Sapelo Island Guidebook

A golf cart is included in the rental. It seats only 4. For more than 4 people, an additional golf cart for $55 per day is available. You may rent a vehicle from Chris Bailey - 912-258-2301. Golf carts are fuel operated The key is located on a hook by the door or counter. Leave the key in the golf cart at the beach or when hiking. The golf cart will be safe. Park under shed or house & turn off the lights Do not drive golf carts to Cabretta Beach or on Old South Beach Rd. Drive in designated areas. Drivers must be 21+ - Children can't drive or play on carts Refuel cart w/cr card

Take a tour with Chris Bailey - 912-258-2301 Order local meals - Barbara Bailey - 912-270-1711 or Francine Bailey - 912-230-0519

The residents on the island are the descendants of the enslaved people who worked on the plantations. Many of their cultural traditions are still practiced on the island. Master Sweet Grass Basket Maker - Yvonne Grovner is available to share the history of the baskets. She also sells them. 912-506-0944. During the summer months you may find yourself on the island for Seine fishing with huge nets in the water. Fishing, shrimping, clamming and harvesting oysters is a Geechee tradition. Sapelo is your destination to connect with a slower pace & experience the culture.

Don't for get to bring bug spray. You're coming to a wildlife refuge & there are bugs. Those that bite & some that crawl. Embrace the pristine & natural setting. You'll forget about them in no time. Bring Flash Light Sunscreen you'll need too. If you're planning to fish, crab or harvest oysters & clams, bring shoes you don't mind getting muddy. Bring a light weight rain jacket during the summer months & something a little heavier during the cooler months. You can get showers anytime of the year. The water has sulfur minerals but is safe to drink.

Sapelo is a wonderland of interesting things to see and learn. Explore the island with hikes and stroll the sea shore for seashells and driftwood. Look for wildlife tracks, especially in the morning. Visit the marine life research facility on the island. They welcome visitors and there are so many sea creatures to learn about. A little research before your trip to ensure everyone learns a lot about nature, history, culture and the people. Sapelo is not just a beach destination it is a place to connect to a vanishing way of life and a less stressful way to getaway.

Although Sapelo is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beach, the island is really about so much more than just staying on the beach. Plan to explore. Here's who you should call: - Rent a vehicle to explore more of the island - Chris Bailey - 912-258-2301 - Bike rentals - Chris Bailey - 912-258-2301 - Historic and Culture Tours - Chris Bailey - 912-258-2301 or JR Grovner - 912-506-6463 -Order a Geechee meal to be delivered to the cottage - Barbara Bailey - 912-270-1711 or Francine Bailey - 912-230-0519 - Kayak adventures - Southeastern Adventures - 912-638-6732

The beaches are very pristine & undeveloped. You can be the only person on the beach. A lifeguard will not be on duty, you are swimming at your own risk. If the waters are rough we suggest that you spend your time at the beach enjoying the sand & sun. If there are rip tides (rip currents) and you get caught in a rip tide, swim parallel to the beach.   On Cabretta beach, you will need to leave a landmark where you entered the beach. Although it sounds strange, you can get lost on the beach. Everything can look the same. Leave a towel or bag if you plan to take a leisurely walk.

Dogs are allowed in some of the Sapelo Island Birdhouse cottages. There is a one dog limit & a fee of $100. Dogs are not allowed on the furniture in any of the rooms. We know that some dog lovers have dogs accustom to enjoying time on the couch. If this is the case, we ask that you act responsibly in respecting the owner’s wishes. Items soiled by the dog(s) will require a damage or replacement fee. This can include extra cleaning for removal of excessive dog hair. All dogs must be in a crate while you are out and away from the cottage. **Bring vaccination records for ferry crew.

Souvenirs, sweet grass baskets and books are available at the store on Sapelo. The Sapelo Island Visitors Center also has a selection of items. For sweetgrass baskets contact - Yvonne Grovner - 912-506-0944

No illegal drugs or firearms of any type are not allowed in the cottage or on the property around the cottage.

Each cottage is a non-smoking cottage. You may smoke on the porch or out-door areas.

Household Information: Sapelo Island Birdhouses practice green living so please help by turning off the tap water when not in use, keeping the air or heat set conservatively, turning off air or heat if windows are open and turning off lights when not in use and especially when away the cottage. **Please do not leave spotlights on all night.

Sapelo is a self catering island. Please bring all food and beverage items with you. If you are ordering meals from one of the ladies on the island, please contact them at least four days prior to your arrival. The small store on the island has limited canned and package goods. Plan to bring all of your food and beverage with you. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Food and beverage for your stay All condiments and things you'll need for preparing meals (Due to COVID we do not store food items) Bug spray Flash Light

Sapelo is a wildlife refuge. People love it for the laid back, relaxing, out of the ordinary experience. Enjoying the beach is a special time. There are some services that are temperamental and may be effected by storms or power outages. **If you have streaming services - bring along your password to enjoy your favorite TV. Bring games and activities for the kids There are DVD players Tea Cake and Candy Cottages - there is only streaming TV Painted Bunting and Birdhouse Cottage - satellite outages occur frequently **Bring along your password for streaming services.