The Savannah River separates the states of Georgia and South Carolina, and meanders through its namesake city, serving as an attraction in its own right. One of the most unique ways to gain a new perspective of the enchanting city is on a boat tour in Savannah, Georgia.

There is a myriad of excursions to choose from, from classic southern feasts to soulful gospel choir performances and Christmas boat parades. Whatever your interests, you’re bound to find a riverboat cruise to fit the bill.

Check out our helpful guide on boat tours, one of the most iconic outdoor activities in Savannah.

What are the best boat tours in Savannah?

Savannah river boat sightseeing cruise

One of the most popular ways to discover the city of Savannah is from the deck of a boat.

Sail down the Savannah River with the commentary of a knowledgeable guide in your ears, educating you on the city and its history. You’ll relax on board and listen to the gentle lull of the river as your boat passes peacefully through its calm waters.

As you sail, you may pass the Old Fort Jackson, which was one of the fortifications used to defend the city during the Civil War of the 19th century.

Alternatively, other riverboat sightseeing cruises in Savannah, Georgia travel past the Talmadge Memorial Bridge toward the Historic River Street, which is home to a range of exquisite boutiques and art galleries.

Buffet dinner cruise in Savannah, Georgia

Alternatively, board a vessel as the sun sets and enjoy a romantic dinner floating along the Savannah River.

Feel like royalty as you sit in an opulent ballroom aboard a river cruise on the Savannah River, enjoying a freshly prepared buffet dinner.

You can expect dishes to include local specialties, such as shrimp and grits, as well as freshly caught fish, a tender roast, and several vegetable dishes. Help yourself to an unlimited amount of food before taking to the dance floor for an evening of merriment.

You’ll travel back in time with songs from the 1950s, as well as current hits for you to let loose while you journey past some of Savannah’s most iconic sights.

Tybee Island dolphin cruise tour

Journey away from the center of the city to visit Savannah’s most picturesque beach at Tybee Island.

Make the short drive to the barrier that forms Tybee Island in private and comfortable transportation, watching the city grow smaller behind you. Once you arrive, you’ll have free time to bathe on the soft sands of Savannah’s most popular beach.

Alternatively, hop aboard a vessel to embark on a dolphin-watching expedition. The marine mammals thrive in the waters that surround Tybee Island and their population is large, meaning you’re bound to see at least one or two of the friendly marine creatures.

Savannah gospel dinner cruise

Music lovers can sit back and enjoy the soulful sounds of one of Savanah’s most celebrated gospel groups on this boat tour.

Help yourself to mounds of southern favorites, such as mac and cheese, pulled pork, and coleslaw as you sit down to a buffet dinner aboard your cruise vessel. Savor the flavors of Savannah as you select biscuits, sweet potatoes and barbecue from the lineup of food set before you.

Immerse yourself in southern culture as you listen to the spine-tingling sounds of a gospel group. This type of music originated in the south and is an African-American fusion of Christian music.

Wander onto the deck to watch the sights of the city pass you by and admire the twinkling lights of Georgia or spend your evening getting lost in the glorious beat of the choir.

Private sightseeing boat tour in Savannah, Georgia

If you want a more personalized experience, opt for a private boat tour in Savannah, Georgia.

Enjoy the private services of your own captain as you cruise along the Savannah River on a comfortable speedboat.

Starting at Hogan’s Marina, you’ll travel along the Wilmington River, past historic homes and landmarks from the prohibition to reach the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. This facility is one of the most esteemed marine research centers on earth and was founded in 1968.

From there, you’ll make your way along the Skidaway River to the Skidaway Island State Park, where you’ll find an observation tower, scenic walkways and a maritime forest.

Jump off your vessel to enjoy a hike through this picturesque landscape before slowly returning to Savannah via the Talmadge Bridge and Thunderbolt Village.

Savannah Parade of Lights cruise

If you’re heading to the southern city during November, don’t miss the annual “Parade of Lights.”

Each year the city of Savannah puts on a Christmas boat parade, which marks the start of the festive season.

Over 40 vessels participate in this annual event and on this Savannah boat tour, you’ll get a taste of the parade’s importance by joining in on the fun on a boat that will have been decorated in an abundance of colorful lights.

Get into the holiday spirit as you admire the effort the locals go to for this annual celebration of Saint Nick and be dazzled by this spectacle that only happens once a year.

How much do boat tours in Savannah cost?

The most budget-friendly boat tour in Savannah, Georgia is a riverboat sightseeing excursion, which costs approximately US$40 per person. If you’re in Savannah during November, you can participate in a “Parade of Lights” tour for around US$60 per person.

Tybee Island dolphin cruises cost around US$70 each, while gospel dinner cruises and combination trolley, and boat tours cost around the same price. River cruises that include a dinner cost approximately US$90 each.

A private sightseeing tour costs US$420 for a group of up to six persons. Broken down with the maximum number of participants, each person will pay US$70.

What's included in a Savannah boat tour?

Boat trips in Savannah, Georgia vary in what they include depending on the type of excursion you participate in. Most of these trips include a guide to narrate the sites as you make your way along the river, while combination trolley and boat tours include a convenient, and complimentary hotel pickup service.

If you opt for a dinner cruise, you can expect to have access to a mouthwatering local buffet and enjoy an evening filled with musical entertainment.

Where will your boat trip start?

Boat tours in Savannah, Georgia begin in a variety of destinations close to the river. One of the main meeting points is along East River Street, which is located along the banks of the Savannah River in the north of the Historic District.

The city is easy to navigate via public transport by making use of the free hop-on hop-off trolley that journeys through Savannah's streets.

You'll be able to see the meeting point of each tour before booking so that you can plan your route and arrange any necessary transportation ahead of time. In some instances, tour providers offer a free accommodation pickup and drop-off service from hotels in downtown Savannah.

How will you be on the boat?

The majority of riverboat cruises in Savannah, Georgia last between 1.5 and 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to admire the city’s attractions from the water, and enjoy a drink or meal.

If you opt for a combination city tour by trolley and boat or an excursion to Tybee Island, you can expect your trip to last between 5 and 6 hours.

When is the best time for a boat tour in Savannah?

The best time for a boat tour in Savannah, Georgia depends on the type of experience you’re seeking. If you wish to enjoy a meal and live music aboard a riverboat, you should consider hopping on a vessel in the early evening, and appreciating the city as it sparkles after dark.

Alternatively, if you’re most interested in the attractions that line the river banks, you’ll be more suited to a daytime cruise.

A boat tour is a fantastic activity to participate in at any time during your trip. However, it is the perfect way to send your vacation off with a bang, which is why you should consider booking yours for your final night in Savannah.

Are there any combo available with boat tours in Savannah?

Savannah river boat cruise plus sightseeing trolley tour

On this combination Savannah city tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the destination from all angles.

Spend 1.5 hours journeying around the city on a historic trolley learning about how the city has grown over the past 300 years from your professional guide. You’ll pass by the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, which stands almost 30 meters tall and was built in the 19th century in a classic French Gothic style.

Visit the iconic City Market, which sells a wide range of artisanal goods and fresh produce, as well as Forsyth Park, and the Historic District. Follow your city tour with a boat trip along the Savannah River, stopping at the Historic River Street and Old Fort Jackson.

Are boat tours in Savannah safe?

Boat tours in Savannah, Georgia operate along the Savannah River, making for a gentle ride. Because of this, even those with back problems and pregnant women can participate with confidence.

Your excursion will be run by an experienced captain and licensed crew meaning there’s no need to worry about the safety of yourself or your loved ones while aboard.

Are children allowed?

Children of all ages are welcome to participate in a boat tour in Savannah, Georgia. However, it’s worth noting that infants will usually be required to sit on their parent's laps.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Riverboat tours in Savannah, Georgia require good weather in order to operate. If you’re unlucky enough for your tour to fall during a storm or other poor weather conditions, your excursion will be rebooked for another day. If this doesn’t suit you, you can request a full refund from your tour provider instead.

Travel tips

While riverboat cruises in Savannah, Georgia are known to be relatively tranquil, those who suffer from seasickness should pack the appropriate medication to take with them, just in case.
If you’re considering a tour that includes a meal, inform your operator of any dietary requirements or allergies upon booking.
Boarding typically begins up to an hour before your boat sets sail so ensure you aim to arrive early. This will also help you avoid being left behind in case of bad traffic or missed transportation connections.
There is no dress code for boat tours in Savannah, Georgia. Some people prefer to dress up if they’re participating in a dinner cruise, while others opt for substance over style by dressing in warm layers.

Boat Tours in Savannah, Georgia