This past Memorial Day, a new business opened up on Tybee, making waves literally and figuratively with their impressive fleet of watercraft. Tybee Island Water Sports offers single and tandem jet ski and pontoon boat rentals along with a 16-passenger tiki boat available for sightseeing and dolphin tours, as well as private charters, for an enjoyable time on the water. Tybee Island Water Sports is a joint venture between a few veterans of the local aquatic recreation industry, namely Captain Keith Walston of Hilton Head’s Vagabond Cruise, Michael and Taylor Withrow of Hilton Head’s Island Head, and Danny Pegg of Savannah Harbor Cruises.
“All of us have been in the water sports and tourism industry for well over 15 years each, and we’ve had businesses between Hilton Head Island and River Street in Savannah,” said Pegg, Tybee Island Water Sports’ marketing director. “Then we had this opportunity to open the water sports business here in Tybee Island, so it fits in with everything that we’ve done in all of our years here in the Lowcountry.”
This experienced team opened the business just in time for summer vacations, so locals and tourists alike can take advantage of all they have to offer, from the jet skis and pontoon boats to the Tybee Island Tiki Adventure, a 90-minute cruise during which passengers can spot dolphins and enjoy scenic views while learning fascinating fun facts about the region from the knowledgeable captain.
“The tiki tour is … fun and family-oriented. That’s how all of our businesses are,” said Pegg. “It’s going to be a family-friendly cruise. … You’ve got your captain, who’s going to be your guide out on the tours. And … we’re going to have set paths [to see] the dolphins. We’ll have music aboard the boat, just a fun vibe out on the water experiencing Lazaretto Creek and heading out by the fort.”
In addition to the tiki tour, the watersports outfitter will also offer private, customizable charters for clients who want to book a more unique and tailored experience.
“I anticipate a lot of the families that are booking the big houses here on Tybee coming out and joining us for private excursions, a lot of bachelorette and bachelor parties coming in from Savannah. I know we get a lot of that here on Tybee. It’s great because we’ve got an awesome relationship with the restaurants here for any food and beverage add-ons that people want to have. It’s a great pairing, having that boat and food option,” he said.
Pegg and company encourage the public to take part in an aquatic adventure with Tybee Island Water Sports this summer as it's a fun experience that everyone can enjoy.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen an unhappy person ride a jet ski,” he said.
While fun remains a top priority, safety is especially important.
“Safety is one of our biggest concerns,” said Pegg. “Getting out on the water, we’re making sure that all of our guests are going out and getting properly trained on our watercraft and rentals, and that they are going out and understanding how the jet skis operate and how the pontoon boat operates, so they can … have a safe and fun time on the water.”
While summer is certainly the peak season for aquatic activities, the Tybee Island Water Sports team is excited to provide wet and wild adventures throughout the year.
Co-owner Michael Withrow added, “We’re just super excited about the opportunity to bring this to Tybee. I think that there’s a little bit of a gap in the market. Tybee has so many great offerings [for] a lot of people, and having another offering on the water will enhance the overall vacation experience that Tybee is already doing a great job offering.”
