A trip to Botany Bay.
This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
A visit to Botany Bay, located in Edisto South Carolina, is like visiting another world. It’s a great place to stop during a weekend getaway.
Last April, while visiting my parents, we hopped in the car and drove to another world. Nah, it wasn’t really another world, but it felt like it. Plus it sounds so dramatic to say so. And I’m all into the drama of it all.
Oooooh.
Aaaaah.
Ohhhh.
Back to the point of the post.
Botany Bay on Edisto Island is like no other coastline I’ve experienced in South Carolina. And growing up in SC I’ve seen much of its coast. Botany Bay is on the wild side. And that’s a good thing.
Beaches, maritime forests, salt marsh, tidal creeks, freshwater ponds and hammock islands make up the 4,630 acres of natural beauty to enjoy at Botany Bay. The land, formerly owned by the late Margaret Pepper, is now managed by the SC Department of Natural Resources and is open to the public for educational and recreational opportunities. Mrs. Pepper’s goal was to preserve the natural state of the land. And I’m glad she did. It’s beautiful.
We spent most of our time at the beach. Even though it was an unusually cold and windy day for April in the Low Country, we strolled out to the beach to wonder in awe at the view. It was almost shocking. And while it looks like a war zone this cycle of erosion has been happening here for years as beaches are built up in some areas and washed away in others; to and fro, back and forth the land moves.
It’s a fun place to explore.
The perfect place for a game of hide-n-seek.
Everywhere I looked there were unusual pieces of wood, shells and trees calling out to be photographed.
Below is the underside of a tree trunk. Cool huh?
I could take pictures of shells everyday. I’d be happy with that.
A professional shell photographer I shall be, shooting shells by the seashore.
Botany Bay is definitely a photographers dream.
We can’t wait until our next trip. It will be interesting to see how much the beach has changed.
If you’re interested in visiting Botany Bay or learning more about it, here are a few links you may find helpful:
Botany Bay Ecotours
An article by South Carolina Wildlife (Department of Natural Resources)
Edisto Island Preservation Alliance – Botany Bay
Do you know of any natural preserves to visit that you’d like to tell us about? Please share.
I also had my honeymoon on Edisto, and we try to get back every year. It’s like our (South Carolina’s) own little secret.. I hate to talk about it in public, as if I’m afraid someone who doesn’t understand will come and turn it into Myrtle Beach or something.
I once overheard a tourist at the Pig on the island complaining about how there was nothing there to do. I felt so incredibly sad for them. Our vacations there always seem too short to see and do everything–we’re too busy relaxing and enjoying the peace.
Just wondering – do you have any recommendations of places to stay? We’re looking for a NC or SC vacation spot and Botany Bay/Edisto Island looks ideal! There don’t seem to be any hotels or many rentals on the island though, is there somewhere (reasonably priced) that you would recommend? Thanks!
Wow I love your beach pictures! Mostly because I now know there is another crazy person out there that like to take pictures of things others might say why did you take that picture. I just say because I thought it looked so cool. The close ups of the tree are great. I have a goal to have a new camera by the end of April so I can take pictures like these. Right now I just have a Cannon digital that I got because it is real small and easy to carry when we are traveling. It takes great pictures but close ups are not near as good as yours!
What camera do you have? Your photography is amazing. You have a superb eye!! Holy cow…
Hey Kimberly!
Thanks for stopping by – it’s so nice to meet you! Can’t wait to check out your blog too – themusicianswife.com sounds cool.
I shoot with a Nikon D300 now but I just got it back in Jan. so most of the photography (and all of the Botany Bay photos) so far on this site were taken with my old camera which was a Nikon D50. I’m still learning a lot about photography – by no mean am I an expert. If you’re interested have a post about photography here… https://shewearsmanyhats.com/2009/12/why-do-i-blog-good-question/
~ Amy
Amy…you make me feel as if I am standing right there viewing these incredible places first hand. You have an amazing talent….thanks for sharing with us!
The pictures are beautiful, but if you really want to see the awe of it, you have to visit.I have been going to Edisto since i was a kid, but my first trip to Botany Bay was last year and i wished i had known about it sooner, everything about it is beautiful, the long dirt road with moss covered trees is just the beginning. and the half mile walk is worth every step and then your there.. takes your breath way….
Hi! Lovely writeup and pics. What time of the day would you suggest is a good time to visit Botany Bay. Thanks
I would check the tide schedule and visit during low tide when more of the beach will be exposed.