Eight Hours on the Edge of the Atlantic: Savannah’s Private Charter That Lets You Call the Shots
Up to 18 passengers • Chart your own course!
The morning tide slides into the marsh like a quiet dare, folding silver light into the green of spartina. From the dock at Bull River Marina, the water looks eager—shoulders squared, ready to run. You step aboard, coolers stowed, sunglasses on, and the captain eases the throttle forward. The Lowcountry opens like a map you get to draw: oyster-lined creeks, wide sounds, and a bold seam of Atlantic horizon. An 8-hour private charter with captain out of Savannah isn’t a point-A-to-B tour. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure—one that moves with the tide and lets you shape the day.
Trail Wisdom
Build Your Day Around the Tide
Incoming tide often means cleaner water and better wildlife viewing; low tide reveals sandbars but tightens creek navigation. Ask your captain to plan key stops accordingly.
Sun Strategy Wins
Wear UPF layers, polarized sunglasses, and reapply reef-safe sunscreen every 90 minutes—reflected glare doubles exposure on open water.
Coolers: Right-Size Them
Bring one efficient cooler for drinks/snacks and a small one for any fish; oversized coolers eat deck space and shift underway.
Secure The Small Stuff
Use a dry bag for phones, wallets, and cameras and keep straps on anything you don’t want the wind or wake to claim.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Romerly Marsh back creeks at mid-tide for mirror-calm water and birdlife
- •Little Tybee’s south-facing sandbar on a low, slack tide for shelling and solitude
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Roseate spoonbills
Conservation Note
Oyster reefs here stabilize shorelines and filter water—don’t walk on live beds, and use no-wake speeds near rookeries to reduce disturbance.
Fort Pulaski’s 1862 siege proved the power of rifled artillery, reshaping coastal defenses overnight; these waters also sit within the Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildlife viewing, Calm mornings
Challenges: Variable temps, Pollen and breezy afternoons
Mild weather and active dolphins make spring a prime time; mornings are smooth and clear, with rising winds in the afternoon.
summer
Best for: Warm water swimming, Family outings
Challenges: High heat/UV, Pop-up thunderstorms
Long days and warm water are ideal for sandbar stops—just plan shade, hydration, and a flexible route for storm dodging.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Photography
Challenges: Shortening daylight, Occasional nor’easters
Crisp air, golden marsh, and clearer water make fall the sweet spot for scenery and smooth rides.
winter
Best for: Quiet waterways, Birding
Challenges: Cold wind chill, Short days
Fewer boats and excellent birdlife reward layered-up travelers; expect brisk rides and an early sunset.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Cuts glare, helps you spot wildlife and sandbars, and reduces eye strain on bright water.
UPF Sun Hoodie or Long SleeveEssential
Lightweight coverage beats harsh coastal UV and keeps you cooler than bare skin.
Waterproof Dry Bag (10–20L)Essential
Protects phones, wallets, and cameras from spray and sudden squalls.
Non-Slip Boat Shoes or Water Shoes
Improves deck grip and comfort during a full day on the water.
Common Questions
Can we choose our route and stops?
Yes. This is a private charter with a licensed captain—work with the captain to tailor stops like Little Tybee, Fort Pulaski views, sandbars, or wildlife hotspots based on tide and weather.
Is fishing allowed on this charter?
Yes—bring appropriate gear and a small cooler. If you plan to fish, confirm licensing needs in advance; some vessels carry for-hire permits that cover guests, but others require individual Georgia saltwater licenses.
Is there a restroom on board?
Restroom availability varies by vessel and group size. Ask at booking to ensure the assigned boat meets your needs.
What’s the policy on food and drinks?
BYO snacks and beverages are encouraged; coolers are provided for onboard use. Pack non-glass containers and avoid oversized coolers to keep deck space safe.
How does weather affect the trip?
The captain monitors conditions and may adjust the route, seek lee shores, or reschedule for safety in case of storms, strong winds, or lightning.
What about gratuity?
A 20% gratuity for the captain and crew is required and can be given in cash at the end or added via credit card upon arrival.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses for glare and wildlife spotting; UPF sun hoodie for all-day UV protection; compact dry bag to shield phones and cameras from spray; electrolyte drinks to beat the heat and keep you steady through an 8-hour day.
Did You Know
Georgia safeguards roughly one-third of the remaining salt marsh along the U.S. East Coast under the Marshlands Protection Act of 1970, making this coastline one of the most intact in the nation.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 20–30 minutes early to park, load coolers, and review the plan with your captain; Check tide tables and align your must-do stop (like a sandbar) with low water; Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a lightweight windbreaker—summer squalls are common; If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication 30–60 minutes before departure.
Local Flavor
Post-charter, head to The Wyld Dock Bar for marsh-view plates and a cold local beer, or grab a pile of peel-and-eat shrimp at Desposito’s. On Tybee, North Beach Bar & Grill keeps it casual near the lighthouse. Back in Savannah, Service Brewing Co. pours solid ales a short hop from the riverfront.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV); Marina: Bull River Marina, ~25 minutes from downtown Savannah; Cell service: Generally good on the ICW, spotty near remote bars and ocean side; Permits: No general permit to ride—confirm fishing licenses if angling; Parking: On-site at marina; Group size: Up to 18.
Sustainability Note
Protect this living coastline: use reef-safe sunscreen, pack out all trash, idle through marsh creeks to reduce wake erosion, and never walk on live oyster beds or disturb nesting birds.