Metal detecting laws, verified & up to date

Metal Detecting at Sullivan's Island

Charleston County · Lowcountry · City/County beach

✅ Allowed

Last verified:

The rules

No Town of Sullivan's Island ordinance bans metal detecting. The Town's beach regulations forbid any activity in the dunes or turtle-nesting areas and ban glass, single-use plastics and metal shovels on the beach. Fill your holes and keep off the protected dunes (SC Beachfront Management Act).

Permit: Not required

📞 Call ahead: 843-883-3198 (confirm the current rule before you go)

Why detect here

Quiet residential beach across from Fort Moultrie - coins and jewelry (respect the private oceanfront)

Beach detecting here? You want a saltwater-capable machine and a long-handled sand scoop. The Nokta Legend 2 is the best value that handles wet salt sand. See the Nokta Legend 2 →


Source: Town of Sullivan's Island - Beach Rules & Regulations. Verify against the managing authority before detecting.