Please keep in mind
that Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area is... well wild. There are many wonderful things to see, both birds and wildlife.

However if you go off the designated roads and tour area there are also:

Alligators, o'possum, snakes, wasps, racoons, bees, and a wide variety of spiders. Wherever you go there are likely to be mosquitoes, at least during 3 of the 4 seasons. And yes, like all beaches there is the potential for rip currents, rays and sharks - and there
are no life guards.

Because Botany has eroded some areas are not sand, they are mud. The very shells that make it so picturesque 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.

It is a photographer's paradise. However should you get in trouble the likelihood of getting help is limited. Cell phone reception is best on the beach, in many areas of the plantation it is on again, off again. Weather can affect it. The number of SC DNR staff is small and the chance of being found if you suffer a health event is equally small - at least in time for anyone to do anything about it. 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. There are no rest rooms.

We strongly suggest that if 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
sign in and out at the entrance.

Do Not Bring:

your dog - dogs are prohibited on the beach and causeway to the beach
metal detectors - no artifact hunting is permitted
no ATV's or motorized boats/trailered boats are permitted on the property

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

The roads are not suitable for large vehicles (such as campers or tour vans, etc.)

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 area on the south end of the beach.
Do not attempt to handle wildlife such as racoons or o'possums
which may carry rabies.

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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