Sea Island Map

Description:

Sea Island is a privately owned, unincorporated area of Glynn County, Georgia, and part of the Golden Isles of Georgia on the Atlantic coast of the United States. The island is approximately five miles long and one and a half miles wide at its widest point, covering about 2.5 square miles (6.5 sq km). It is located east of St. Simons Island and connected to it via a causeway.

The island was developed in the 1920s by automobile magnate Howard Coffin and his cousin Alfred W. Jones, who purchased it in 1926. They established The Cloister, a luxury resort that opened in 1928 and remains the centerpiece of the island today. The Cloister has been rated as a five-star resort by Forbes Travel Guide for many consecutive years and has hosted numerous celebrities, business leaders, and heads of state throughout its history. In 2004, the original Cloister building was demolished and replaced with a new structure designed by architect Peter Capone.

Sea Island hosted the G8 Summit in June 2004, bringing together leaders from the world's major industrial democracies. This international gathering significantly raised the profile of this small Georgia island on the world stage. President George W. Bush, along with leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United Kingdom, met at The Cloister to discuss global issues.

Sea Island Beach Club offers access to five miles of private beach on the Atlantic Ocean. The island features three championship golf courses as part of the Sea Island Golf Club, including the Seaside Course, which hosts the RSM Classic, a PGA Tour event held annually in November. Other amenities include a spa, tennis center, shooting school, and various dining options.

Unlike neighboring islands, Sea Island has no commercial district or public facilities. Access to the island is restricted, with security gates controlling entry. The island's permanent population is relatively small, with most homes serving as vacation properties or second residences. Real estate on Sea Island ranks among the most expensive in Georgia, with oceanfront properties often selling for millions of dollars.

The island's natural environment includes maritime forests, salt marshes, and dunes. Black Banks River borders the western side of the island. Wildlife on and around Sea Island includes deer, alligators, various bird species, and sea turtles that nest on its beaches during summer months.

In 2010, Sea Island Acquisitions, LLC purchased Sea Island Company after it filed for bankruptcy following the 2008 financial crisis. Despite these financial challenges, the resort has maintained its luxury status and continues to be a premier destination for affluent travelers.