Harbor Island
A visitor’s guide to a fun-filled, relaxing vacation
A Letter to You
W
elcome to Harbor Island! We are glad you are here and chose our beautiful island for your vacation. Harbor Island is a gorgeous, natural sea island of approximately 1,400 acres of sandy beaches, beautiful homes, awesome amenities and marshes full of birds and other spectacular wildlife. There is literally something here for you to enjoy every day of the year. January through March, our island is a quiet and reflective place to spend your days. April ushers in the competitive fishing season—and our Red Drum and Spotted Trout are feisty opponents! May brings the warm weather and beautiful beach days continuing through the summer months. September delivers more incredible fishing and crabbing. October is a bird watcher’s paradise, with hundreds of different species stopping in Harbor Island along their migratory stretch. Rounding out the year, November and December are perfect months for family gatherings on Harbor Island. Whether you are here for a wedding, a summer vacation, spring break, or your new Marine is graduating from Parris Island, we have put this guide together for you on your visit! There is a wealth of information in these pages, so I urge you to take a few moments to look through and read our rules; find out where everything is located; and discover the overall amenities Harbor Island has to offer. Please feel free to ask any of our island staff if you need help with anything or if you have any questions. We are happy to do what we can to make this your best vacation EVER!
—Don Woelke,
Harbor Island Manager
CONTACT: For more information, contact the
Harbor Island Owners Association
843.838.5257 security gate: 843.838.4890 office:
1 North Harbor Drive Saint Helena Island, SC 29920
This booklet is provided by the
Harbor Island Owners Association Board of Directors
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Table of Contents Harbor Island Amenities..............................................................4 Chapter 1 — Important Information Rules and Safety.............................................................................6 Rip Tides........................................................................................8 Chapter 2 — Wildlife Guide Turtles......................................................................................... 10 Alligators and Birds..................................................................... 11 Snakes......................................................................................... 12 Chapter 3 — Activities Turtles Nest Gift Shop & Rentals................................................ 14 Fun Things to Do........................................................................ 15 Your Map to Navigate Harbor Island.................................... 16
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AMENITIES: • Beach and Racquet Club: Large Swimming Pool with 8’ Depth Kids’ Pool Kids’ Play Area Restrooms with Showers Outside Showers Ample Pool/Lounge Chairs Sand Volleyball Court 2 Workout Rooms Basketball Court 2 Tennis Courts Pickleball Court Turtles Nest Gift Shop Bicycle Rentals Ice Machine • 7 Public Beach Boardwalks • Golf Chipping/Practice Area • Multiple Lagoons with Wildlife Viewing Areas • Crabbing/Fishing Dock • Community Room: Yoga Classes “Turtle Talk” during season with our Turtle Experts “Reptile Talk” during season with our Reptile Experts “Alligator Talk” during season with our Alligator Experts Additional Community Information
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Our amenities are here for your vacationing convienience and pleasure ! Make sure you take full advantage and feel free to ask us any ques tions you may have.
CHAPTER 1
Important Information
Rules and Safety:
Keeping your vacation safe and fun
RULES OF HARBOR ISLAND: Island-wide speed limit is 25 mph NO riding bicycles on boardwalks NO riding bicycles between dusk and dawn NO motorized scooters Pets MUST be on leashes at all times Please pick up after your pet; bags and receptacles are located throughout Harbor Island DO NOT harass or feed the wildlife NO golf carts allowed on the beach without Island Manager permission Place trash in receptacles at your property Dumpster at Cedar Reef Condominiums is RESERVED for condominium owners and guests Throwing smoking material out of your window is PROHIBITED Entry passes MUST remain on your vehicle’s dashboard while on Harbor Island DO NOT park on or access private property unless it is the unit that you are renting Lights are NOT PERMITTED on beachfront May through October Parking on the roadway is NOT PERMITTED Use of firearms is PROHIBITED Fireworks are PROHIBITED Unauthorized fires are PROHIBITED Vandalism or destruction of property is a crime and therefore PROHIBITED Obey all signs at the pool: NO children with diapers or swim diapers allowed in main pool DO NOT hold on to the rope NO saving chairs NO glass allowed in pool area NO diving in the pool NO children under the age of 15 without adult supervision This pool is strictly a NO SMOKING AREA.
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GOLF CART RULES: Vehicles operated from dusk to dawn MUST have operable head and tail lights Drivers MUST possess a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit (operating according to permit restrictions) Children MAY NOT sit on the lap of an adult driver and/or steer the golf cart DO NOT hang off the side of the cart or ride on top of the cart Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is AGAINST HARBOR ISLAND AND SC STATE LAW Golf carts are PROHIBITED from being brought onto Harbor Island unless they are brought on by the owner of a property on Harbor Island and inspected by Island Staff Golf carts may be driven on the streets of Harbor Island but ARE NOT ALLOWED outside the gates per SC law
POOL AND FITNESS: Neighborhood pools are RESERVED for use by those residing or renting in the Cedar Reef Condominiums and Nautical Watch areas. NO ONE under the age of 16 allowed in fitness rooms Clean fitness equipment after each use BE CONSIDERATE—no more than 30 minutes on each piece DO NOT bang weights together Clean shoes before entering NO wet clothing Proper attire REQUIRED at all times
Access to fitness rooms is available through a push-button combination door lock. Please contact your landlord or property manager for the correct code.
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RIP CURRENT SAFETY: DON’T BE A VICTIM: SWIM SMART What is a rip current?—A rip current is a narrow, powerful current of water running
perpendicular to the beach, and into open water. Rip currents occur in shallow spots on sandbars or near structures, such as piers or jetties. To escape a rip current, swim parallel to the shore! DO NOT panic! DO NOT fight against the current! Swim sideways, parallel to the beach! DO NOT try to be a hero! If you see someone in trouble, call 911 or Harbor Island security at 843-838-4890. Throw the rip current victim something that floats and instruct them to swim parallel the shore to escape.
Rip current myth: Rip currents DO NOT pull people under the water—they pull people AWAY FROM SHORE. Drowning deaths occur when people are pulled offshore and are unable to keep themselves afloat and swim to shore. This is due to any combination of fear, panic, exhaustion, or a lack of swimming skills.
Special Note: There is as much as 9’ difference in low and high tides on Harbor Island. You may be able to walk out to sandbars at low tide, but you can be cut off from the beach very quickly as the high tide comes in. So, please use caution and be vigilant when exploring.
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CHAPTER 2
Wildlife Guide
Turtles, Birds, Alligators, and Snakes and how to avoid conflict
TURTLES
H
arbor Island is fortunate to be one of the areas Loggerhead and Leatherback sea turtles lay their eggs each year from May to October. If you encounter one of these beautiful creatures, do not approach them. Instead, remain quiet, still and at a distance. Your disturbance may prevent her from laying her eggs. If you are vacationing at a property on the beach, close your blinds and curtains and turn off your outside lights during nesting season. If you walk the beach at night from May to October, use natural lighting from the moon and normal vision, not a flashlight. Properly dispose of your trash and remove all items from the beach before going in for the evening.
WARNING: Sea Turtles are an endangered species and tampering with them or harming them is a Federal Offense. If you are fortunate enough to experience a nest hatching, do not touch the baby turtles! Report this immediately to the Harbor Island Security and they will notify the Turtle Experts so they can oversee the turtles’ venture to the sea!
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BIRDS:
H
arbor Island is a Birder’s Paradise! If you love seeing or photographing our feathered friends, you will see dozens of different types of migratory birds here.
WARNING: Harbor Island is a designated Migratory Bird Sanctuary, so bothering any of the birds or nests is a Federal Offense.
ALLIGATORS:
H
arbor Island is home to quite a few alligators. Most of these alligators are under 2 feet long, but there are a few resident ‘gators exceeding 6 feet in length. Usually, you will only see them in the marsh areas and in the lagoons off of North Harbor Drive, but you may encounter them in other spots. If you do encounter them, it is important to remember: DO NOT feed the alligators. It is not strictly prohibited on Harbor Island, it is against the law per SC Code 50-11-750 KEEP YOUR DISTANCE from them. They are faster than you think! DO NOT touch or harass them! DO NOT allow children or pets to wander or walk around the ponds, lake, rookeries, or marsh unattended.
American Alligator
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SNAKES:
T
he Lowcountry of SC is home to several venomous snakes of which you need to be aware. In each case, keep your distance and do not harass or poke at them. A snakebite will ruin your vacation and can be lethal.
Copperhead Marked with copper colored bands on its body, and pits behind each of its eyes.
Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin This is a black snake with a white mouth. Be cautious: they can swim.
Rattlesnake There are two types of rattlesnakes in our area: Eastern Diamondback and Pygmie Rattlesnakes.
Eastern Diamondback Rattler
WARNING: Pygmie Rattler
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Watch your step and your reach. You may encounter these snakes on the road or on the beach path or near the water. Remain calm if you see one of these snakes and move away from it before contacting security.
CHAPTER 3
Vacation Activities
Turtles Nest Gift Shop, Rentals, and Fun! Hot tips to get the most our of your vacation
TURTLES NEST GIFT SHOP:
C
ome out and visit the us at the Turtles Nest Gift Shop on the upper floor of the Beach and Racquet Club. We have a nice array of clothing, towels, Tervis cups, sterling silver jewelry and other Official Harbor Island Gear! You can also get an ice cream, sunscreen, or some of the basic toiletries you may have forgotten to bring with you. May through August there is also a snack bar serving pizza, hot dogs, chips and drinks operating. The Beach and Racquet Club lower office is where you get loaner equipment for the tennis, pickleball or basketball courts and also where you can purchase ice.
BICYCLE RENTALS: The Beach and Racquet Club lower office offers bicycle rentals year round in several different sizes: 26” yellow adult unisex bicycles; 20” Red or Blue Junior Bikes; 16” Blue Unisex Bikes. Helmets are also available in XS, S/M, and L/XL
Bicycle Rental Rates: Weekly......................................................................................................................$40 Daily.........................................................................................................................$16
Trail-A-Bike/Kiddie Cart Rentals: Weekly:....................................................................................................................$40 Daily:.......................................................................................................................$16
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FUN THINGS TO DO: Fishing/Crabbing: Grab a fishing rod and cast a line into the surf or one of the tidal creeks and catch a big Redfish or Flounder. Tie a chicken neck on a string and pull in some blue crab to make She Crab Soup!
Hunting Island State park:
Just one island away is the most visited state park in SC. Walk the beach, check out the nature trails and climb the 167 stairs to the top of the lighthouse and take in the view!
Check out the Marshes: Rent a kayak and paddle in the tidal creeks on the island to see beautiful wildlife.
Paddle with the Dolphins:
Take your Kayak about 100 feet off the beach on the north end of the island and get up close and personal with the dolphins as they dine on fresh fish.
Carriage Tour: Take a tour of downtown Beaufort on a horse-drawn carriage and learn about the history, movies, and famous people from our beautiful area.
Eat local: Many of our restaurants use local,
fresh seafood and vegetables. Explore some of these culinary delights of the Lowcountry!
Visit Parris Island: The Marine Depot at
ENJOY YOUR STAY IN
Harbor Island WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE BEACH!
Parris Island graduates hundreds of Marines most Fridays. This is open to the public and is quite a spectacle to experience. If there is no graduation on the day you visit, check out the museum on base; it’s free and full of interesting facts and data about the Marines and the Lowcountry’s history as well.
Festivals:
There is a festival in our area almost every weekend celebrating music, culture and food. Don’t miss out!
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Thank you for visiting Harbor Island! We hope your stay with us is the best vacation EVER!