Where does the boat dock in Savannah?

The Spirit of Harbour Town docks at 502 East River Street, Savannah, GA 31401, right in the heart of the festivities.

Is seating guaranteed onboard?

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis in both indoor and outdoor areas, so arriving early helps secure your preference.

Are food and drinks included?

The cruise offers drinks and snacks available for purchase; festive St. Patrick’s-themed beverages are featured.

Are coolers or large bags allowed?

No coolers, backpacks, book bags, or large purses are permitted onboard or within designated parade areas in Savannah.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please check with the booking provider for their specific cancellation terms as they may vary.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?

The vessel and event are not wheelchair accessible at this time.

Experience Savannah’s Legendary St. Patrick’s Day Parade Cruise from Hilton Head Island

Every March, Savannah, Georgia bursts into life with the nation’s second-largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration, drawing more than 350,000 spirited revelers to its storied streets. This unique cruise experience offers a seamless and stylish way to join in the fun without the hassle of driving or parking, starting from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Aboard the Spirit of Harbour Town, a heated and air-conditioned passenger yacht, travelers glide through the intracoastal waterways in comfort, relaxing on either the climate-controlled cabin or the open-air top deck as they head to the heart of Savannah’s celebration. The cruise departs early morning from 149 Lighthouse Rd., Hilton Head Island, at 8:00 a.m., delivering passengers to Savannah’s bustling River Street by 9:45 a.m. From here, you get six full hours immersed in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. River Street is a lively hub where the parade kicks off at 10:15 a.m., winding through the historic district. Alongside the excitement of watching the parade, visitors can enjoy an array of experiences — savor savory Southern cuisine, soak up live music, and explore countless vendors and pubs draped in Irish green. After a day steeped in celebration, the vessel returns at 4:15 p.m., cruising back to Hilton Head Island with arrival time estimated around 6:00 p.m. Throughout the journey, the Spirit of Harbour Town offers a full-service bar with festive St. Patrick’s themed drinks, including Irish whiskey and Bailey’s coffee favorites, alongside a selection of snacks. Clean and comfortable restrooms onboard enhance convenience, allowing everyone to truly relax and enjoy the ride. This cruise stands out as a rare opportunity to combine the charm of two coastal gems — the beachside tranquility of Hilton Head and the vibrant cultural burst of Savannah’s parade. It offers a stress-free alternative to crowded city parking and traffic, making it perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo adventurers keen on celebrating Irish heritage with style. Visitors should note the no-cooler and no-large bag policy aboard the vessel and within Savannah’s parade zones, so packing light is essential. The cruise’s moderate duration suits a range of travelers, giving an excellent blend of adventure, culture, and comfort. From the peaceful boat ride through marshland waterways to the electric atmosphere of Savannah’s streets, this St. Patrick’s Day experience captures the spirited soul of the South’s most festive city celebration.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

9–10 hours total.

Fitness level

Suitable for most fitness levels, minimal physical exertion aside from walking in Savannah.

Wildlife

Dolphins spotted occasionally in the intracoastal waters en route.
Wading birds such as herons and egrets along the shoreline marshes.

History

Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration honors the city’s rich Irish heritage dating back to the 18th century, with the parade itself established over 200 years ago.

Conservation

The cruise operates with a commitment to minimizing environmental impact on the sensitive intracoastal ecosystem, encouraging guests to follow leave-no-trace practices.

Vagabond Cruise operates a diverse fleet from Hilton Head Island, offering narrated wildlife excursions, specialty dining cruises, private charters, and seasonal holiday sailings. Flagship vessels include the Tammy Jane, Spirit of Harbour Town, Solaris, Vagabond, and the historic Stars & Stripes, each tailored for experiences ranging from two-hour crabbing and shrimping expeditions to multi-hour trips to Daufuskie Island and Savannah. Guests can choose guaranteed dolphin encounters on ocean and estuary cruises, relaxed sandbar sunbathing charters, intimate Solaris private charters for up to ten guests, or festive themed sailings such as fireworks dinners, holiday brunches, and the Gregg Russell Bubble Gum Cruise. Dining options feature Lowcountry menus and plated dinners crafted by award-winning chefs, buffet brunches, and specialty Gullah Geechee cuisine, with indoor climate-controlled cabins and open-air decks available. Educational offerings include narrated naturalist sunset dolphin cruises, stargazing sessions with “Bill the Sky Guy,” and paranormal ghost tours led by local experts. The company highlights hands-on marine experiences—baiting crab pots, hauling shrimp nets, and sorting fresh Carolina shrimp—designed for families and curious travelers. Safety and professional service are provided by experienced captains and trained crew, with full-service bars and private tables on select vessels. Vagabond Cruise partners with Sea Pines Resort for catering on exclusive Solaris charters and coordinates holiday events throughout the season. With a broad calendar of daily and special-event sailings, Vagabond Cruise delivers reliable, locally rooted maritime adventures across the Lowcountry. Bookings are available online with flexible options for groups, families, and private celebrations and seasonal themed departures.

Base locationHilton Head Island, South Carolina

Tours offered68+

Specialtyboat-charters

StewardshipLeave No Trace

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