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We’ve been nominated for the Lowcountry’s Best 2025 in FOUR categories: Best Attraction, Family Attraction, Land Tour, and Nonprofit!
1. Stay & Play > Attraction/Family Attraction/Land Tour > The Port Royal Cypress Wetlands & Rookery
2. Services > Nonprofit Organization > Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands
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The Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands
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We welcome you to discover the sights, sounds and wonderment of the Port Royal Cypress Wetlands and Rookery in Port Royal, South Carolina. When you drive south on Paris Avenue, look to the left and you will see the entrance to the Port Royal Cypress Wetlands. Its sweeping views of the wetlands and a dedicated wooden amphitheater and boardwalk invite you to begin your exploration.
If you have not yet visited, plan on beginning with an hour to slowly stroll the 0.56 miles of trails around the Rookery and read the informational signage regarding the many varieties of wildlife found at the wetlands. Stop and listen to the sounds of the many species of birds as they soar about the skies. Be prepared to hear the laughter of children when they see an alligator for the first time. Become part of the magic and bring your camera to treasure the sights.
The wetlands are open free to the public all day. Peak times for alligator viewing will be midday. Our birds tend to fly in and out within an hour of sunrise and sunset.
Events Calendar
Wetlands Amphitheater
Port Royal, SCSpecial Saturday Master Naturalist Tour
Come experience the informative nature tour of the Cypress Wetlands conducted by Master Naturalist Jill Moore, of Moore 2 Life. While the tours are free to the public, we rely on the generosity… ...
Wetlands Amphitheater
Port Royal, SCFourth Friday Master Naturalist Tour
Come experience the informative nature tour of the Cypress Wetlands conducted by Master Naturalist Jill Moore, of Moore 2 Life. While the tours are free to the public, we rely on the generosity… ...
Wetlands Amphitheater
Port Royal, SCSecond Saturday Master Naturalist Tour
Come experience the informative nature tour of the Cypress Wetlands conducted by Master Naturalist Jill Moore, of Moore 2 Life. While the tours are free to the public, we rely on the generosity… ...
Wetlands Amphitheater
Port Royal, SCFourth Friday Master Naturalist Tour
Come experience the informative nature tour of the Cypress Wetlands conducted by Master Naturalist Jill Moore, of Moore 2 Life. While the tours are free to the public, we rely on the generosity… ...
Theodore, Super Turtle
A children’s book inspired by the Cypress Wetlands
Meet the Author: Elliot Mead
Cassie and Elliott are a talented mom-and-son writing team, who have captured readers with their imaginative and creative stories. Elliott is a remarkable young author, having achieved the impressive feat of publishing his first book at the tender age of five. With a natural gift for storytelling and boundless imagination, he has been an inspiration to all who have met him.
Cassie is the proud mom of Elliott and an accomplished watercolor artist. She has honed her artistic skills over the years, bringing her unique perspective to bring Elliott’s stories to life. Together, the mother and son duo have created a unique and special bond through their love of writing, as they collaborate to bring their fantastical worlds to life.
We ask for your support by following the rules when you visit the Port Royal Cypress Wetlands
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The Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to support the Cypress Wetlands and Rookery, to increase community awareness through education, and to advocate for the maintenance of this stormwater retention system as a working organic laboratory. Our endeavors are supported by grants and other funding opportunities, which utilize information gathered through the use of people counters to count the number of visitors to the wetlands.