Chasing Current: A Savannah River Jet Ski Run to the New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam
A fast, guided run to one of Georgia’s most historic river landmarks—small groups, big views, and up to three riders per ski.
The river wakes early. It exhales mist across the dark water and dares you to loosen your grip on the dock’s last slat. The throttle hums, a low invitation, and then you’re off—planing across the Savannah River with the current nudging your bow and the shoreline sliding past in a blur of willow and cypress. The city of Augusta lingers upriver, but down here the water has the final word. Pelicans shoulder the breeze. An osprey draws a clean line across the sky. And in the distance, a silhouette resolves: gates and concrete, history and hydraulics—the New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam, one of Georgia’s most storied river works.
Trail Wisdom
Mind the No-Wake Zones
Approach the lock and dam at idle speed and follow your guide’s spacing. The river’s hydraulics intensify near structures.
Secure Your Phone
Use the provided floating case and tether it to a PFD strap. Spray and speed make drops more likely than you think.
Dress to Get Splashed
Quick-dry layers or a swimsuit with a rash guard keeps you comfortable as wind and water cool you at speed.
Respect the Current
The Savannah’s flow can shove you sideways. Keep eyes up, throttle smoothly, and steer with your hips and shoulders.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Phinizy Swamp Nature Park boardwalks at sunrise for birding and big-sky reflections
- •Brick Pond Park in North Augusta for an easy post-ride leg-stretch and wildlife viewing
Wildlife
Great blue heron, Osprey
Conservation Note
Wake discipline reduces bank erosion and protects nesting birds. Pack out all trash, avoid fueling on the water, and give wildlife wide berth.
Built in 1937 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam maintained a navigable pool to Augusta; commercial traffic waned by the late 20th century, shifting focus to recreation and fish passage.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temps, Lower boat traffic
Challenges: Cooler water, Variable storms
Expect crisp mornings, warming afternoons, and fast-moving showers. Layers help, and timing around weather windows pays off.
summer
Best for: Warm water, Long daylight
Challenges: High heat, Busier river
Peak season for splash-and-go fun. Hydrate well, plan earlier or later rides, and use sun protection liberally.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Clear light
Challenges: Shorter days, Cooler evenings
A sweet-spot season with golden light and calmer traffic. Bring a light layer for the return run.
winter
Best for: Quiet water, Crisp visibility
Challenges: Cold air temps, Limited departures
Rides can be brisk and less frequent. Only for those comfortable in cold conditions with proper thermal layers.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Water Shoes with GripEssential
Secure footing in the footwells and on wet docks makes mounting and dismounting safer.
Polarized Sunglasses with RetainerEssential
Cuts glare to spot floating debris and improves visibility while reducing eye fatigue.
Rash Guard or Quick-Dry Long Sleeve
Adds sun protection and comfort when windchill kicks in at speed.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen (Water-Resistant)Essential
Protects skin without adding slick residue to grips or harming the river ecosystem.
Common Questions
Do I need prior jet ski experience?
No. A thorough safety and operation briefing is provided before departure, and your guide sets an easy pace with practice time.
What’s the weight limit and capacity per jet ski?
Each jet ski holds up to 3 people with a combined maximum of 600 pounds to ensure stability and performance.
Is a boating license required in Georgia to operate a PWC?
Georgia requires those born on or after January 1, 1998 to complete an approved boater education course to operate a PWC. On guided tours, you’ll receive a detailed safety briefing and your guide manages the route; bring a government-issued ID.
Can kids ride as passengers?
Yes, if they properly fit a Coast Guard–approved life vest and can hold on securely. Confirm minimum age/height requirements when booking.
What if the weather turns bad?
Tours do not operate in lightning, high winds, or unsafe conditions. Operators will reschedule or refund according to current policy.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry layers and water shoes. Sunscreen and sunglasses help; life vests, goggles, and floating phone cases are provided.
What to Pack
Swimsuit or quick-dry layers for comfort at speed; water shoes for traction on wet docks and footwells; polarized sunglasses with strap to reduce glare and prevent loss; waterproof sunscreen to protect skin without slicking up grips.
Did You Know
Completed in 1937, the New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam features a 360-foot-long, 56-foot-wide lock chamber that once lifted barges approximately 13 feet toward Augusta.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and gear up; bring a government-issued ID for the rental paperwork; stash valuables in your car and use the provided floating phone case; plan a morning or late-afternoon departure to avoid peak heat and boat traffic.
Local Flavor
Toast the ride at Savannah River Brewing Co. with a local IPA, then refuel at Frog Hollow Tavern for farm-to-table plates or Sconyers Bar-B-Que for a classic Augusta spread. Stroll the Augusta Riverwalk to keep the river in view while you unwind.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Augusta Regional (AGS), ~20 minutes. Launch points are a short drive from downtown Augusta. Cell service is generally good but can fade in low river bends. No permits needed for guests on guided tours; bring a driver’s license and a credit card for incidentals.
Sustainability Note
Slow near shorelines to prevent erosion and avoid chasing wildlife; the Savannah is a shared resource—leave no trace on the water, pack out everything, and use reef-safe sunscreen.