North Island Surf & Kayak runs Waterman's Camp, a half-day watersports camp on Tybee Island where kids learn surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking fundamentals and pick up an understanding of the island's coastal ecology. Sessions run 9am to noon and are sold by the day ($50) or by the week ($200), with all sports and safety equipment plus snacks included. Campers must be able to swim, and instructors are CPR and first-aid certified. The outfitter is based at 1 C Old Tybee Rd and also runs year-round surf, kayak and paddleboard rentals and lessons.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact North Island Surf & Kayak directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★KD DressendorferHad a good experience solo kayaking & would go again. Call in advance, it’s a small one man operation and in a remote area. Very hands off, they help you launch and you come back to the same dock when you feel like it & haul out. Good situation for more independent travelers, & you don’t have to really watch the clock. Saw 3 bottlenose dolphins, lots of pelicans, cormorants, and was surprised to learn there are saltwater turtles (diamondback terrapin) that pop their heads out along the beaches. Basically tiny sea turtles! Had a great lunch next door at Bubba Gumbos also :) The tide current through the marsh and in the bay is very strong, so if you are used to wind being the enemy while ocean kayaking don’t be fooled by the smooth water. Also the water is very shallow, and the oyster beds are very close to the surface, so give the reefs a wide berth.
★★Mo GaitanWe unfortunately weren’t able to go out on the water. Online we saw open hours and walk ins welcome. We Uber’d here and got dropped off. As you’ll notice this location is nicely situated in the Marsh, but far from the main island area. No one was here and when we called he informed us he wouldn’t be back for 2 hours. This was a Sunday at noon. There was not a back up option to provide rentals during his absence. We ended up having to hail another cab and didn’t end up kayaking. Disappointed with the incomplete/ misleading marketing for out of towners.
★★★★★Lilliana CerratoWe had a wonderful experience! We did a guided kayak tour that lasted 2 hours and we kayaked from the marina to a small lighthouse, walked the beach, then floated back. It was a relaxing and enjoyable experience and we learned so much about the various landmarks, wildlife, and rich history of the area. Our tour guide, Shane, was extremely knowledgeable, and super friendly, and he had an adorable little dog that joined us. It truly was a fun way to spend our day on the island! Highly recommend!
★★★★★Matt BendaGreat day! We rented 4 single kayaks and went up river for a spell, then rode the tide back to the beach! Shane was great and took care of everyone. Finished with fresh seafood at Bubba Gumbos!!
★★★★★Stephanie GreenThis is the best place on the island to rent a paddleboard, surfboard, or kayak. Their prices are way better than any of the competition. It is a family owned and run company. They will give you all of the information you need to have a great time on the water. You can rent by the half day or full day, so there's no hurry to get back in the hour time line that other places have. Very helpful staff. The kayaks are commercial kayaks, sit on top, very heavy duty, and very hard to flip. They provide dry boxes or bags free of charge as long as they have any available. We will definitely come back here the next time we come to Tybee!!