Georgia
Best of St. Simons, Sapelo, Jekyll: An Island-Hopping Adventure
Program No. 1384RJ
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Best of St. Simons, Sapelo, Jekyll: An Island-Hopping Adventure
Best of St. Simons, Sapelo, Jekyll: An Island-Hopping Adventure
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Participant Reviews
Based on 72 Reviews
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Best of St. Simons, Sapelo, Jekyll: An Island Hopping Adventure provides a great, varied introduction to the area! Multi focused, participants get a bit of history, culture, ecology & what makes these islands special. Top notch offering while surrounded by the ambience of the Jekyll Island Club.
— Review left February 27, 2026
Don't miss this one! It offers so much to explore, to learn, and to just plain enjoy.
— Review left October 27, 2025
My experience visiting three of the barrier islands off the Georgia coast was very interesting and eye opening! I can't recommend this program too much.
— Review left October 18, 2025
Where else can you stay in a luxury hotel built in the 1800s, go on a shrimp boat excursion and get up close and personal with fish, sting rays and horseshoe crabs, visit historic buildings and a fort, wander on a beach loaded with giant driftwood and along the way hear the history and ecology of the area ? On this trip. You should go.
— Review left October 8, 2025
I recommend the program highly and would consider doing the program again.
— Review left May 20, 2025
This was a great program. A little bit of everything - history, ecology, marine life and more. I always learn so much on Road Scholar tours and this was no exception.
— Review left May 19, 2025
This was a great program. It was well balanced, very informative, and located in a great setting with excellent guides. It’s a great program for someone interested in learning more about the history, culture, and ecology of the area.
— Review left April 26, 2025
I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in nature, barrier islands, salt marshes, climate change and environmental issues (research and conservation programs).
— Review left April 7, 2025
My first Road Scholar trip, Best of St Simons, Sapelo, Jekyll: An Island Hoping Adventure, was outstanding. I appreciated the opportunity to meet others in the cohort and valued the unique real world learning opportunities. When it was over I felt like a sad kid that had to go home after summer camp.
— Review left April 1, 2025
This is a highly educational program that takes place in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The leaders of this program are well-informed and enthusiastic about their topics.
— Review left March 17, 2025
Exploring the Golden Isles definitely offers a respite from being bombarded by the media hype du jour. I felt as if I were hobnobbing with the ghosts of the rich and famous, as well as those of the hearty souls who first settled the Georgia barrier islands. The instructors were excellent and the field trips are well-organized, and offer a plethora of information about the history, ecology and economy of the islands. I found walking around the grounds of the Club to be very peaceful and soothing. I was, however, disturbed to hear about the ongoing issues faced by the Geechee - Gullah people that are still fighting to keep their property rights.
Our group leader David did an excellent job and handled a couple changes in our itinerary smoothly. The Jekyll Island Club offered a pleasant change from the sometimes aseptic (though nice) newer hotels. Our lunch at Lulu's Kitchen in Hog Hammock was a special treat.
— Review left February 22, 2025
The island hopping adventure with Jeykll Island where we lodged in vava voom vintage luxury was made even better with the best food I ever had in my life...for every meal. Driftwood Beach was jaw drop special. Dining at Lulas on Sapelo Island was time travel special. So many learning adventures fed my heart, soul and mind.
— Review left February 18, 2025
I highly recommend this program. I learned so much about island erosion, sea turtles and the Gullah Geechee people. I am inspired to learn more about the Gullah Geechee. The pace is comfortable and the variety of experiences is perfect. The Jekyll Hotel is a wonderful spot to spend a week; historic, clean, and friendly.
— Review left February 15, 2025
Great trip! I'd give it 5 stars. small group so got to know everyone. managed to get the only week w decent weather - hurricane came in next week! Only slightly downside was didn't get to spend as much time @ some sights as I would have liked - but then some participants were ready for the bus while I still wanted to explore more
— Review left September 29, 2024
Awesome trip, Everyone should go.
The scenery and locations and itinerary was magnificent.
But, like every Road Scholar trip I've ever been on, it was the friendly people who knocked this one out of the park.
Our Amazing Group Leader was such an awesome joy to talk to, and the assistant GL was also very kind and understanding and always there to help.
These people were just plain wonderful.
And every fellow traveler was just great.
The fun part is interacting with one another and getting to know all those beautiful and unique personalities.
Lots of fun and lots of new friends. And lots of great places to hopefully one day return.
Don't forget the daily tour guides. What beautiful people they all were too, each one different, each one smart as a whip, and each one working too hard for us. Thanks awesome tour guides.
And I owe one more giant bit of thanks to our Totally Amazing Group Leader and the Awesome Assistant Group Leader as well.
What an amazing trip it was, Ya,ll!
Thank you.
— Review left September 24, 2024
This was my first program and I am hooked!! Between the interesting and informative events and the caring and courteous program instructors and hotel staff, we always felt that our needs and wants were their primary concern. Thank you, Road Scholar, for making travel and learning fun and fulfilling again!
— Review left September 21, 2024
The Jekyll Island-Island Hopping Road Scholar trip was both informative and entertaining, and Edith Gross, our Group Leader, is a fantastic person and leader. She has extensive knowledge of this whole area, and she told the best stories!
— Review left September 15, 2024
Highlights of this trip were the in-depth history of this part of the country which was totally new to me except for the reading I did in preparation. I appreciated the reading list. JoAnn did an excellent job keeping us on the move. Highlights for me: the shrimp boat...and the turtle center and the Fort Fredericks archeological site.. Came away with a better appreciation that we are not the only living things on this earth. I would enjoy another trip focusing on similar vein. I did not enjoy the Mosaic briefing or necessarily the Island ride that followed. .
— Review left April 9, 2024
As a first timer traveling solo for my first road scholar program I would whole heartily recommend others to sign up.
Fun..Educational..Great experience.
Sue-Ellen Higgins
— Review left April 8, 2024
The sand fleas were nasty! Bring bug spray and a hat as they love to nibble on your scalp. We should have been warned.
Bites are painful and especially itchy. Made being outside unpleasant.
Seemed to be attracted to black clothing. People’s backs were covered with them. Thank goodness the group leader provided a bottle of bug spray.
— Review left March 22, 2024
Live like a millionaire at the Jekyll Island Club resort for a week and have a great learning experience. The venue really was a millionaires' resort in the past and has been well-restored to current standards. The trip provides an in-depth introduction to the history, culture, and ecology of the Georgia barrier islands. Very interesting contrasts between the different environments of Jekyll, St. Simons, and Sapelo islands.
— Review left February 12, 2024
This is an enriching and wonderful adventure, and not to be missed!
— Review left February 12, 2024
This was a magical trip to a beautiful historic hotel led by a 1st class leader.
— Review left February 3, 2024
If you've never been on a Road Scholar trip, the Best of St. Simons, Sapelo, Jekyll: An Island-Hopping Adventure is a perfect introductory trip. If you've been on dozens of Road Scholar trips, this one should be added to your bucket list. It takes you to three uniquely different islands that share a common heritage along the Georgia coastline. The program is fascinating, fun, and memorable.
— Review left April 30, 2023
This really well planned and executed program met and exceeded my hopes/expectations from information and personal contact before to after the trip with Edith Gross, our super leader who shared the area she knows so well and cared for us like a great friend. She provided practical tips before and during the trip and pictures post-trip! Accommodations and food were wonderful. The variety of experiences for learning culture, history, and current life with such knowledgeable and personable presenters and “hands on” experience of the area led to special experiences. I highly recommend for learning with fun, adequate time for rest and personal exploration.
— Review left April 29, 2023
One of my best Road Scholar trips! I did a lot, saw a lot, and learned a lot. Great way to explore this area. I especially liked learning more about the Gullah culture. Food at this wonderful resort hotel was delicious. And, Edith, our guide was just perfect! Really nice trip.
— Review left March 28, 2023
Nature, the history of the Federal Reserve, the story of Jekyll Island and the millionaire’s club, and the Gullah Geechee - what a week!
— Review left March 27, 2023
The Island Hopping adventure met and exceeded my expectations. Interesting to visit, excellent leadership, all in all worthwhile.
— Review left March 6, 2023
It was great to step back in time and learn about the islands their history and ecology. We had a great time with our group and instructors. I highly recommend this learning experience.
— Review left February 17, 2023
My wife and I had a great trip and experience on this three island hopping program. We strongly encourage others to have this experience too! Howard G. Royal, Jr MD
— Review left February 12, 2023
The Jekyll Island Club is one of the great places of America--a real treasure--and this program enabled us to luxuriate in it and learn so much about it and the neighboring islands that I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
— Review left February 3, 2023
I had heard and read about the Golden Isles of Georgia and always wanted to go to learn more about the history and ecology of the area. The program exceeded my expectations--the variety of activities and knowledge of the expert speakers were well-organized and meaningful. The unique setting was beautiful and relaxing.
— Review left February 3, 2023
This is a very good program in which to learn about life in the Golden Isles and all its varied history. Wonderful knowledgeable docents eager to share their love of these islands. You will have many learning experiences in history, marine life, sea turtles, Southern cooking, the Gullah Geechee culture, the arts and so much more. This city girl handled ALL of the sea life offered to her on the shrimp trawler--what an experience! The location is a bit challenging and expensive to get to, but worth the effort.
— Review left November 7, 2022
I loved this program. It had such a variety of experiences to enhance my learning. Our leader was top notch. The Jekyll Island Hotel resort area is very interesting.
— Review left October 28, 2022
When the group leader's talents and dedication, the efforts of their guides and other helpers (Mark, the driver of our bus/coach, was fantastic), and the magnetism of the destination align, everybody wins. It was such a great trip! Super Leader Edith Gross and her band of naturalists and locals made Jekyll, St. Simons, and Sapelo come alive.
So many high points... Driftwood Beach, huge dark live oak roots and trunks like sculptures... The Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters, intense and emotional.. Sapelo's lush isolation and the hospitality of Miss Lula and her bountiful lunch... The magnificent sea turtles and the people who work to make sure they're around forever... Handling juvenile hammerhead and sand sharks, skates, hermit crabs, gar, and other sea creatures scooped from the channel for our examination and edification by a converted shrimp trawler (and returned to the water, I must hastily add).
And, of course, learning the distressing history of the islands when they were owned by people who, as such individuals still do, believe that money and connections allowed them to do as they pleased with little regard for those who lived and for centuries were enslaved there. We need to hear, and remember.
A wonderful trip.
— Review left October 4, 2022
Great trip. I found a new love in Georgia and the barrier islands.
Many thanks
— Review left May 31, 2022
This program was great fun, informative, and handled all aspects of travelling in a well planned and skillful way, just the way it was advertised.
— Review left May 11, 2022
it was a great first trip with Roadscholar and I will definitive come back. More educated people compared to other company trips
— Review left May 10, 2022
My husband and I recently completed the Best of St. Simons, Sapelo, Jekyll: An Island-Hopping Adventure. This is a trip I have looked at for years and thought about taking. The time was right, and we are so glad we took it. The location was incredible; the programs and instructors were impressive and educational.
— Review left May 1, 2022
Very informative trip. The islands are a gem of coastal treasures. Well managed. Staying at the Jekyll Island Club hotel was a wonderful experience.
— Review left April 24, 2022
Unique experience with friendly folks and well organized curriculum; learn more about the history, culture and ecology of the marsh that is so important to our planet
— Review left April 16, 2022
I highly recommend this program. It is a relaxing yet informative way of learning about the history of our country. The food and accommodations were excellent and everything was close by.
— Review left March 28, 2022
This was just the needed getaway for us. We learned a lot and relaxed in the calming historic environment of the beautiful old Jekyll Island Club Resort. Our guide, Edith Gross, stands out as one of the best tour guides we have ever experienced with any travel organization. She is well-informed, personable, patient and creative. Largely due to her leadership, we enjoyed a wonderful week in southeastern Georgia.
— Review left March 26, 2022
If you enjoy learning about ecosystems, history, and cultures of a new place, this is a trip for you. The pristine natural settings visited are priceless in a world that is increasingly over developed.
— Review left March 13, 2022
Wonderful opportunity to enjoy the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia.
— Review left March 12, 2022
Overall the trip was good and well organized. Unfortunately the activity I was most looking forward to, and the main reason I signed up for this particular program, was canceled the day before it was scheduled. We were informed that due to a mechanical issue, the shrimp trawling cruise had to be cancelled. Needless to say, I and many others were very disappointed.
— Review left January 25, 2022
Dispite the cold and windy weather I had a great time. The acomadations were great the food was wonderful. The Presenters were very good and Edith Was so kind and helpful.
— Review left January 24, 2022
Beautiful location and interesting program. If flying in, it is expensive to get to the hotel from the Savannah and Jacksonville airports.
— Review left January 22, 2022
Our island hopping adventure with St. Simons, Jekyll and Sapelo was a marvelous introduction to these barrier islands off southeast Georgia. Our guide Edith was superb--professional, personable, prepared! We especially enjoyed experiencing the history and culture of the islands, being able to bicycle around Jekyll, climb the lighthouse, listen to the Gullah singers, experience the beach walk to identify beach life, discover the Boneyard Beach with its evocative dead trees like standing driftwood, listen to Yvonne at Sapelo, a true force of nature and one-woman show (bus driver, basket weaver, biologist, narrator, cook, and more). We were especially thrilled by the shrimp trawler experience with the excellent biologist/narrator revealing myriads of underwater life brought on board to discuss, pass around, hold and return to the sea. Sunrises over the marsh as it all comes to life in the morning were unforgettable. Ben/Joyce Wiley
— Review left November 22, 2021
Back on the road after the long wait and thoroughly enjoyed this program. Wonderful accommodations, Edith is an excellent leader, the islands are beautiful and so much history. You need to read the suggested books to appreciate the experience on Sapelo Island.
So fortunate to have met Yvonne Grovner and her baskets.
— Review left November 1, 2021
If you are interested in the Golden Isles, this program is a perfect way to see and experience the area. Accommodations, program elements, and tour guides are top-notch. You won’t be disappointed.
— Review left October 25, 2021
This is a well-paced enjoyable tour of three Georgian barrier islands especially if you stay at the historic and delightful Jekyll Island Club Resort with its excellent accommodations, food and service.
— Review left September 27, 2021
This Georgia barrier island hopping program was fun, relaxing and educational. It is my first Road Scholar program in 2 years because of the Covid -19 pandemic. i enjoyed seeing and learning about each of the three islands, having different experiences on each island. Our lodging was at The Jekyll Island Club Resort which is a grand, old historical hotel with beautiful architecture, grounds and amenities.
— Review left September 22, 2021
Best of St. Simons, Sapelo, Jekyll: An Island-Hopping Adventure was an exciting, action-filled study of 3 geographically similar but culturally diverse Georgia coast islands. We learned much on this 6 day program!
We couldn't have asked for a more capable group leader than Lyn Warr. She kept our large group on track through the duration. She was always friendly and approachable and made every effort to know each of us personally through the week. She displayed a calm and professional demeanor when passing on information about the growing COVID-19 threat and its impact on this and future Road Scholar programs.
The other guest lecturers were impressive as well.
All in all, a great program - one we recommend highly!
Paul & Maurine Dalluge
Class of 2016
— Review left March 23, 2020
Great trip. Thanks
— Review left March 16, 2020
This is a great short program with lots of learning experiences that gives a person the historical and local picture of Georgia's barrier islands.
— Review left March 14, 2020
The Jekyll Island Club Resort is an experience in itself, with a unique history and fine amenities. However, the Road Scholar program added a tour leader who is a local, very well informed resident and engaged several local, expert guides and presenters who made this experience outstanding. The program addressed history, culture, and the unique ecosystem with a fine balance of scheduled activities and opportunities to learn and explore on one's own. I found it informative and enjoyable in every respect.
— Review left February 29, 2020
The Jekyll, St.Simon's and Sapelo Island Hopping Adventure was fun, informative, interesting and beautiful. The islands and accomodations were extraordinary, the stories and facts were plentiful, the experiences (including speakers, etc) interesting and the pace great. Extra time allowed for biking the island and further exploration on interesting locations/subjects. I highly recommend this adventure!
— Review left February 29, 2020
This trip should be viewed as a quick overview of these 3 islands. There is much to see and learn in each place. I found the shrimp trawler and the ring shouters as the best parts of this trip.
For a more in-depth look it is worth reading some of the suggested books. I read “making Gullah” before the trip which was valuable to help understand what we saw on Sapelo Island. Because it is a dying community we were not able to learn as much about Sapelo Island when we were there. The books and exposure to others like the ring shouters provided more information than we got on the island.
— Review left February 24, 2020
This program was a great overview of these three islands and you are not going to believe being granted the chance to stay (and eat) at the Jekyll Island Club Resort. Live like a millionaire of yesteryear!
— Review left February 1, 2020
This was my first Road Scholar trip and it was a very good experience. It had a good balance of activity, information, and social interaction. Fred, the main tour guide was very knowledgeable about the islands and because he grew up on St Simons he added a lot of local information that we may not have gotten from someone else. Also, other tour guides joined the group at various stops throughout the trip and they provided in depth information on their area of expertise in a fun and interactive way. I especially enjoyed the shrimp trawl and learning about the eco-system of the Georgia coast.
— Review left October 18, 2019
This was a lovely combination of learning and experiencing new things while having some time to rest and relax in a beautiful setting. Everyone's gracious hospitality made us feel right at home. There is an interesting mix of activities, and don't be surprised if something you thought you might not be too interested in turns out to be the first thing you're telling your friends about when you get back home!
— Review left May 28, 2019
Terrific program with an excellent leader. The Jekyll Island Club is a truly historic hotel and a lovely one. Worth every dollar.
— Review left May 13, 2019
Just got back from a delightful trip to the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia. The program encompassed history, ecology, and active experiences that were well paced. I especially enjoyed the Shrimp Boat learning event and the naturalist led hike of the salt marsh and beach. Each island (Sapelo, St. Simon, and Jekyll) was very different from the others and it was very interesting seeing them all.
— Review left May 6, 2019
The accommodations, food, and state park location of Jekyll Island Club Resort helped make this program a delight and a wonderful experience. The mix of activities, educational content, and program staff contributed to the first rate nature of this program.
— Review left May 5, 2019
A unique trip that allowed us to explore an area that was unknown to my wife and I. I have been to Georgia several times, but never to this area, with the barrier islands and rich history and culture. I am glad we went on this Road Scholar trip.
— Review left April 6, 2019
The Best of St. Simons, Sapelo, Jekyll was an excellent program in a beautiful location. Staying at the Jekyll Island Club was a wonderful way to experience the history of the area. The program had a wide variety of interesting experiences, an excellent group leader, and good food. Very enjoyable!
— Review left March 26, 2019
Great educational program. Learned many unknown historical events. Recommend to anyone interested in learning more about our U.S. past.
— Review left March 25, 2019
This is an engaging and informative trip! Fred was a great leader and the Jekyll Island Club Resort was fantastic. I'd definitely recommend it!
— Review left February 18, 2019
Island Hopping Jekyll and Sapelo Island is awesome. Staying at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel makes the trip a very special treat! As usual road scholar does a great job!
— Review left February 16, 2019
This program was a delight. Beautiful beaches, islands, and waterways. Much significant history to learn. Great food. Wonderful, friendly and competent staff. The participants were friendly and enthusiastic which added to the enjoyment.
— Review left February 10, 2019
Our tour-Jekyll Island and Island Hopping was a wonderful adventure. Road Scholar offered a variety of ways to learn from local experts,hands on experiences, history and cultural lectures and field trips as well as experience a 5 star hotel /resort right out of a different century with all 21st century's amenities. Well researched and paced ,it offered something for each of the delightful participants with whom we were lucky enough to share this experience.
— Review left February 1, 2019