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Glide across the waters from St. Simons Island to Jekyll Island’s enchanting Holly Jolly Lights on this festive sunset ferry tour. Discover a unique holiday adventure blending coastal beauty, historic charm, and seasonal magic.
Glide across the waters from St. Simons Island to Jekyll Island’s enchanting Holly Jolly Lights on this festive sunset ferry tour. Discover a unique holiday adventure blending coastal beauty, historic charm, and seasonal magic.
Book with Anchor Excursions
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Anchor Excursions · St. Simons Island, Georgia
Set along Georgia’s scenic coastline, the Ferry to Holly Jolly Lights offers an unforgettable way to experience the festive spirit at Jekyll Island. Departing from Gascoigne Bluff on St. Simons Island, this three-hour adventure combines a serene ferry ride with a self-guided holiday lights tour through Jekyll Island’s historic district. As the sun dips below the horizon, travelers glide across tranquil waters, watching the sky ignite with warm colors before arriving at one of the southeast’s most charming seasonal celebrations.
Jekyll Island, part of the Georgia Coast’s Golden Isles, is known for its rich history, diverse wildlife, and unspoiled beaches. This ferry tour provides a front-row seat to the area’s natural beauty as you cross St. Simons Sound. The ride itself feels like a breath of salty air, with gentle breezes and panoramic views of marshland and maritime forests. Once docked, guests receive a specially curated walking tour map approved by the Jekyll Island Authority, guiding them through the illuminating Holly Jolly Lights display scattered around the island’s historic district.
The lights display is a festive collection of vibrant holiday decorations set against the backdrop of Jekyll Island’s historic cottages and live oaks draped with Spanish moss. This creates a cozy, magical atmosphere perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Onboard, light refreshments and holiday-themed entertainment including music and programs keep spirits high as you sail. Travelers are encouraged to bundle up and bring a light jacket or blanket to stay warm during the crisp evening ferry ride.
This experience stands out for its blend of natural coastal beauty and festive holiday charm, creating a unique way to celebrate the season while exploring an area rich in Southern heritage. The historically significant Jekyll Island, established as a National Historic Landmark District, has long welcomed travelers seeking a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural richness, and this ferry tour embodies that tradition in a modern, family-friendly way.
Whether you’re visiting nearby St. Simons Island or seeking a festive outing with a twist, the Ferry to Holly Jolly Lights is a distinctive holiday excursion. It’s a chance to savor golden hour views on the water, explore charming historic streets by twinkling lights, and feel the warmth of community celebration set against a coastal Georgia backdrop.
Nearby City: St. Simons Island, Georgia
Slug: magical-sunset-ferry-to-jekyll-islands-holly-jolly-lights-experience
Excerpt: Glide across the waters from St. Simons Island to Jekyll Island’s enchanting Holly Jolly Lights on this festive sunset ferry tour. Discover a unique holiday adventure blending coastal beauty, historic charm, and seasonal magic.
easy.
3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking with gentle terrain on the island guided tour.
The ticket price includes the ferry ride, light refreshments onboard, holiday entertainment, and a self-guided walking tour map for the Holly Jolly Lights.
The entire experience lasts approximately three hours, including ferry transit and time to explore the lights on foot.
Yes, but children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult during the entire trip.
Yes, the ferry and main areas of the light tour are accessible; however, some outdoor paths might have uneven terrain.
Pets are not permitted on the ferry or during the lights tour for safety and comfort of all guests.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance online as space is limited and to ensure availability.
Jekyll Island has been a significant site since colonial times and was later a private retreat for America’s wealthiest families, now preserved as a National Historic Landmark District.
The Jekyll Island Authority actively promotes sustainable tourism by protecting native habitats and encouraging eco-friendly visitor practices.
Anchor Excursions operates out of St. Simons Island, Georgia, offering scenic boat services and curated cruises across the Golden Isles. The company runs a 49-passenger ferry for scheduled crossings between Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island and seasonal special-event sailings aboard the passenger vessel Emmeline. Signature offerings include sunset BYOB cruises, a Golden Isles History and Ecology Tour, music-focused Jam and Reggae cruises, a weekly First Friday ferry between Brunswick and local events, a popular Thursday night Hibachi Sunset Cruise, Fourth of July fireworks sailings, and holiday transfers to Jekyll Island's Holly Jolly Lights. Tours emphasize local sights—St. Simons Sound, marshland views, and opportunities to spot dolphins—while providing relaxed, ticketed departures and onboard amenities appropriate for each experience. Anchor Excursions partners with local musicians, chefs, and event organizers to stage themed evenings such as live reggae with RASTAR and hibachi-style dinners on Emmeline. The ferry’s 49-passenger capacity supports comfortable crossings and reduces parking and traffic hassles for attendees traveling between islands or downtown Brunswick. Safety and guest experience are prioritized through scheduled departures, clear meeting locations, and professional crew operations. Reservations and event-specific details are available through official booking channels and third-party listings. As a locally based operator in the Golden Isles, Anchor Excursions provides a practical, scenic way to access island attractions and curated waterfront events while highlighting regional culture, history, and ecology. Ticketed events list pricing and departure points on the company's booking page and authorized partners; capacity and schedule vary by season. Advance reservations are recommended online.
Book with Anchor Excursions