You might think you need a boat tour or a long trek into the marsh to see manatees and dolphins in Georgia.
But there is a quiet stretch of shoreline where these gentle giants and playful swimmers show up on their own schedule.
No crowds, no ticket booth, and no loud beach scene getting in the way.
On the right day, you can watch a manatee glide just offshore or spot dolphins rolling through the water.
If the idea of spotting manatees and dolphins from the sand sounds like your kind of adventure, keep reading.
This hidden Georgia beach might be the most surprising wildlife watching spot on the coast.
Where Is It?
Butterbean Beach is located just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah along the Skidaway Narrows.
You’ll find it off Diamond Causeway, just before you get to Skidaway Island.
If you’re coming from Atlanta, plan on roughly a 4 hour drive.
Charleston is about 2 hours and 20 minutes away by car, and Jacksonville clocks in at around 2 hours.
About
Butterbean Beach is a quiet stretch of shoreline along the Skidaway Narrows, and it feels like one of those places locals hope stays a secret.
This is not a classic wide open Atlantic beach with crashing waves and long boardwalks.
Instead, you get a calm tidal shoreline along the Intracoastal Waterway where the water moves slowly.
Butterbean Beach is best known for dolphin sightings and occasional manatee visits, especially during the warmer months from late spring through early fall.
Manatees often cruise close to shore here, sometimes popping their noses up for air just a few feet from the beach.
Bottlenose dolphins regularly swim through the channel, and you can spot them rolling, splashing, and sometimes hunting fish near the shoreline.
The beach itself is small and natural, with packed sand and marsh grass along the edges.
At low tide, the shoreline stretches out and reveals tidal pools that are fun to explore if you like spotting crabs and small fish.
At high tide, the water comes right up to the edge, which makes it an awesome spot for watching boats glide by on the Skidaway Narrows.
You won’t find lifeguards or snack stands here, so this spot is all about simple coastal beauty and soaking in the scenery.
Fishing is one of the most popular things to do at Butterbean Beach.
Anglers often catch redfish, flounder, and spotted seatrout right from the shoreline depending on the season.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular since the calmer water makes it easier to explore without fighting strong waves.
If you are more into relaxing, this is a great place to spread out a towel, watch the tide roll in and out, and keep your eyes on the water for wildlife.
Butterbean Beach feels peaceful and uncrowded most days, especially compared to Georgia’s busier coastal beaches.
You should expect a laid back, nature focused experience where the highlight is what swims by rather than what is built around you.
If spotting dolphins and the occasional manatee in the wild is high on your Georgia bucket list, this little beach offers a good chance to see them.
Know Before You Go
If seeing manatees is your top goal, plan your visit between late April and October when water temperatures are warmer.
Manatees are most active here from spring through fall, moving through the Intracoastal Waterway.
Dolphins can be spotted year round, but early morning and late afternoon are your best bets when they are feeding and swimming close to shore.
Tide matters here, so check a local tide chart before you go.
Low tide is best for walking the shoreline and exploring tidal pools, while high tide makes wildlife spotting easier since animals swim closer to the beach.
There are no restrooms, water fountains, or food vendors directly on Butterbean Beach, so bring everything you need with you.
However, restrooms and picnic facilities are available nearby at the Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp.
Parking is available nearby, but spaces are limited and fill up fast on weekends.
Bug spray is a must, especially in warmer months when mosquitoes love the marshy surroundings.
Swimming is not recommended due to boat traffic and changing currents in the Intracoastal Waterway.
If you kayak or paddleboard, stay close to shore and keep an eye out for boats passing through the channel.
Always give manatees and dolphins plenty of space and never try to touch or feed them.
If you want to turn your visit into a full day, Skidaway Island State Park is less than 10 minutes away.
The park has over 6 miles of hiking and biking trails, including the Sandpiper Trail at 1 mile and the Big Ferry Trail at nearly 3 miles.
Downtown Savannah is about 20 minutes away, making it easy to pair a beach visit with lunch, shopping, or sightseeing in the historic district.
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