What are Sea Islands?
The Beaches and Sea Islands of Charleston
Surrounding Historic Charleston (btw, everything here is considered historic) are a group of ‘sea islands’ laced with waterways. As every local proudly knows, the peninsula city is framed by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, which confluence in Charleston Harbor to form the Atlantic Ocean (did I mention the locals are proud). West of the harbor the Intracoastal Waterway feeds into tributaries. Exotically named after the coastal native Americans that once flourished here, the Stono, Kiawah, and Edisto Rivers all border James Island, Johns Island, Wadmalaw and Folly Beach. These larger waterways turn to a maze of saltwater creeks (Abbapoola and Bohicket are two, either named by or for Native Americans) and together provide a multitude of water activities. Public access is available through boat landings, parks and, of course, the beach. Also, access is gained via private docks that go with the land. While sail and power craft ply the open waters, kayaks and paddle boards explore the tidal creeks, where an abundance of wildlife, from fiddler crabs to dolphins, is on constant display. From the recreational to the gathering of seafood (fish, shrimp, oysters) to the faster paced, riskier stuff (surfing, wakeboarding, kiteboarding), something of the life aquatic is here for all.
Plenty of land based activity is available as well (shopping, dining, golf, etc), but it’s proximity to water that makes it special. All of the waterways are surrounded by marsh land. To newcomers this resembles a wheat field growing in mud. It’s actually biodiverse ecosystem, second only to coral reefs as a wellspring of life, spawning countless sea creatures. It also provides scenic vistas and a distinct smell that locals consider aromatic and an easily acquired taste. The ‘marsh grass’ is scientifically known as Spartina Alternaflora and refered to as cordgrass, oystergrass and my favorite, salt cane. I wax poetically about it as I think it defines our area as much as anything. As kids, we used to trudge through the stuff. trying to reach little marsh islands and ruining clothes in the process. Homes on the marsh sometimes have the longest views, perfect for watching thunderstorms grow in the summer.