kiawah questions

[Anonymous]

We’re considering a trip to Kiawah with our teens and dog in June.

There are plenty of rental available via vrbo, and almost none through Kiawah Island Resort. I know we won’t be able to use the resort pools or fitness center if we rent from vrbo, which I think will be okay since we’ll be at the beach. But how difficult is it to get tennis and golf times if as outside renters we’re in the nonpriority?

Also, I’m a little nervous about our dog and the alligators. We’d like our rental to be on one of the lagoons. If you bring your dog to Kiawah, how risky it walking the dog? Am I over or under reacting about this? (spouse thinks I’m overreacting)

Thanks for the advice.

[Anonymous]

We managed to rent a much bigger house by being on the golf course rather than being on the beach.

There are bike rental places that will drop bikes at your place, and you can be at the beach within a few minutes by bike. It's fun to bike for miles on hard sand at low ride.

We didn't try for golf or tennis times.

You might want to walk the dog in spots without ponds. It is freaky to realize after the fact that you've just biked past a massive reptile.

[Anonymous]

How big is your dog?

Dont walk a small dog near lagoons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How big is your dog?

Dont walk a small dog near lagoons.

Never has a dog been gulped up by an alligator zooming out of a pond in Kiawah. We have been going down for 20 years.

PS - use VRBO - no need to rent on the beach, most places are a quick walk away. I also recommend renting bikes as you can ride up to the grocery store and restaurants and all around the island.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How big is your dog?

Dont walk a small dog near lagoons.

Never has a dog been gulped up by an alligator zooming out of a pond in Kiawah. We have been going down for 20 years.

PS - use VRBO - no need to rent on the beach, most places are a quick walk away. I also recommend renting bikes as you can ride up to the grocery store and restaurants and all around the island.

Never say never. It has happened.

https://kica.us/news/tips-and-information-about-alligator-safety-on-kiawah-island/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How big is your dog?

Dont walk a small dog near lagoons.

Never has a dog been gulped up by an alligator zooming out of a pond in Kiawah. We have been going down for 20 years.

I know one personally killed on Seabrook. It was awful. You simply have got to be aware of your dog’s location at all times near fresh water in South Carolina. Alligators are a risk. Don’t approach the waters edge. Walking on the paved paths and bridges is fine but be self aware and keep the dogs leashed.

[Anonymous]

The pools and slides are pretty fun and a nice break from the beach, if you can find a rental I'd suggest doing it through the resort (or on occasion private listings on VRBO do have access for guests, but that is rare).

[Anonymous]

There should be no issues getting tennis time although the clinics do fill up so book early.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The pools and slides are pretty fun and a nice break from the beach, if you can find a rental I'd suggest doing it through the resort (or on occasion private listings on VRBO do have access for guests, but that is rare).

Or get a rental with a private pool which would be my preference.

[Anonymous]

Hilton Head would be a better option for you:

Also you have to go out of your way to be attacked by a gator.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hilton Head would be a better option for you:

Also you have to go out of your way to be attacked by a gator.

I would never walk a small dog near any body of freshwater south of NC. That is just asking for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hilton Head would be a better option for you:

Also you have to go out of your way to be attacked by a gator.

This is OP. Why do you say Hilton Head is a better choice? I’m open to it but since it is a 2 hour farther drive I’d prefer to have a reason to continue to HH. One reason we like the idea of Kiawah is that we all really enjoy long bike rides, and I read there are 30 miles of trail on Kiawah. We planned to bring our own bikes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How big is your dog?

Dont walk a small dog near lagoons.

Never has a dog been gulped up by an alligator zooming out of a pond in Kiawah. We have been going down for 20 years.

I know one personally killed on Seabrook. It was awful. You simply have got to be aware of your dog’s location at all times near fresh water in South Carolina. Alligators are a risk. Don’t approach the waters edge. Walking on the paved paths and bridges is fine but be self aware and keep the dogs leashed.

This is OP. We have never been to Kiawah. Are there areas we can walk our dog that are not near ponds/lagoons. I’m legit nervous about this now (for dog but also myself).

[Anonymous]

You should be. We visited in the 90s. My mom felt that an alligator was looking at my younger sister. Our house was right next to a lagoon, so we didn’t the rest of the vacation hustling in and out every time we had to go somewhere. IIRC, the alligators were on the interior of the Island. Stay right on the beach or board the dog.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hilton Head would be a better option for you:

Also you have to go out of your way to be attacked by a gator.

This is OP. Why do you say Hilton Head is a better choice? I’m open to it but since it is a 2 hour farther drive I’d prefer to have a reason to continue to HH. One reason we like the idea of Kiawah is that we all really enjoy long bike rides, and I read there are 30 miles of trail on Kiawah. We planned to bring our own bikes.

DP

I’m not lobbying for HH, but I suggest you bring your own food to Kiawah.

We were there over winter break when it wasn’t even crowded, and we were struck by the limited dining options within a 15-20 min drive…and the crowds/wait during low season. If we ever go over the summer, I would book dinner reservations months in advance.

Kiawah is lush and green. It’s a very different beach experience with the nature.

And the sand isn’t soft. It’s hard.