Join Amelia River Cruises on a captivating 2.5-hour journey through the waters around Cumberland Island. Discover wildlife, historic stories, and stunning coastal scenery in a relaxing vessel cruise perfect for all ages. Keep reading to find out what makes this adventure unforgettable.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; just bring a sense of curiosity and comfort on a boat.
Wildlife
History
Cumberland Island was once a bustling plantation and later a retreat for the Carnegies, leaving behind architecture and artifacts of its storied past.
Conservation
The island is protected land, with ongoing efforts to preserve its fragile ecosystems and historic sites, ensuring sustainable tourism that benefits local conservation initiatives.
Amelia River Cruises
Join Amelia River Cruises on a captivating 2.5-hour journey through the waters around Cumberland Island. Discover wildlife, historic stories, and stunning coastal scenery in a relaxing vessel cruise perfect for all ages. Keep reading to find out what makes this adventure unforgettable.
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 binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience by bringing binoculars for closer looks at dolphins and shorebirds.
Sun protection is key
Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay comfortable during the sunny outdoor deck time.
Dress for the weather
Check the forecast and dress in layers; conditions can change quickly on the water.
Arrive early
Get to the dock at least 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth boarding process and find a good spot.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from the sun during the outdoor deck time.
summer
Hat and sunglasses
Shield yourself from direct sunlight while enjoying the cruise.
summer
Binoculars
Enhance wildlife viewing, especially for distant shorebirds and dolphins.
Water
Stay hydrated during the trip, especially on warm days.