps, racoons, bees, and a wide variety of spiders. Yes there is poison ivy, lots of it. Wherever you go there are likely to be mosquitoes, at least during 3 of the 4 seasons. An equally irritating pest is "sand gnats" and many insect repellents do not work on them. In summer heat can be a dangerous factor, be aware of the weather forecast. Dress appropriately and carry water. During thunderstorms lightning can pose a serious hazzard. And yes, like all beaches there is the potential for rip currents, rays, jellyfish, and sharks - and there are no life guards.

Because Botany has eroded some areas of the beach are not sand, they are mud. The very shells that make it so picturesque may also make walking on the bottom uncomfortable. And speaking of shells recent changes to the regulations prohibit the collection of shells or artifacts on Botany Bay WMA by anyone. This is an effort to keep Botany as natural as possible.

Botany Bay is a photographer's paradise and with proper preperation your visit should be memorable. However should you get in trouble the likelihood of getting help in a timely manner is limited. Cell phone reception is best on the beach, in many areas of the plantation it is spotty. Weather can affect it. The number of SC DNR staff is small and while we have an active volunteer program there are times when none are available. The chance of being found quickly if you suffer a health event is small. If you are successful in calling 911 optimum response time, if they can find you, is roughly 30 minutes.

If you plan to visit the beach be prepared for
a 3/4 mile walk across the causeway. You must carry in on your back
or bike the things you need. Be aware that there are no rest rooms anywhere
on the property.

We strongly suggest that when you plan to visit you:

* tell someone where you are going
* go with friends, not alone
* take with you essentials like mosquito repellant, water, a hat, sturdy
shoes, and sun screen
* you must sign in at the entrance.

Do Not Bring:

* your dog - dogs are prohibited on the beach and causeway to the beach, they disturb our nesting birds many of which are threatened
* metal detectors - no artifact hunting is permitted
*no ATV's or trailered boats are permitted on the property

Note: bicycles are welcome! Canoes and kayaks can be launched at
Sea Cloud Landing on Ocella Creek.

Be Aware
The roads are not suitable for large vehicles (such as campers or tour vans, etc.) While we expend many hours of effort to maintain the roads in wet weather they can become difficult and in dry weather the sand can be tricky.

Removal of shells and artifacts is prohibited.

On Your Visit Please Do Not Disturb:
Nesting birds,alligators, turtles or turtle nests (most are clearly marked)
Do not disturb historic sites. Do not take anything you see there other than pictures!
Do not enter the bird nesting areas on the beach (they are roped off).
Do not attempt to handle wildlife such as racoons or o'possums
which may carry rabies. Do not disturb or harm snakes, even poisonous ones.

Be a part of our effort to preserve this incredible resource while enjoying your visit. Working together we can keep Botany Bay
as it is today for our children and their children.

Thank You
the Edisto Island Preservation Alliance

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