Join Amelia River Cruises for a 1.5-hour voyage across Nassau Sound to Cumberland Island, revealing its wild horses, salt marshes, and historic ruins—all in one scenic tour. Perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; no strenuous activity required
Wildlife
History
Cumberland Island was once a playground for wealthy industrialists, but today remains a largely untouched refuge, with its historic ruins and native horses drawing visitors from around the world.
Conservation
Amelia River Cruises emphasizes eco-friendly practices, ensuring their tours support the preservation of Cumberland Island’s fragile environments and native wildlife.
Amelia River Cruises
Join Amelia River Cruises for a 1.5-hour voyage across Nassau Sound to Cumberland Island, revealing its wild horses, salt marshes, and historic ruins—all in one scenic tour. Perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Amelia River Cruises operates out of Fernandina Beach, Florida, offering guided boat tours that showcase the region’s coastal ecosystems, maritime history, and wildlife. The company runs a variety of excursions, including hands-on educational trips like the Shrimping Eco Tour in Tiger Basin, scenic outings such as the Cumberland Sound Sunset and Cumberland Coastal Tour, extended explorations like the Cumberland Island Tour, and adult-focused experiences including the Adult Twilight BYOB Cruise. Amelia River Cruises also hosts seasonal and fundraising events, notably the Right Whale Festival Fundraiser scheduled for November 2, 2025.
Each tour is described with clear itineraries and learning opportunities that highlight local history, estuary ecology, and observations of dolphins, manatees, nesting sea turtles, wading birds, and the island’s wild horses. Boats depart from Fernandina Beach and travel around Cumberland Island and nearby waterways, providing views of salt marshes, shrimp boats, historic sites connected to the Carnegie and Rockefeller families, and National Seashore landscapes. The fleet offers family-friendly one-hour and longer 1.5- to 2.5-hour options, as well as adults-only evening cruises with live music. Safety, guest education, and respect for wildlife are emphasized, with interactive elements like an on-board aquarium and hands-on net deployment during the shrimping tour. Visitors can choose cruises by duration, theme, or audience—families, history seekers, nature enthusiasts, or adults seeking relaxation—making Amelia River Cruises a focused operator for memorable, informative outings from Fernandina Beach.
Booking details, schedules, and seasonal availability are listed on the business's official site; reservations are recommended for popular tours and special events.
Location
Fernandina Beach, FL
Departures from a scenic coastal town
Tours Offered
6 Tours
Range of family and adult cruises
Special Event
Nov 2, 2025
Right Whale Festival Fundraiser date
Family-Friendly
All Ages
Options suitable for every generation
Select the Shrimping Eco Tour, sunset cruise, or adult BYOB evening—and secure a spot from Fernandina Beach now.
Bring Sun Protection
Wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to stay comfortable during the open water parts of the tour.
Dress for the Weather
Light, quick-drying clothing is recommended, especially during warmer months when humidity is high.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure to check in and find your spot.
Bring Binoculars
A pair of binoculars enhances wildlife viewing, especially for spotting wild horses and wading birds.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin during extended exposure to the sun on open decks.
summer
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife sightings, especially for distant birds and horses.
Hat and Sunglasses
Helps shield your eyes from the sun during the tour.
all
Light Waterproof Jacket
Useful for sudden rain showers, especially in transitional seasons.
spring|fall