In short
- The lighthouse is closed to the public and unsafe to enter.
- It sits completely surrounded by ocean water due to coastal erosion.
- You can view it up close by taking a boat tour to Morris Island.
In this article
The 161-foot Morris Island Lighthouse is a historic South Carolina landmark. However, visitors hoping to climb to the top will need to adjust their plans. Decades of erosion have left the 1876 structure stranded in the water, making it completely inaccessible for interior tours.
Is the Morris Island Lighthouse open for tours inside?
No, the interior of the lighthouse is closed to the public.
You cannot climb the stairs or enter the base of the tower. The structure is strictly off-limits because it is unsafe. Tour operators do not offer access to the inside.
Why is the lighthouse in the water?
Severe coastal erosion washed away the land surrounding the lighthouse.
The current 161-foot lighthouse was built on land in 1876. In 1889, the construction of the Charleston Harbor jetties altered local currents. This accelerated erosion until the ocean completely overtook the land around the tower.
How close can you get to the lighthouse?
You can view it from the beach of Morris Island.
Taking a boat tour to the uninhabited Morris Island gets you to the closest safe viewpoint. From the island's sandy shore, the red-and-white striped tower rises directly out of the ocean. Bring a zoom lens for clear photos.
How do you get to Morris Island?
The island is only accessible by watercraft.
You cannot drive or walk to Morris Island. Most visitors book a guided boat tour or a private charter from Folly Beach or Bowens Island. Tour prices are "from" prices per platform and they change.
| Transport Method | Duration | Cost per Adult |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Boat Tour | 2 to 2.5 hours | From $50 to $70 |
| Private Charter | 2 to 2.5 hours | From $325 to $400 |
| Guided Kayak Tour | 3 hours | From $60 to $80 |
What can you do on Morris Island?
You can explore the remote beaches, view the lighthouse, and search for fossils.
Boat tours usually include 45 to 60 minutes of shore time. Visitors often spend this time beachcombing. The island is highly known for its abundance of sea shells, marine fossils, and shark teeth.
Who owns the Morris Island Lighthouse?
A local grassroots nonprofit called Save the Light owns the structure.
The lighthouse was automated in 1938 and officially decommissioned in 1962. Save the Light purchased it in 1999 to focus on preservation efforts. They work to protect the tower from further ocean damage.
Questions travellers ask
How tall is the Morris Island Lighthouse?
The current structure, built in 1876, stands 161 feet tall. This makes it the tallest lighthouse in South Carolina.
Is the Morris Island Lighthouse sinking?
The structure sits completely in the water, but it is not sinking. Erosion washed away the surrounding island after the Charleston Harbor jetties were built in 1889.
Can you kayak to Morris Island Lighthouse?
Yes, you can book a guided kayaking or stand-up paddleboard tour with local outfitters. These tours take about 3 hours and cost from $60 to $80.
