Marsh Lines, Dolphin Trails: Captain Your Own Day on Savannah’s Henry O
3–8 hours • Up to 4 passengers • Be your own captain on Savannah’s tidal waterways
The morning tide slips in like a quiet accomplice, lifting the docks at Bull River with an easy breath. Egrets pick their way through the cordgrass as the river idles by, patient but insistent, daring you to come along. You step aboard the Henry O, a compact, clean-lined runabout built for easy days and quick decisions, and the marsh answers with a shimmer. The wheel fits in your hands; the water, glassy, looks ready to be written on.
Trail Wisdom
Let the Tide Set Your Schedule
Plan routes with the incoming tide for easier returns and sandbar stops at low tide when beaches are exposed.
Plot a Simple Circuit
A classic loop—Bull River to Lazaretto Creek to Back River and back—keeps navigation straightforward while maximizing scenery.
Mind No‑Wake Zones
Idle near docks, marinas, and dolphin hotspots to prevent shoreline erosion and ensure safe wildlife viewing.
Watch the Sky
Summer storms build quickly—check radar before launching and carry a light rain layer even on sunny mornings.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Cockspur Island Lighthouse at low tide for close-up views from the water
- •Back River sandbars near Little Tybee that emerge on a good low tide
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Ospreys (and occasionally bald eagles)
Conservation Note
Wake control protects fragile marsh edges and nesting shorebirds. Pack out all trash and give wildlife wide space—especially during spring and summer nesting.
Fort Pulaski near Cockspur Island helped prove the effectiveness of rifled cannons in the Civil War, reshaping military fort design along the coast.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temps, Active wildlife
Challenges: Blustery afternoon winds, Pollen and early gnats
Spring brings manageable heat and lively marsh life—prime for Little Tybee landings and long loops with friendly tides.
summer
Best for: Warm water swims, Long daylight
Challenges: Heat and humidity, Pop-up thunderstorms
Start early, finish by mid-afternoon, and build a storm buffer into plans; carry extra water and sun protection.
fall
Best for: Clear air and sunsets, Steady conditions
Challenges: Occasional coastal fronts, Shorter days by November
Fall is gold: stable weather, fewer bugs, and glassy evenings that make for easy navigation and stellar photography.
winter
Best for: Crowd-free waterways, Crystal visibility
Challenges: Chilly north winds, Short daylight
Dress in layers, pick calm days, and enjoy unobstructed views of birds and lighthouses with quiet creeks to yourself.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Cuts glare to spot channel edges, sandbars, and dolphins just beneath the surface.
UPF Sun Shirt + Reef-Safe SunscreenEssential
Blocks UV in peak months while protecting sensitive marsh ecosystems.
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Handles sea spray and surprise squalls without taking much space.
Waterproof Phone Case or Dry BagEssential
Keeps navigation apps and cameras safe when spray or rain kicks up.
Common Questions
Do I need a boating license to rent the Henry O?
A quick, 10-minute temporary certification is available on-site and valid for six months. The operator must have a valid driver’s license and be 21+.
How many people can the boat hold?
Up to 4 passengers comfortably, making it ideal for couples, small families, or a tight crew of friends.
Where can we go in a half day?
A popular 3–4 hour loop covers Bull River, Lazaretto Creek, and the Back River behind Tybee with a sandbar stop near Little Tybee, time-and-tide permitting.
Will we see dolphins?
Dolphin sightings are common in these waters, especially around creek mouths and rips, but they’re wild animals—no guarantees.
Can we fish from the boat?
Yes, but you’ll need a valid Georgia fishing license and must follow local regulations. Bring your own rods and tackle; coolers are allowed.
What happens if weather turns bad?
Check the forecast before launch; summer storms can develop quickly. The marina can advise on safe windows and may reschedule for unsafe conditions.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses for glare-cutting and spotting wildlife; reef-safe sunscreen and a UPF hat to beat coastal sun; a small dry bag to protect phones and wallets; extra water and electrolyte drinks to stay ahead of the heat.
Did You Know
Georgia’s coast contains roughly 400,000 acres of salt marsh—nearly one-third of all salt marsh along the U.S. Atlantic seaboard.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 20 minutes early to complete the 10-minute certification and load the boat; check tide tables and plan to ride the flood or ebb, not fight it; download an offline chart (e.g., Navionics) as a backup; bring a card for fuel and snacks at the marina shop.
Local Flavor
Post-cruise, hit Coco’s Sunset Grille near Lazaretto Creek for peel‑and‑eat shrimp and sunset views, or head back to Savannah for craft brews at Hop Atomica and elevated coastal plates at The Wyld Dock Bar. Tybee’s North Beach Bar & Grill delivers casual, sandy‑feet fare with a seabreeze soundtrack.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV). Launch: Bull River area east of Savannah. Drive time: ~20–25 minutes from downtown. Cell service: Generally good near Tybee and Wilmington River; can be spotty in back creeks. Permits: On-site temporary boat certification available; Georgia fishing license required if you plan to fish.
Sustainability Note
Marsh shorelines are erosion‑prone—observe no‑wake zones and avoid beaching on vegetated edges. Little Tybee is a sensitive preserve: pack out all trash, steer clear of bird rookeries, and use reef-safe sunscreen to reduce water impacts.