Are you looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Charleston area? Look no further than Morgan Island, an uninhabited island located in the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge. While it may not be inhabited by people, it is home to a rather unique population of approximately 4,000 monkeys.
To reach Morgan Island, you can take a kayak from Eddings Point Landing, which is about an 80-minute drive from Charleston. The drive down Route 17 to Trask Parkway is serene, especially in the early morning hours. When you arrive at the landing, you may see other boats and trailers belonging to crabbers or oyster harvesters who set off before dawn.
Kayaking To (and Around) Morgan Island, SC
If you are planning to visit Morgan Island, kayaking is one of the best ways to experience its natural beauty and observe the free-ranging Rhesus monkeys in their natural habitat. One of the best spots to launch your kayak is Eddings Point Landing, which is relatively close to Morgan Island.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that circumnavigating Morgan Island by kayak is roughly 19 miles, including about 13 miles just to get all the way around the island. Eddings Point is one of two landings roughly the same distance away from the island, making it a convenient starting point for your kayaking adventure.
While Sam’s Point Boat Landing is also a good option, it has limited parking, which can be a challenge if you are planning to launch early in the morning. Therefore, Eddings Point Landing worked best with the trip plan, especially if you want to ride the tide out to the eastern tip of Morgan Island before riding the rising tide back west.
Before setting off, make sure to load up with water, nutrition, and safety gear. Keep in mind that the weather conditions can change rapidly, so it’s important to stay prepared. You can enjoy breakfast during sunrise while watching the monkeys start their day on the shore.
Once you start kayaking, you’ll be able to observe the monkeys up close and personal. However, it’s important to keep a safe distance from the monkeys and avoid feeding them. Remember, these are wild animals, and it’s important to respect their space and natural behavior.
Overall, kayaking to and around Morgan Island is an unforgettable experience that allows you to connect with nature and observe the unique wildlife of the Lowcountry.
Wait, There Are Monkeys in Charleston?
If you’re visiting Charleston, you might be surprised to learn that there is a population of roughly 4,000 rhesus monkeys living on Morgan Island, just off the coast of Beaufort, South Carolina. These monkeys were originally brought to the island in the late 1970s from the La Parguera facility of the Caribbean Primate Research Center in Puerto Rico. They were used for laboratory research projects, but are now protected by the federal government and live on the island full-time, unfenced and unencumbered.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR) manages the island, but stepping onto the island is strictly forbidden for all visitors. Morgan Island is privately owned, state-managed, and federally protected, and the monkeys seem to like it that way. Their population has remained stable over the past 35 years and they appear to be thriving.
According to an article published in the Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal in 1989, the monkeys were shipped to Morgan Island in several shipments in 1979 and 1980, totaling over 1,400 animals. Although they were not shipped in intact social groups, they quickly reestablished their groups shortly after being released onto Morgan Island. Since then, the colony has grown almost four-fold and now numbers almost 4,000 animals.
While the monkeys are not a typical attraction for tourists visiting Charleston, they are an interesting and unique part of the area’s wildlife. However, it is important to remember that the monkeys are federally protected and stepping onto the island is strictly forbidden.
A Sunrise Breakfast with a Rhesus Monkey Serenade
As you paddle towards Morgan Island, you will notice the brown-gray splotches on the beach and in the trees begin to take form. These splotches are actually wild monkeys, and as you approach, they may seem to be soaking in the early morning sun.
As you stop paddling to enjoy your breakfast, the silence is palpable, until it is broken by the sound of the monkey’s serenade. It is unclear whether they are singing to you or just going about their morning routine, but their melodic voices fill the air.
You can drift for about 10 minutes, enjoying the monkey serenade, before parting ways. It is a unique experience to witness these wild monkeys in their natural habitat, and the peacefulness of the morning only adds to the beauty of the moment.
As you continue your journey, you may feel a desire to stay longer, but be sure to keep an eye on the tide, as you do not want to miss your scheduled departure.
Morgan Island’s Monkey Colony was Just One Highlight of Many
As you paddle around Morgan Island, you will quickly realize that the monkey colony is just one highlight of many. The island offers stunning views of the water and the morning sky that will distract you from the task of paddling. The eastern tip of the island is particularly beautiful, with oyster-covered shores and an abundance of shorebirds.
During your trip, you may be lucky enough to spot some of the island’s wildlife. Dolphins are a common sight along the northern coast, and you may even catch a glimpse of a juvenile bald eagle followed by an adult. If you’re really lucky, you may even see a squadron of American white pelicans, which are rare in this area.
One of the best things about paddling around Morgan Island is the sense of solitude and remoteness. You may not see another vessel for hours, which only adds to the feeling of being completely immersed in nature. As you round the western tip of the island, you may pass a few fishermen, but otherwise, you’ll have the island to yourself.
Of course, the monkey colony is one of the main draws of Morgan Island. While you may not be able to see the monkeys up close, you can paddle by their preferred beach spot and try to catch a glimpse of them from afar. It’s a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the Lowcountry.
Overall, paddling around Morgan Island is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, the island offers something for everyone. From stunning views to an abundance of wildlife, there’s no shortage of highlights to enjoy.
Plan Your Trip: Seeing the Morgan Island Monkeys By Kayak or Boat
If you’re planning a trip to see the Morgan Island monkeys, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, the trip distance is approximately 19 miles circumnavigating the island, whether departing from Eddings Point Landing or Sam’s Point Boat Landing. The trip duration is approximately four and a half hours by kayak, taking advantage of the outgoing and incoming tides. Departing from the Safe Harbor Landing in Port Royal by boat provides for a similar trip duration, traveling at a casual but steady pace.
When planning your trip, keep in mind the tide schedule. If going by kayak to Morgan Island from Eddings Point Landing, plan to shove off about two and a half hours before low tide, if not a bit before. When you get to Morgan Island, circumnavigate the island in a counter-clockwise direction.
For kayaking to Morgan Island, we highly recommend Eddings Point Landing. Options for kayakers and boaters include Brickyard Landing, Eddings Point Landing, Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing, and Sam’s Point Boat Landing.
If you are planning to kayak around Morgan Island, be sure to check the tides. You can go either direction around the island depending on the timing, but you will be going much slower and exert much more energy if you have to fight the tides the whole way. Also, as noted above, setting foot on Morgan Island is strictly prohibited. There are several signs on the island confirming this, and also instructing visitors not to feed or disturb the monkeys. Observe from a distance then continue on your way.
As always, when kayaking, boating, or engaging in any other form of travel by water, bring all necessary safety gear, check the weather regularly, dress for the water temperature, and stay comfortably within your limits.
With these tips and advisories, you can plan a safe and enjoyable trip to see the Morgan Island monkeys by kayak or boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Morgan Island to see the monkeys?
No, Morgan Island is off-limits to the public. It is a protected area and serves as a research facility for the monkeys that live there.
What type of disease are the Morgan Island monkeys known to carry?
The Morgan Island monkeys are known to carry the herpes B virus, which can be dangerous to humans if transmitted. However, there have been no reported cases of transmission to humans on the island.
Why were monkeys introduced to Morgan Island in South Carolina?
Monkeys were introduced to Morgan Island in the 1970s as part of a breeding program for medical research. The island was chosen because it provided a natural habitat for the monkeys and was isolated from human populations.
What is the primary diet of the monkeys living on Morgan Island?
The primary diet of the monkeys on Morgan Island consists of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. They are also known to eat insects and small animals.
Who is responsible for the management of the monkey population on Morgan Island?
The monkey population on Morgan Island is managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. They monitor the population, provide food and medical care, and conduct research on the monkeys.
Are there any safety concerns associated with the monkey population on Morgan Island?
While there have been no reported cases of transmission of the herpes B virus to humans on the island, it is still important to avoid contact with the monkeys and to follow all safety guidelines provided by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
