THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Skip the hazards of Highway 101 with the Old Town Bandon Boat Shuttle to Bullards Beach. Enjoy coastal views and safe passage for Oregon Coast Trail hikers.
Skip the hazards of Highway 101 with the Old Town Bandon Boat Shuttle to Bullards Beach. Enjoy coastal views and safe passage for Oregon Coast Trail hikers.
Book with South Coast Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by South Coast Tours · Gold Beach, Oregon
Situated along Oregon’s rugged southern coastline, the Old Town Bandon Boat Shuttle offers a unique and practical gateway to Bullards Beach State Park Campground. This service, designed primarily for hikers tackling the challenging Oregon Coast Trail, provides a safe alternative to the busy and risky Highway 101 Bullards Bridge crossing. The journey begins in Old Town Bandon, a quaint harbor town known for its working waterfront and vibrant local culture. From here, the shuttle glides across protected estuarine waters, offering uninterrupted views of wave-worn sandstone cliffs, sprawling sand dunes, and vibrant coastal forests that define this sweep of the Pacific Northwest shoreline.
Bullards Beach itself is a standout destination on the Oregon Coast, boasting wide sandy expanses and rare tide pools teeming with starfish, anemones, and crabs. Hikers can rest and rejuvenate at the state park’s well-maintained campground, positioned to provide easy access to the beach and the nearby Coquille River Lighthouse, a charming historic landmark built in 1896. This area’s unique combination of salt marsh habitats and towering Sitka spruce makes it a rich environment for birdwatchers, with bald eagles and peregrine falcons frequently sighted overhead.
The boat shuttle is more than just a ride; it's a measured pause in a rigorous long-distance trek, a moment to reflect on the wild coastal landscape without the noise of traffic or the stress of road crossings. It has become a crucial link for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to experience Oregon’s coastline safely and with ease. For visitors staying in Bandon—the nearest larger city—this shuttle unlocks access to one of the area's most scenic and serene camping spots, positioning itself as an essential feature of southern Oregon outdoor recreation.
Yes, it's highly recommended to reserve your spot ahead to guarantee availability, especially during peak season.
The boat shuttle primarily accommodates hikers and foot passengers; check with the operator regarding bicycle transport.
Yes, children are welcome, but the boat has limited facilities, so plan accordingly.
Hours vary seasonally—contact the shuttle provider directly for current schedules.
No, restrooms are available only at the departure and arrival points.
Common sightings include seabirds like bald eagles, great blue herons, and marine mammals occasionally spotted offshore.
South Coast Tours operates out of Brookings, Oregon, offering guided kayak and boat excursions along the southern Oregon coast. The company runs a range of trips including ocean kayak fishing tours in Port Orford and Brookings, wildlife viewing paddles on the Chetco River estuary and coastal kelp beds, a whales and wildlife boat tour from Dolley Dock in Port Orford, snorkeling combined with kayaking at Orford Heads and Nellies Cove, and convenient boat shuttles between Bullards Beach State Park Campground and Old Town Bandon. Trips feature Hobie kayaks for several ocean fishing and wildlife tours and include a boat-based option aboard the nearly unsinkable Black Pearl for Redfish Rocks and whale viewing. The Arches Territory inflatable paddle experience notes over 15 years of guiding in Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Tours target local species such as Blue and Black rockfish, Ling Cod, gray whales, sea lions, harbor seals, pelicans, kingfishers, and a variety of seabirds, plus kelp and tidepool life. South Coast Tours serves families, anglers, hikers, snorkelers, and wildlife enthusiasts, with outings ranging from short estuary paddles to multi-hour fishing and snorkeling adventures. Departure points include Brookings and Port Orford, and specialized services include boat shuttles for Oregon Coast Trail hikers. Information provided in tour descriptions outlines durations, activities, and highlights for each trip. South Coast Tours offers coastal exploration options that connect visitors to the marine environment and local landmarks while showcasing southern Oregon’s natural diversity. Booking details, pricing, and seasonal availability are listed on their tour pages.
Book with South Coast Tours