Little St. Simons Island Map

Description:

Little St. Simons Island is a privately owned barrier island located off the coast of Georgia, United States. Encompassing approximately 11,000 acres (4,452 hectares), it is one of Golden Isles of Georgia and sits between St. Simons Island and Sea Island. The island remains one of the most undeveloped and natural barrier islands along the Georgia coast, with only a small portion of its total land area developed for human use. It is accessible only by boat, with a private ferry service operating from nearby Hampton River Marina on St. Simons Island.

The island was acquired by Philip Berolzheimer, a wealthy businessman and conservationist from New York, in 1908. Originally purchased as a private hunting retreat, the Berolzheimer family maintained ownership for generations before establishing a nature-based tourism operation in the 1970s. In 2015, the island was placed under a conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy, ensuring its permanent protection from development. Today, the island operates as an exclusive eco-lodge that accommodates a maximum of 32 overnight guests at a time, making it one of the most exclusive destinations along the Georgia coast.

The Lodge serves as the main accommodation facility on the island, offering rustic yet comfortable rooms in a historic setting. Dating back to 1917, this structure represents the heart of the island's limited development. No other permanent settlements or towns exist on the island, preserving its wilderness character. The island employs a small staff of naturalists, chefs, and maintenance personnel who live on-site to manage operations and guide visitors.

The island features diverse ecosystems including maritime forests, salt marshes, tidal creeks, freshwater ponds, and approximately seven miles of pristine beaches. Sancho Panza Beach and North Beach are among the notable shorelines, offering unspoiled stretches of sand with exceptional shelling opportunities. The island is home to more than 330 species of birds, earning it recognition as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. Other wildlife includes American alligators, white-tailed deer, armadillos, and various reptile species.

Conservation efforts on Little St. Simons Island include ongoing habitat management programs such as prescribed burns, invasive species removal, and sea turtle monitoring. The island serves as an important research site for scientists studying coastal ecology and barrier island dynamics. Unlike many coastal properties, the entire island remains free from commercial development, with no stores, restaurants (outside The Lodge's dining facilities), or public amenities. This commitment to preservation has allowed Little St. Simons to maintain its ecological integrity while providing a rare glimpse into the natural history of Georgia's coastal environment.