Skip the crowded downtown parade and arrive by sea: this full-day St. Paddy’s Day boat trip from Savannah lands you on Daufuskie Island for a low-country parade, local food, and postcard marsh vistas. Read on for what to expect, what to pack, and why this coastal route is a standout holiday experience.
Skip the crowded downtown parade and arrive by sea: this full-day St. Paddy’s Day boat trip from Savannah lands you on Daufuskie Island for a low-country parade, local food, and postcard marsh vistas. Read on for what to expect, what to pack, and why this coastal route is a standout holiday experience.
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Operated by Savannah Cruise Company, LLC · Savannah, Georgia
Step aboard for St.Paddy’s Day | Arrive by Boat, a full-day parade and island excursion launched from 188 Old Tybee Rd in Savannah, Georgia. The experience flips the usual city-center celebration: instead of riverfront crowds, you cross salt marsh and tidal creeks to reach Daufuskie Island by boat, spending the day with an island parade, low-country flavors, and long views of the Carolina coast. Morning departure from the dock delivers that particular salt-air clarity: oyster beds and high marsh flats slip past the rails, and great live oaks draped in Spanish moss open as you approach Daufuskie’s shoreline. The island’s character is raw and intimate—tabby ruins and weathered cottages sit near undeveloped beaches, while the legacy of the Gullah community threads through local craft, food, and storytelling. Highlights of the day include an ambling parade along the island’s single main road, plenty of time to explore saltwater marsh vistas, and a chance to sample shrimp and oyster preparations with a low-country spin. For photographers, the contrast between bright parade colors and muted coastal palettes makes compelling frames. Practical details matter: the trip is a full day, with boat transfers, guided time ashore, and return runs timed around tides. Wear stable shoes for sandy or shell-strewn paths, and pack layers for wind that can stiffen on open water. The operator’s meeting point is 188 Old Tybee Rd, Savannah, GA 31410, USA, where crew handle boarding, safety briefings, and refreshments. What makes this outing special is the combination of festival energy and coastal quiet: you arrive by sea to an island that resists commercial sprawl, offering human-scale celebration framed by marsh, salt wind, and historic traces. For visitors to Savannah who want the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with an outdoor edge, this full-day parade to Daufuskie is a memorable way to celebrate on the Georgia coast. The trip suits couples, small groups, and families who can manage a few short walks and are comfortable with boat transfers. Guides share island lore, point out migratory birds, and explain sensitive habitats so visitors can enjoy with light footprint. Expect stops for local vendors and a relaxed pace that leaves room for spontaneous discoveries, from a small artist’s studio under oaks to a quiet shell bar. Safety and sustainability are front of mind: crews monitor tides and weather, and operators encourage Leave No Trace practices to protect nesting shorebirds and eelgrass beds. Bookings move fast for holiday sailings, so reserve early, bring necessary ID, and plan for reduced cell coverage once ashore.
moderate.
6–8 hours.
Light walking on uneven sandy or shell-strewn paths; able to board a small passenger boat and stand for short periods.
Boarding begins at 188 Old Tybee Rd, Savannah, GA 31410; arrive early for check-in and safety briefing.
This is a full-day trip, typically 6–8 hours including boat transfers and time ashore on Daufuskie Island.
Yes—families are welcome; expect short walks on sandy terrain and boat transfers suitable for children who can follow basic safety instructions.
Refreshments may be available at boarding and vendors are typically on the island; bringing water and snacks is recommended.
Boat and island terrain include docks and sandy paths; accessibility is limited—contact the operator to discuss specific needs.
Bring government ID for check-in if required and your booking confirmation; some operators enforce identification for all passengers.
Daufuskie Island retains strong Gullah cultural ties and visible tabby ruins from the Sea Island plantation era.
The marshes and eelgrass beds are fragile; operators emphasize Leave No Trace and discourage trampling of sensitive shoreline habitats.
Savannah Cruise Company, LLC operates curated boat experiences in and around Savannah, Georgia, offering both scheduled day trips and private charters. The operator runs a Day Trip ferry to Daufuskie Island and a lineup of private party boat cruises tailored for celebrations, group outings, and sightseeing. Signature offerings include a lively two-hour party cruise through Savannah’s river and marsh corridor—complete with music, games, a BYOB policy, complimentary snacks, and staged photo opportunities—and private cruises enhanced with charcuterie options and wildlife-focused routes for dolphin and pink bird sightings. Boats feature private amenities designed for comfort and memorable photo-ops while the professional, friendly crew focuses on guest experience and safety. Routes cover Savannah’s historic waterfront, coastal riverscape, and the approach to Daufuskie Island, giving passengers repeated chances to see dolphins and coastal birdlife. The company provides scheduled ferry service for island transfers and customizable private charters for birthdays, corporate events, and special occasions. Reservations are available for both public day trips and private bookings, with straightforward booking and clear pre-departure information. Savannah Cruise Company, LLC emphasizes local knowledge, dependable schedules, and an emphasis on creating fun, social experiences on the water. The combination of island ferry service, party atmosphere, and wildlife-focused sightseeing positions the operator as a practical choice for visitors and locals looking for a memorable Savannah river experience.
Book with Savannah Cruise Company, LLC