Kayaking

Kayaking is probably the easiest, cheapest and most popular watersport you can do on Tybee Island. Two types of kayak are available to rent, in either single or tandem.

Sit-on-top kayaks, which are self-bailing and much easier to get in and out of from the water, are the most commonly available. You are more likely to get wet in this kind of kayak, but in warm-weather areas such as Georgia it doesn’t matter too much for most of the year.

Sit-inside kayaks, also known as decked or cockpitted kayaks, are also available. These are more suitable for longer trips, but recovery is harder if you capsize as the boat cannot easily be drained while on the water, nor is it so easy to get in and out.

Both varieties of kayak are safe, but in general more experience is required for the sit-inside kind. The rental company will be able to advise you further on which type of kayak and excursion is appropriate to your experience and ability.

See details of:
– places to rent a kayak, and tours of Tybee Island
– tours to other local destinations, including Little Tybee and other barrier islands, Skidaway Narrows and Ebenezer Creek

Kayaking Lessons

Savannah Canoe and Kayak offer sea kayaking and surf kayaking lessons. Group lessons: 4 hours, $95 per person for most lessons. Private instruction (sea kayaking): 3 hours, $165; 6 hours, $265. Private instruction (surf kayaking): half day $150, full day $245. Call 912-341-9502. See details of sea kayaking and surf kayaking lessons.

Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a less well-established sport than kayaking, but a good alternative if you want to try something different.

As paddleboarding involves standing upright on a surfing-type board, rather than sitting, as in a kayak, it takes a bit more getting the hang of (and you are very likely to get wet). The advantage is in the better views afforded by your higher vantage point.

If you are confident going out by yourself, there are several places to rent a paddleboard. Otherwise, you can take a lesson in either stand-up or surf paddleboarding, or go on a guided tour, most of which will include some basic instruction.

See details of:
– paddleboard tours of Tybee Island, paddleboarding lessons and places to rent a board
– paddleboard tours of other local destinations, including Little Tybee Island

Canoeing

Another alternative to kayaking, canoeing puts you a little higher above the marsh than a kayak (and provides more space to store bags and other equipment) but at the price of a less versatile and portable boat.

Canoeing Lessons

Savannah Canoe and Kayak Canoe lessons, 4 hours, $145 (single canoe) or $160 (tandem canoe). Call 912-341-9502. Located at 414 Bonaventure Road, Savannah, GA 31404.

Surfing

Tybee’s oceanfront beaches offer some good places to surf, though you will not find the large waves of the west coast. Several establishments on Tybee Island offer lessons to introduce you to this sport, or you can just rent a board and go out by yourself.

Surfing Lessons

Hot Sushi’s Happy Surf Camp Private and group surfing lessons. Text 912-604-9527 for information and reservations. Usually meets at South Beach, Tybee Island.

Tybee Surf Lessons 2-hour private or group surfing lessons. Call 808-385-5364 or book online. Meet up locations usually at North Beach, Tybee Island.

Tybee Surf School Private and group surfing lessons, 90 minutes to 2 hours. Private lessons, $75. Group lessons, $59 per person. Call 912-704-4821 for reservations and meet-up location (Tybee Island).

Surfboard Rental

Hot Sushi’s Happy Surf Camp Surf board rental available, with delivery. Text 912-604-9527 for details and prices.

Kiteboarding

Tybee Island is one of the few places in Georgia in which the extreme sport of kiteboarding (in which a kite is used to propel your board, usually parallel to the shore) can be enjoyed. This activity should not be attempted without suitable experience or instruction.

If you do want to try out kiteboarding, lessons in how to control a kite and board and maneuver safely are available on Tybee Island. Moderate physical fitness is required.

Georgia Kiteboarding 2-hour kiteboarding lessons from $200 per person. Call 912-844-8488.

Jet Skis

Tybee Jet Ski and Watersports $115 per hour for one rider, $139 per hour for two. Weight restrictions apply: 250lb for one rider; 400lb combined weight for two. Call 912-786-8062. Located at Tybee Island (Lazaretto Creek) Marina, 1C Old Highway 80, Tybee Island, GA 31328.

More Things To Do In Coastal Georgia

– Blackbeard Island
– Sapelo Island tours
– Kayaking at St Simons Island
– Ossabaw Island tours
– Little Tybee Island
– Savannah events
– Pin Point Heritage Museum
– Isle of Hope
– Bonaventure Cemetery
– Savannah National Wildlife Refuge