Tybee Island Beach, Georgia — Live Online Webcam

Where Tybee Island Is Located

Tybee Island is a small barrier island on the Georgia coast, located approximately 15 miles east of Savannah. It is the northernmost barrier island on the entire coast of the state, washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of the Savannah River. The island is part of Chatham County and is a popular beach destination thanks to its wide sandy beaches, warm climate, and developed infrastructure.

The live webcam is installed directly on the beach and shows a panoramic view of the shoreline with an ocean view. It's a great opportunity to check the weather and conditions on the coast before your trip or simply enjoy the seascape from home.

Tybee Island Lighthouse — The Oldest in Georgia

One of the island's main attractions is the Tybee Island Lighthouse, which is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia. The first structure on this site was built as early as 1736, making it one of only seven surviving colonial-era lighthouses in the United States. The current tower, standing 145 feet (44 meters) tall, has been on this site for about 285 years.

Interestingly, the lower 60 feet (18 meters) of the current lighthouse is actually part of the third lighthouse, built in 1773. The second lighthouse had to be built in 1742 when beach erosion began threatening the first structure. Today, visitors can climb 178 steps to the top of the tower and see the entire island from above.

Lighthouse Legends and Ghosts

The Tybee Island Lighthouse is surrounded by many legends. One of the most famous tells of a lighthouse keeper who gave his bedridden wife numerous cats for company. Years later, the lighthouse curator reported having repeatedly seen the ghost of a gray cat wandering through the lighthouse rooms.

Another dark legend is connected to the tragic death of keeper George Shaw in 1887. His demise gave rise to rumors of foul play and a possible murder by his assistant. These stories still attract paranormal enthusiasts to the island.

Shoreline Erosion

Tybee Island faces a serious problem with shoreline erosion. According to researcher Claudia Venherm from the Skidaway Institute at the University of Georgia, the island's shoreline has been retreating by an average of more than 60 feet over the past five years. This process poses a threat to beach infrastructure and requires constant attention from authorities.

It is precisely because of erosion that the lighthouse had to be moved and rebuilt several times throughout the island's history. Currently, various engineering solutions are used to protect the shore, including periodic sand replenishment.

Nature and Marine Life

The waters off Tybee Island are rich in marine life. Loggerhead sea turtles inhabit these waters and come ashore to lay eggs during the warm months. Dolphins can often be seen in the ocean near the shore, displaying natural behaviors: feeding, playing, and sometimes leaping out of the water.

Horseshoe crabs, various species of crabs, jellyfish, and small sharks can also be found on the beaches and in coastal waters. During low tide, sandbars attract migratory birds — gulls, sandpipers, and other waterfowl can be observed here.

The Tybee Island Marine Science Center features an exhibit where you can see live baby alligators, spider crabs, pufferfish, flounder, clownfish, and sea jellies. It's a great place for a family visit.

What to See on the Island

In addition to beach recreation, Tybee Island offers many other attractions. From North Beach, there is a view of the historic lighthouse, and from the observation deck on the shore, you can spot the Cockspur Island Lighthouse — a well-preserved lighthouse from the American Civil War era.

From the top of the Tybee Island Lighthouse, there is a breathtaking view of the entire island, and the beach is so vast that a significant portion of it can be seen from above. This is one of the best spots for photographing the coastline.

Beach Infrastructure

Tybee Island Beach is equipped for comfortable visitor recreation. There are wooden walkways through the sand dunes, lifeguard towers, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. A long wooden pier with a canopy extends into the sea and serves as a popular spot for walks and fishing.

Sand dunes with sea oats protect the shore from erosion and create a natural landscape. Lifeguards are on duty at the beach, and there are changing rooms and showers. During peak season, it can get crowded, but thanks to the extensive shoreline, you can always find a cozy spot.

What the Camera Shows

The online camera shows the sandy Tybee Island Beach with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. On the right side of the frame is a long wooden pier with a canopy extending into the sea. Beachgoers, colorful beach umbrellas and tents, and a lifeguard tower are visible on the beach. In the foreground are sand dunes with sea oats and a wooden walkway. Swimmers are in the water and near the shore. The camera operates in real time and allows you to observe the coastal conditions at any time of day.