Coastal Georgia and South Carolina
PRIMA’s home base for its Southeast Coastal operations is beautiful, historic Savannah, GA, not only a destination city in its own right, but an ideally central location for cruising among Georgia’s and South Carolina’s unspoiled—and largely inaccessible—coastal barrier islands. Aboard PRIMA you will have the opportunity to explore this region’s serene tidal marshes and meandering creeks, marvel at its abundant natural flora and fauna and take in the experiences of its quaint southern towns, each with their own unique personality, architectural style and wide and varied amenities.
We guarantee that if you choose a coastal Southeast charter about PRIMA, you will enjoy the true experience of the genteel southern life of coastal Georgia and South Carolina, an area which has been a place of discovery and surprise for centuries.
Sample Destinations (always wind-, weather-, and guest-dependent, of course) include:
Daufuskie Island, SC
Daufuskie Island’s charm lies in the laissez-faire way of life here, exemplified by the roads named after the island’s beloved black midwife, Sarah Grant, and Mr. Jake Washington, who rode shotgun on the pickup truck that served as a school bus in the fifties. Today its residents traverse the island largely on golf carts or bicycles, exchanging neighborly waves on their way to the post office or general store.
Beaufort, SC
Known for its small town feel and classic “Gone With the Wind” architecture, Beaufort is a true gem on the Carolina coast. Its scenic waterfront, quaint shops and historic homes beckon visitors to drift back in time and experience life at a gentle pace. Speaking of movies, it has also been the backdrop for a long list of well-known cinematic features such as “The Big Chill,” “Forces of Nature” and “The Prince of Tides.”
Charleston, SC
Stand on the site of the first shot in the Civil War. Come face to face with a giant sea turtle. Take a tour of an antebellum mansion or blossoming garden. Climb aboard a WWII aircraft carrier. Charleston’s many historic and cultural sites, beautiful city streetscapes, fantastic eateries and gracious Southern hospitality means there is something for everyone.
Blackbeard Island, GA
This National Wildlife refuge offers a variety of nature-based, recreational activities. Wildlife observation, especially birdwatching, is excellent throughout the year and existing trails and roads provide hikers with scenic paths ideal for nature study. In addition, saltwater creeks which meander through the refuge’s marshlands are open to fishing and crabbing.
Ossabaw Island, GA
A privately-owned barrier island preserved by Eleanor Torrey-West and her family for natural, scientific and cultural study, research and education, this gorgeous natural habitat can be accessed only with special permission.
Sapelo Island, GA
Formerly owned by a succession of millionaires ending with R.J. Reynolds, and surrounded by 16,000 acres of pristine marsh, most of Sapelo Island now belongs to the state of Georgia, but about 1% of the island is still owned descendents of former slaves who have preserved and are eager to share with you many aspects of their unique ‘Gullah’ culture and cuisine.
St. Simon’s Island
A popular destination since native Americans met General Oglethorpe and the brave souls who sailed from England to settle Georgia as the 13th colony in 1733. Today its landscape looks much the same, with moss-draped oaks, shady lanes and creek-fed pockets of marsh which provide a thriving habitat for birds and a diverse range of other wildlife, from turtles to armadillo and deer. Also the setting for all of best-selling author Eugenia Price’s fascinating historical novels.
Jekyll Island, GA
From English colonization in 1735 to private ownership by French landowners; from a gilded-age playground for the rich at the turn of the 20th century, to the island’s conversion in 1947 to a state park, this island’s history is as diverse as it is significant. Today a myriad of activities from shell-collecting to boutique-shopping abound.
Cumberland Island, GA
Cumberland is America’s largest wilderness island and is now designated a National Seashore. The majestic sweep of its sandy beach is dotted with shells and is usually deserted, except for a native herd of wild horses roaming at will. Inland, the moss-shrouded live oak and pine maritime forests provide ample habitat for a wide array of wildlife, including a diverse bird population.
Sunday
Go ahead and sleep late—you deserve it! Perhaps today you’d like to pack a picnic lunch and find the ideal spot ashore to enjoy it. Or maybe you’ll feel adventurous and want to take a kayak trip through the meandering tidal marshes. Or maybe you’d prefer to spend the day taking a turn at the wheel as we sail to a new port and feel the rush as the boat rises on the wings of a freshening wind.