Raccoon Key
In the early-1940’s, Raccoon Key’s owners built an aquaculture farm for the purpose of raising commercial seafood and freshwater fish. There were six fresh water lakes and a lake that was rotated between freshwater and saltwater that was built as part of the farm. For years, the owners, under the name Marineland Farms, commercially harvested numerous species of seafood and freshwater fish, lobster, crab and shrimp. Due to an increase in freshwater intrusion from the aquifer the ponds could not continue to support commercial quantities of marine life and the owners abandoned their business but kept the island. New owners purchased the Island in 2006 and are excited to open up their paradise to those interested in taking 3 hour day trips to view the magnificent wildlife and pristine beaches that surround Raccoon Key.
Once you depart from the Jekyll Island Wharf Marina, you will be able to enjoy a leisurely 20 minute ride on their roomy 40 passenger boat. You are immediately struck by the beauty of the surrounding marshes and abundance of life, including large amounts of Dolphin and bird life! Unlike most trips to your destination, this one is worth treasuring with its unique views of Jekyll Island and surrounding marshes and tidal rivers.
With over 200 species recorded, bird watching on Raccoon Key is among the finest in the world. Raccoon Key is a stopping point on the Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds, including: the American oystercatcher, Wilson’s plover and the least tern. The freshwater lake are filled with white ibis, roseate spoonbills, wood storks, black skimmers and various species of herons, egrets and ducks. The tree lines around the lakes are filled with upland species, including buntings, dove, woodpeckers, redwinged blackbirds, warblers, and wrens. Raccoon Key is now an official part of the Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding & Nature Festival with several field trips to which affords the attendees a stunning array of bird activity.
So if your passion is sea shell collecting, bird watching, relaxing on a pristine priaccommodations, full breakfast buffet in the Grand Dining Room, a romantic Getaway? From November 1, 2009 – February 28, 2010, the Jekyll Island Club Hotel will be offering 25% off this package rate. The package includes Traditional Queen or King Accommodations for two nights, champagne and fresh fruit upon arrival, and a breakfast buffet each morning! This would be a great gift for parents, aunts, uncles, or even just special friends.
Do you have a golf enthusiast you need to buy for? Starting December 1st and running through January 31st the Jekyll Island Club Hotel will offer guests a “Golfer’s Heaven Package.” Guests can bring their clubs for a free round of golf each day. Rates include accommodations and 18 holes of golf on one of Jekyll Island’s four courses. Rates start at $85.00* per night at the hotel. Whether you are a visitor to the island, or a local Golden Islander, there is something for everyone this holiday season at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel! vate beach or strolling through fresh water lakes inhabited with an array of wildlife, Raccoon Key, just 20 minutes away by boat from Jekyll Island is the perfect day time destination for discovery, memories and adventure.
The Wharf also has two restaurants, The Rah Bar and Latitude 31, with great food and casual atmosphere that is uniquely Latitude 31 or enjoy steamed shrimp, oysters and crab legs at the Rah Bar.
more online
You can book your Raccoon Key trip by contacting the Jekyll Wharf Marina at 912-635- 3152. Captain Phillip can also be reached by email at tours@goldenislesfun.com Also please visit their website for pricing and schedules: www.raccoonkey.info
Tags: goldenislesfun.com, jekyll island tour, jekyll wharf marina, raccoon key
That was a great blog post,You gain knowledge of new things every day.