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Where are the Savannah Islands?

The Savannah Islands are a popular tourist destination, which is justified by figures that suggest hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world visit the Islands each year. Located just a 20 minute drive from Savannah, Georgia, which is positioned in the beautiful south-eastern region of the United States of America, there is truly something for everyone at the Savannah Islands.

Reasons to Visit The Savannah Islands

Fishermen and women in particular, enjoy going to the Savannah islands because it is a terrific breeding ground for beautiful fish. The fresh water results in some of the best seafood cuisine, which is exported and sold all around the world. The coastline is rich and clean, and is best enjoyed at low tide when one can walk along the shore and take in the scenery.

The most popular island near Savannah is Tybee Island, which is a popular spot for fishing amongst tourists and also the local Savannah community.

The History of Tybee Island

The name Tybee is believed to have been derived from the Native American Euchee word for 'salt' - one of many natural resources that played an important role in the Tybee Island's history. In the 1500 and 1600's, many pirates from neighbouring countries fought battles on the shores of Tybee Island in contest of Sassafras roots, which at the time were considered to be a miracle cure for the flu. They would also be known to fight for the fresh water that was found on the surrounding waters of Tybee Island. In 1733, when nearby town Savannah was discovered and claimed by French and British settlements, the famous lighthouse and fort were constructed so that river access could be maintained amongst the Savannah community.

From this point onwards Savannah Tybee Island played an important military role, both in the American Civil War and also the Revolutionary War, housing weapons, guns, and the famous navy cannon that can now be found in the Tybee Island Museum. Rooms which once stored hundreds of projectiles and gun powder now hold the collections and exhibits of over 400 years of Savannah and Tybee Island history. Also noteworthy is that in 1958, a U.S. fighter plane from Florida jettisoned a nuclear weapon in a training exercise which was subsequently lost. To this point, the 'Tybee Bomb' has mystified authorities, and has remained a security concern.

Tybee Island Beach

Officially renamed Savannah beach in the 1950's, the Savannah Tybee Island Beach reverted to its historic name of the 'Tybee Island Beach' to honour the battles fought in the past. The beach has very light coloured sand, which represents the particular stones and rocks which formed the coastline thousands of years ago. At night time, the beach is popular amongst locals during the warmer months, with bicycles commonly seen travelling up and down the east coast. The beach has long been carefully looked after and protected by rangers and government officials, with strict punishment for those who litter and show a lack of respect for the Savannah coastline. If you are interested in fishing, there is always great fishing at Tybee Island and not too far from the beach either. You can sport fish from the Tybee Pier and also the famous Back River pier which are located at the north and south ends of the island, respectively. The type of marine life that can be found around the piers includes trout, bass, flounder, tarpon and whiting. Alternatively, book yourself a charter boat and go out into the deep-sea. Some of the available fish around the island includes snapper, sea bass, tigerfish, sharks, mackerel, amberjack, sailfish, tuna and marlin. If you would love to get into fishing and do not know where to start - or where bringing your fishing rods is not practical, there are countless amounts of fishing tours available, some starting at relatively budget prices too. Check out www.tybeeislandbaitandtackle.com for some great deals.

Beach Rules

A tight set of rules have been developed to help make life easier for lifeguards and officials. Surfers and swimmers must swim no further than 50 yards of the shoreline, glass and litter or breakable containers onto the beach. Pets are not permitted, unless authorised for a blind person, no motorised vehicles or watercraft within 1,000 feet of the waterline. No fires are permitted; vegetation must be respected and not damaged. Fishing is only permitted in designated areas, all patrons must not exhibit nudity at any time, and shark fishing is also most certainly prohibited. Tybee Island truly is gorgeous, and really has something for everyone. Be sure to follow all the rules and be safe, but most importantly, do not forget to have fun!