Welcome to Callawassie Island
Okatie, South Carolina
Welcome to Callawassie Island
Our Island
It’s often said Callawassie Island captures you from the causeway. As you drive down the ¼-mile stretch into our island, you’ll leave behind the hectic world and enter paradise. One of South Carolina’s hundreds of sea and barrier islands, Callawassie Island is an 880-acre private oasis comprised of coastline, marshes, and moss-draped oaks. Here, we share in a deep appreciation of our stunning Lowcountry landscape, and we are proud to have been designated as the first Community Wildlife Habitat in our state. As you navigate the island’s bike paths and coastal waters, you will feel connected to yourself, your neighbors, and the surrounding nature.
Our History
In the early 17th century, the Yemassee Indian Tribe, who inhabited the island and the surrounding Lowcountry, gave Callawassie its name, translating to “calm waters.” In the early 1800’s, the island was owned by James Hamilton, a lawyer and politician who served as mayor of Charleston and also as South Carolina’s governor. It is believed that Hamilton oversaw the development of Callawassie Sugar Works, a complex for processing sugar cane into sugar, though the actual architect is unknown. The old mill’s tabby remnants can be found on the island to this day and are the only example of industrial tabby in the entire state. Over the centuries, the island housed a thriving indigo plantation, and also served as a southern playground for some of the nation’s elite. It was in 1981 that Callawassie Island established its modern identity and has since evolved into the flourishing, private community it is today.
Our Residents
Whether recent retirees, young professionals, or those choosing to have a second home, all residents of Callawassie Island share a common interest in the island community and its wellbeing. The private, welcoming, and relaxed setting of Callawassie Island promotes strong connections between residents and the surrounding landscape. With more than 50 active clubs, Callawassie Island’s golfers, paddlers, tennis players, fishermen, gardeners, and more are encouraged to share in their interests, delve into their crafts, and socialize through island-wide events and activities.
Lifestyle at Callawassie Island
Callawassie Island gives owners and their immediate family (their children and their spouses, their grandchildren, as well as the participant’s parents and the parents of the participant’s spouse) the opportunity to enjoy all of the following:
- A private gated community with 24-hour security.
- Four community docks providing leased slips, kayak launches, and access for fishing, crabbing, and shrimping.
- A 27-hole, Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, voted one of South Carolina’s top 50 in 2020; a Pro Shop, and three Class A PGA Golf Professionals.
- Six Har-Tru tennis courts and four pickleball courts, with two USTA and PTR Certified Professionals.
- A Clubhouse, providing full-service dining, an adult-only heated and cooled swimming pool overlooking the marsh, bocce and croquet courts.
- The River Club offering participants a heated and cooled family swimming pool, year-round indoor and outdoor casual dining, and surrounding waterfront views of the majestic Colleton River.
- The Fitness Center featuring state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a mind and body studio, physical therapy, personal training, massage therapy, and indoor cycling.
- Numerous island parks, ponds, and recreation areas for enjoying nature, spectacular views, and historical sites. Fishing is also available in ponds.
- Walking, running, and biking opportunities throughout the scenic island.
- Numerous social events, activities, clubs, and more.
A Golf Experience Like No Other
Dogwood Course
Both your short and long games will be tested on the interesting mix of holes at our Dogwood Course. While golfing on the Dogwood, you’ll surely enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding marsh vistas, and will likely spot some of the birds and animals who call the island home.
Magnolia Course
At 3,564 yards, the Magnolia Course is the longest of our three nines. In order to successfully navigate the course, you must put all of your golf skills to the test. Long, accurate drives, calculated second shots, and precision play of the par 3s will ensure a successful round.
Palmetto Course
Golfers are often challenged by the well-positioned ponds on seven of the nine holes on the Palmetto Course. If you’re looking to maximize your enjoyment on this 3,443-yard course, we suggest conservative course management, precise positioning, and a soft putting stroke.
Pro Shop
Our Pro Shop is stocked with everything you might need for a better day out on the course, from state-of-the-art golfing equipment, branded Callawassie Island merchandise, and more.
Maintenance
Our Golf course team is dedicated to maintaining our golf course to pristine condition, all while fostering and celebrating the natural environment that makes our golf course so unique.
Facilities
The driving range with 12 hitting stations is complimented by a stand-alone chipping green and separated putting green. All are maintained to the same specifications as the greens on the courses, giving players true playability of the course when they practice.
Activities at Callawassie Island
Clubs and Events
Whether it’s a lifelong passion, or a budding interest you’d like to explore, Callawassie Island has an outlet for you. Through more than 50 onsite clubs and organizations, Callawassie Island offers a variety of opportunities for members to share their interests. From kayaking and card clubs to gardening, golf, or tennis, you’ll be able to find something that strikes your fancy.
Callawassie Island hosts a variety of events for members ranging from local musicians, artists, ecologists, master gardeners and Callawassie’s own Callawassie Chorus. These events are a great way for members to mingle with one another, strengthening their bond with each other and with the island as well. Check out some of the spectacular events we’ve shared by reading our monthly blogs.
Culture
As you cross the causeway and arrive on Callawassie Island, you’ll be struck with a sense of warmth. (No, we’re not just talking about the beautiful Lowcountry weather!) Here, you will find a community where residents cherish, celebrate, and connect over the surrounding natural environment and its wellbeing. Neighbors quickly turn into friends here on Callawassie Island as our community fosters and encourages connection through over 50 active clubs and organizations.
Fitness
Fitness is a hallmark of the Callawassie Island lifestyle. On our island, you’ll find so many different avenues for getting active and bettering your health. Whether through jogging, walking, swimming, or biking, we encourage our residents to take advantage of the beautiful weather and to get outside — and our Fitness Center offers all the equipment and support you need to achieve your goals and maintain good health.
Fitness Center
Inside our Clubhouse, you will find our newly renovated Fitness Center, equipped with state-of-the-art cardio equipment, a large fitness class area, and treatment rooms for both physical therapy and massage sessions. Our certified Fitness Director helps our residents with various conditioning routines to help them reach their goals, and also instructs newer residents in the proper use of the equipment. In addition to teaching conditioning and aerobics classes, the Director also manages outside instructors to teach classes in disciplines such as yoga, Pilates, Tai chi, and more. At our Fitness Center, we also help with developing nutritional programs, offer health screenings, and coordinate guest instructor programs.
Swimming
We have two swimming pools on the island, and you can find one at the Clubhouse and the other at our River Club. Whether you are looking to get some exercise by swimming laps, or looking to cool down on a warm day, both pools are perfect options. The swimming pool at the Clubhouse is designated for adults only, and it located adjacent to our Fitness Center. Both pools are geothermic, meaning they’re cooled and heated, and they are open year-round. At the River Club pool, we offer pool-side lunch service to our residents and their families from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Walking & Biking
Callawassie Island is friendly for bikers, joggers, and walkers. With beautiful vistas throughout the island and along the golf courses, marshes, and surrounding waterways, Callawassie Island offers plenty of beautiful scenery to bring a new level to enjoying the outdoors. While walking around our 880-acre island on one of our many walking paths, you’ll likely run into a friend or have the chance to meet a new one. There’s no better place to get active and get some fresh air than under the magnolias and shady live oaks at Callawassie Island.
Racquet Sports
Island tennis enthusiasts enjoy six Har-Tru® tennis courts and four Pickleball courts complete with a Pro Shop, patio, and pavilion. In addition to the state-of-the-art facilities, residents also have year-round access to on-site professionals who can help them further improve on their swings, strokes, and serves. Outside groups come in bi-annually to refresh the courts, so the facilities are always well-maintained. Our Pro Shop is available for the purchase of equipment and Callawassie Island tennis apparel.
Community racquet sports, USTA tennis leagues, and inter-club exchange matches provide opportunities for both social and competitive tennis across the Lowcountry. Our full-time United States Tennis Association (USTA) and Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) certified professional has worked with community tennis enthusiasts to support the growth of the sport on Callawassie Island since 1995.
Events such as our Pro-Am Tournament and Wimbledon “Callawassie Style” are highlights not only for tennis enthusiasts, but the Callawassie Island community as a whole. The Callawassie Tennis Assocation (CTA) coordinates many events throughout the year that encourage camaraderie and forge relationships among residents.
Discovery Visit at Callawassie Island
With our Discovery Tour, you can get a taste of Callawassie Island living during a 3-day/2-night stay in one of our on-island Cottages or Villas. You will enjoy unlimited access to all of our amenities, including our fitness center, two swimming pools, newly renovated Clubhouse and River Club, and more. Play on our six Har-Tru tennis courts, 4 Pickleball courts, or one of our three pristine golf courses, and even receive a tennis or golf lesson from one of our on-site Pros. However you may choose to spend your time with us, you’ll live like a local, indulge in fine dining, and unwind like you’ve been meaning to for years.
Though we encourage you to explore the island at your own pace, we offer several guided tours and activities to make your visit a truly unforgettable experience. With the help of our Participant Ambassadors, you can get a feel for our community as they accompany you on your activities and fill you in on everything Callawassie Island has to offer.
In addition to scheduling a personalized real estate tour of the outstanding homes, homesites, and amenities available on our island, we’ll work with you to schedule the activities that matter the most to you during your visit.
Experience life as a Callawassie Island with any of the following activities:
- Golf or tennis lesson with one of our Pros
- Workout session with a personal trainer
- Walking tour of the island with a Certified Master Naturalist
- Guided kayak excursion from the Paddler’s Dock
- Boat tour of the Colleton River
- Walking tour of nearby Historic Beaufort
- $50 credit to dine at the Clubhouse or River Club
- Bicycle to explore the island on your own
- Massage at the Fitness Center Therapy Room
Accommodations are available on a first-come, first serve basis.
To reserve your Discovery Tour, please use the contact form on this page.
Contact Lindsey Cooler To Learn More!
Contact Lindsey Cooler
Phone: (843) 987-2125
Email: LCooler@CallawassieIsland.com
22 Callawassie Club Dr, Okatie, SC 29909
