Tybee Oyster Farm Tour!

• More about the farm and the Tybee Oyster Company story -

Tybee Oyster Company was started by my brother Perry and his wife, Laura, in 2022. It is a small, family-run oyster farm located on the Bull River behind the Little Tybee islands. They cultivate oysters in high-salinity tidal waters, meticulously handling them from seed to harvest using regenerative farming practices that promote oyster health, water quality, and the well-being of the surrounding estuarine ecosystem. Their work is deeply rooted in the place, influenced by Georgia’s tides, salinity, and coastal rhythms, and guided by a profound responsibility to care for the waters that sustain us. Their oysters, sold as “Salt Bombs,” are renowned for their crisp, briny flavor and a taste that embodies the unique merroir of the salt marsh estuary.

Their passion for connecting people with their food and the community that grows it, led Laura to found ECO Georgia, a 501c3 nonprofit. (ECO = Education • Community • Oysters) ECO is dedicated to education and oyster restoration and serves as a bridge between students and educators, connecting them to the coast through oyster-based learning. Their initiatives aim to empower young individuals by educating them about the vital role oysters play in maintaining water quality, enhancing coastal resilience, and supporting local livelihoods. Together, ECO and Tybee Oyster prioritize environmental stewardship, community impact, and the recognition of the individuals who dedicate their lives to this work.

Beyond the 7-acre subtidal lease where the farm currently operates, there lies a vast 641-acre intertidal lease encompassing the Pa Cooper Creek watershed. Farming in this challenging and remote area (where only 53 acres of marsh are suitable for growing oysters are scattered among the 641) is not an endeavor that most would consider. So, why do they persist?

The newly acquired intertidal lease is designated for the commercial harvest of wild oysters. However, Tybee Oyster Company is approaching this new endeavor with a focus on regenerative practices that will enhance the overall health of the estuary while simultaneously providing a harvestable crop.

Oysters hold a crucial position as a keystone species in the coastal salt marsh. They play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the marsh and boosting its biodiversity. As a habitat and nursery ground, they provide essential resources for baby fish, crabs, and shrimp. During your tour we will look and both kinds of farming practices and how they put food on your plate.

Oyster Add On

Add on 3 dozen oysters $99

Or a bag of 50 for $135

Enjoy fresh Salt Bomb oysters shucked right on the boat, complete with souvenir oyster knives TOC koozies and homemade Hog Wash!

-Hogwash is a bright, tangy mignonette-style sauce for raw oysters, famously associated with Hog Island Oyster Co.. It uses a combination of rice vinegars for a balance of acidity and sweetness, along with finely chopped fresh ingredients.

Hogwash Recipe

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This recipe makes a generous bowl, enough for several dozen oysters.

Ingredients:

¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
¼ cup unseasoned natural rice vinegar
1 large shallot, peeled and finely minced
1 large jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely minced
½ bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Juice of 1 fresh lime