The Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) hosts “Island Treasures on Jekyll Island.”
A unique treasure hunting experience on Georgia’s most popular public beach. The treasures are hand-crafted glass floats, called Island Treasures. The glass floats have been sought after by Jekyll Island guests since 2002. Each is unique and stamped with the year to be a collector’s item for the lucky beachcomber who finds one.
Island Treasures mimic glass floats once used on the fishing nets of fishermen in the early 1900s. The floats would sometimes break loose and wash ashore for lucky beachcombers to find and keep. Collecting these glass floats became a hobby in the 1950’s, but it declined as commercial fishing moved to plastic and Styrofoam floats. Glass fishing floats became rare and are highly sought after and very valuable today.
During these first two winter months, the Jekyll Island Authority recreates this hunt-and-find experience.
The glass float treasures are the works of commissioned artists from across the country. “Beach Buddies” hide them along the shore line every day for lucky visitors to find and keep. Treasure finders can register their Island Treasure at the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center to receive a bio on the artist and a certificate of authenticity. The Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center has Island Treasure floats and an array of the other colorful glass creations for purchase in-store. (912) 635-3636.
Island Treasures FAQ
Q: How much does it cost to hunt?
A: Nothing! The Jekyll Island Treasures hunt is free. Note, there is a parking fee to get on the island, which helps defray some of the cost of the roads upkeep.
Q: I found a plastic globe! What do I do now?
A: Congratulations! Take your globe to the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. There, you’ll exchange it for the Island Treasure that matches the numbered tag in your plastic globe. You will complete a claim form, provide photo ID, receive your Island Treasure, and then we’ll take your picture to share on our Facebook page. Yo need a photo ID to claim an Island Treasure. Only one Island Treasure per household, per year.
Q: How many Island Treasures may I claim?
A: The goal is to allow as many guests as possible to enjoy the hunt. With this in mind, only one Island Treasure may be claimed per household, per year.
Q: When do you hide them?
A: Any time. Beach Buddies will hide plastic globes throughout the day, and the time frames vary daily.
Q: Where should I look for Island Treasures?
A: All over Jekyll Island! Ok, not the WHOLE island… You will ONLY find them in common areas like the Beach Village, Historic District, Great Dunes Beach Park, etc. W hide thr globes “hidden” in plain sight and NEVER off-the-beaten path. We NEVER hide them in the dunes, the marsh, off established paths, on the golf courses or driving range, or on residential property.
Q: Is there anywhere I should NOT look?
A: Even better question! You won’t find them in the dunes, the marsh, off established paths, on the golf courses or driving range, or on residential property. Beach Buddies always “hide” plastic globes in common areas, in plain sight.
Q: Is there a strategy I should employ?
A: No, Island Treasures is really about being at the right place at the right time. It comes down to luck and timing. Whether you find a globe or not, we hope you’ll enjoy the real treasure that is Jekyll Island and see the annual tradition as an opportunity to explore.
The Island Treasure hunts take place Island wide through the months of January and February.
