My boyfriend, parents, and I came to Tybee Island for our college graduation celebration. We decided to do a fishing trip as part of our present from my parents. We searched through one of the Tybee Island visitor books to choose our charter company. We first called another company, but when they finally returned our call, they were too booked already. The nice gentleman did highly recommend Tybee Island Charters to us. We called Tybee Island Charters, who immediately answered the phone. We spoke with Captain Elizabeth who was very friendly, professional, and informative. She explained the tour options for what we were looking for, the prices and what was included (and not included), what kind of boat we would be on, thorough directions to the boat dock, and extra tips (such as bringing food or drinks, that the number of anglers was optional, etc.). They were very genuine and up front with any and all information about the services they offered. We chose to do a 4 hour inshore fishing trip (2 anglers) with Tybee Island Charters for $300, which I thought was very reasonable, though I am no fishing expert and have never paid for a fishing tour before. Their prices were comparable to the other inshore fishing tours on the island. Captain Elizabeth was very knowledgeable about the waters, wildlife, and fishing. She was able to name and give facts/stories/history about every single bird, fish, crab, oyster, dolphin, etc. we saw while on the trip. It was like we received their eco-tour as an added bonus. The wildlife and scenery did not disappoint us either! She also knew a lot about the Tybee Island area, people, and history, even leading us to our favorite restaurant from the trip, Sundae Cafe. Learning about the Island from a local was extremely helpful to us first time tourists! During the trip, Captain Elizabeth was very welcoming and made sure we were comfortable and had what we needed. Everything was prepared before we arrived, so we literally pulled up to the dock, loaded our cooler, and headed out to sea! She gave us professional tips on where/how to cast and what types of equipment and bait we were using (even giving us options on what to use). She baited our hooks and unhooked/measured the fish for us, as is customary on a guided fishing tour, but it was nice to only have to do the relaxing and exciting part of fishing! She took us to three or four fishing locations that she said she has been successful at before, and the fish did not disappoint! We had a bite on almost every cast, including the first of the day. Though many were not big enough to keep, we enjoyed reelin' em in all day. We ended up coming home with 7 whiting, which Elizabeth cleaned for us back at the dock. When keeping the fish, she measured them properly and only kept those that were the legal length. Again, she was very professional and seemed knowledgeable about Georgia fishing laws and followed them... even mentioning that the local marine science center had asked her to collect smaller fish for them, but she told them she wouldn't do so until she had the proper permit from the Georgia DNR (Dept. of Natural Resources). My parents noted that while they waited for us to return to shore, Captain Cecil had entertained them at the boat dock (which was at their own personal home). He even closed the gate so that our dogs could run freely in their backyard with his dog. They chatted and told stories (about their 40 year history in fishing Tybee waters) for quite a while. They said it was like just hanging out at an old friend's house. This is a long review, but I can't think of enough good things to say about Tybee Island Charters! It was the highlight of our trip and I would call them to book another tour the instant I come back to Tybee Island. If you're looking for a genuine, local, Mom & Pop, honest operation, that gives you more than your money's worth and a fabulous, laid back experience, then give Cecil & Elizabeth at Tybee Island Charters a call. read more

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I'm only giving them one star because we caught fish. Other than that, I'd give them negative stars. I chartered one of their boats for a 10 hour deep sea fishing trip, 40 miles offshore. We did catch fish, that's the only thing I can say that's positive about Tybee Island Charters. I caught an under sized fish. The Captain (Captain Elizabeth) took the fish off my hook and put the small fish on another rod and used it as bait, instead of throwing it back. She bragged about how she usually keeps undersized fish as well as fish that you aren't allowed to keep, such as Red Snapper. (Red Snapper are illegal to keep in ALL waters off of Georgia) She was even proud of the fact she had kept a small flounder once and was caught by Georgia Fish and Game Officers, but only received a ticket for breaking the law. While we were fishing I had to keep asking the captain and her mate how many fish we had caught, as I didn't want to go over the limit. They disregarded my question and said to keep fishing. I finally demanded someone count the fish, so we wouldn't go over the limit. They counted and said we had 17, and we could keep 3 more. After 3 more were caught we stopped keeping the fish. As the Captain was pulling the anchor up, she noticed something wrong with the engine. There was a leak in the engine, that was causing the engine to over heat. Once again I want to say we were 40 MILES offshore. The Captain later told me she knew there was a leak BEFORE we left, but she didn't think it would be an issue. 40 miles offshore with a leaky engine. I'm not a mechanic but even I know that's a recipe for disaster. We were stuck 40 miles offshore, waiting for a boat to tow us back in. While we were waiting for the tow boat, the Captain decided to fillet all of the fish we caught. Yet another violation she committed on this charter. As they were filleting the fish they realized 23 fish had been kept. Another violation... The 10 hour fishing charter turned into a 19 hour trip from hell. I would not recommend Tybee Island Charters to ANYONE!!!!! I requested a partial refund for the troubles she put me and my cousin through. At first Captain Elizabeth said she would mail me a refund. A few weeks after the trip I contacted her and she said she changed her mind and was not going to refund any money. read more

Tybee Island Charters - Captain filleting a fish while 40 miles offshore!!!!! - Fishing Near Me

Absolutely fabulous 2 hour nature tour on the water around Tybee Island and Little Tybee Island. Nice size boat for up to 6 people. (They also have a large boat for bigger groups.) Great price, great adventure, great guide. Elizabeth is knowledgable and gave us a wonderful eco tour including dolphin-watching. The weather was perfect, the sunset was beautiful, the ride was fun and relaxing. She even took us into the bigger waves to watch the kite surfers up close... Too cool! We loved this and will be back! Was easy to schedule and located right in Tybee. Perfect! read more

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Fantastic eco-tour of the salt marshes and little Tybee. Two solid hours with a knowledgeable captain who is passionate about the history and ecosystems of coastal Georgia. We were lucky to book the charter for high tide after the full moon, and were rewarded with a trip worth repeating. Definitely worth going back! read more

My husband, 3 boys and I spent an amazing 3 hours with Captain Cecil on his nature tour. We toured the creeks and marshes of Little Tybee and stopped and played in the water and found shells along the pristine and deserted Little Tybee beach. Saw lots of dolphins! Cecil was a wealth of knowledge about the wildlife and ecosystem around Tybee. Boat was clean, price was reasonable, and Cecil was friendly and accommodating. We highly recommend this tour for families who want to see Little Tybee up close! Thanks Cecil! read more

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I wish I didn't have to give a star for them but I had to so I could write a review. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR TIME. They sure are good at that. Last year I set everything up to go fishing. We drove over 6 hrs. to get there and once we got a hotel room, I received a call that they had boat issue. That is understandable. This year, we were supposed to fish on a Saturday. Friday night I received a call asking if we were still going fishing. The captain said there was a chance of rain but everything looked good and was planning to go so we drove, once again, 6 hrs. to get there. We checked into a room and after only getting 4 hrs. of sleep, we got up and was heading to the dock. Once again, the captain called and said that they were not going because of rain. Everyone that was in our group fishes tournaments and we prepare for everything possible. I told them that on radar, it was in the area but was breaking up like typical summer time showers. They kept saying "well, we are not going". I asked them if they could give it 1 more hour just to see. They said ok. We arrived at the dock and waited. After the hour, it never rained on us, and it was scattered showers on radar, I called and they said it would rain so it has been canceled. I told them that we had gear and was prepared but the captain asked if we had fished in rain before and I said yes. They said "well, anyone who fishes in this is a Idiot." Now my blood is really boiling. I told them when I fish for money, you do what you have to and for them to call me a idiot was beyond me. They tried to backtrack their words but I could care less and after a back and forth conversation about what it had cost me so far and them trying to say "just go have a good day", I hung up. I used someone different last year and thought maybe he could take us, I called Captain Al in Hilton Head (about 50 miles away) and sure enough he was willing. Not only did we go and catch a bunch of fish but the only time we got wet was from the boat spray going out. Where was that rain they spoke of? Anyone with a smart phone and the weather app could see it was breaking up so if you want your time and money wasted go with tybee. If you want to catch fish and go with someone who is not a pansy because of a little rain, call Captain Al in Hilton Head. read more