Tides, Toasts, and Barrier Islands: A Private Boat Day Off Savannah
Up to 18 passengers • Chart your own course across Savannah’s tidal playground
The morning tide leans seaward, tugging the spartina like a gentle conductor. Pelicans patrol the Bull River in single file, wings carving shadows across the deck. You step aboard and the boat rises to meet you—steady, ready—while the salt air wakes your skin. A captain gives a nod, the throttle hums, and Savannah’s marshes slip past like green corduroy. Out here, the water doesn’t wait. It invites. It dares you to pick a direction, then rewards you for committing.
Trail Wisdom
Time Your Tide
For beach walking and shelling, aim for low to mid-tide windows to expose sandbars and increase your shark tooth odds.
Pack Polarized
Polarized sunglasses cut glare so you can spot dolphins, rays, and shallow bars before you step off the boat.
Mind the Sun
Coastal sun reflects off water—use reef-safe SPF, a brimmed hat, and reapply often, especially in summer.
Secure the Small Stuff
Bring a small dry bag for phones and wallets; spray and wake can soak unprotected gear quickly.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Backside sandbars on Little Tybee Island exposed at mid to low tide
- •Cockspur Island’s views toward the historic lighthouse at the mouth of the Savannah River
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Brown pelicans
Conservation Note
Sea turtles nest on these beaches—avoid marked dunes and keep a respectful distance from all wildlife. Pack out every scrap of trash and never take live shells.
Savannah’s barrier islands sheltered maritime trade routes for centuries; nearby Cockspur Island Lighthouse was first lit in the 1850s to guide ships into the Savannah River.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temps, Dolphin sightings
Challenges: Pollen, Occasional breezy fronts
Fresh, comfortable days with warming water and lively wildlife activity; great for mixed plans of cruising and beach time.
summer
Best for: Sandbar lounging, Swimming
Challenges: Heat and humidity, Pop-up afternoon storms
Prime beach weather with long daylight; plan earlier or later departures and pack extra water and sun protection.
fall
Best for: Calmer seas, Golden light
Challenges: Tropical systems, Shorter days by late season
Reliable boating conditions, warm water, and crisp sunsets—arguably the best overall window for this charter.
winter
Best for: Quiet beaches, Moody photography
Challenges: Cool winds, Chilly water
Peaceful creeks and empty strands; bring layers and expect fewer crowds and a contemplative pace.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Cuts glare to help you spot wildlife and shallow features while reducing eye strain on bright days.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen (SPF 30+)Essential
Protects your skin and the marine environment during long, reflective hours on the water.
Water Shoes or Sandals with Grip
Useful for stepping onto shell-strewn sandbars and slippery boat ramps.
Small Dry Bag
Keeps phones, wallets, and cameras protected from spray and shifting decks.
Common Questions
How many people can the boat accommodate?
Up to 18 passengers can join this private charter, making it ideal for groups, wedding parties, and family outings.
Is alcohol allowed on board?
Yes, adults of legal drinking age may bring their own beverages. The marina store also sells a selection of drinks and supplies.
Is gratuity included in the price?
No. A 20% gratuity for the captain and crew is required and can be given in cash at the end or added by card at check-in.
Can we swim or get out on a beach?
Yes, conditions permitting. Your captain will recommend safe spots for swimming, wading, shelling, and beach walks based on tides and weather.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
The captain monitors conditions closely. If unsafe weather develops, the itinerary may be adjusted or the trip rescheduled according to safety policies.
What should we bring?
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, polarized sunglasses, a towel, and a small dry bag. Optional items include motion-sickness tablets and water shoes.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses to cut harsh glare on open water; Reef-safe sunscreen and a brimmed hat for all-day sun; Small dry bag to protect phones and wallets from spray; Water shoes for shell-strewn sandbars and slippery docks.
Did You Know
Georgia’s coast spans roughly 100 miles and includes 14 barrier islands—most of them uninhabited and protected, creating one of the largest intact salt marsh ecosystems on the U.S. East Coast.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 20 minutes early to load coolers and discuss your route with the captain; Check tide times if you’re aiming for sandbars or shelling; Bring cash for gratuity and small marina purchases; In summer, book a morning or late-afternoon slot to avoid peak heat.
Local Flavor
After your charter, swing by Coco’s Sunset Grille on Lazaretto Creek for peel-and-eat shrimp and a golden-hour view, or head to The Wyld Dock Bar on the Herb River for Lowcountry plates and a breezy dockside vibe. Craving classic coastal kitsch? The Crab Shack on Tybee serves big platters under twinkling lights with raccoons and gators for company—very local, very fun.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV). Departure: Bull River Marina, ~20–25 minutes from Savannah’s Historic District by car. Cell service: Generally reliable near the river and islands, with occasional dead zones. Permits: None for the charter; BYO alcohol allowed for 21+. Gratuity: 20% required for captain and crew.
Sustainability Note
These marshes are nurseries for shrimp, crab, and fish. Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid stepping on oyster beds, pack out all trash, and keep at least 50 yards from dolphins and nesting shorebirds.