The annual Island Treasures hunt has begun! This highly anticipated hide-and-seek hunt for globes to trade in for glass floats runs through February 29, 2024.
Glass floats Jekyll Island treasures
How did it begin? In the early 1900s, east coast fishermen used hollow glass balls, or floats, on their nets as markers. Occasionally, the floats would break loose and wash ashore for lucky beachcombers to find and keep. Collecting these rare, highly sought-after glass floats became a hobby in the 1950s. Today, Jekyll Island hand-picks artists from across the country to create one-of-a-kind glass floats for its annual Island Treasures event. The glass floats are part of a hide-and-seek style game played on Jekyll Island throughout January and February.
Each day, volunteers called Beach Buddies will hide approximately 2-5 clear plastic globes in common areas around the island for lucky guests to find and redeem for a real glass float. A total of 200 globes will be hidden during the 2 month hunt.
When treasure hunters find one of the plastic globes, they will discover a card inside with instructions to take the globe to the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center. Each card will have a number that corresponds to a real, handcrafted Island Treasure. Hunters will be limited to one glass float per household per year, increasing everyone’s chance to find one. Hunters will also receive a certificate of authenticity and artist biography for their one-of-a-kind float. To receive your Island Treasure, you will need to present a photo I.D. with your instructions card. Guest Information Center is open Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, March 10 by close of business is the last day to redeem a plastic globe for an Island Treasure at the Guest Information Center.
So gather your friends and family to search for these clear globes that can be exchanged for dazzling handcrafted glass floats. While exploring Jekyll Island, keep in mind that you will not find Island Treasures in beach dunes, marsh areas, residential properties, or golf courses. Entering these areas could be illegal and unsafe. For more information, tips, and a reference map, visit jekyllisland.com/signature-events/island-treasures
