- The Atlantic Ocean: The Atlantic Ocean formed the eastern border of the colony and provided access to trade and transportation.
- Barrier Islands: A chain of barrier islands, including Edisto, Folly, and Kiawah, protected the coastline from the Atlantic Ocean's storms and provided important habitats for wildlife.
- Sandy Beaches: The coastline of colonial South Carolina was characterized by sandy beaches, which were popular for swimming and recreation.
- Tidal Marshes: Extensive tidal marshes, known as the Lowcountry, were found along the coast. These marshes were rich in wildlife and supported a variety of plant and animal species.
- Inland Plains: Inland from the coast, the land rose into gently rolling plains. These plains were covered in forests of pine, oak, and hickory trees.
- Rivers: Numerous rivers flowed through the colony, including the Ashley, Cooper, Santee, and Savannah rivers. These rivers were important for transportation and trade, and they provided a source of water for the colony's inhabitants.
- Swamps: In the lower parts of the colony, there were extensive swamps, such as the Great Pee Dee Swamp and the Black River Swamp. These swamps were difficult to traverse and were home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, snakes, and birds.
- Mountains: In the western part of the colony, the land rose into the Appalachian Mountains. These mountains provided a natural barrier to the colony's expansion and were home to a variety of plant and animal species, including bears, deer, and wild turkeys.