How long is the crossing?

Transit time is approximately 2 hours each way; plan for roughly 4 hours round-trip on a typical schedule.

When should I arrive for check-in?

Guests are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure to allow time for parking and boarding.

Park in the Savannah Convention Center parking lot directly across from the marina; note that parking fees are managed by the Convention Center and may vary seasonally.

Are accessibility details provided?

Specific accessibility information is not listed in the operator’s description; contact the booking provider directly to confirm accommodations.

Can I bring food or drinks onboard?

Onboard inclusions vary by sailing; if not specified, bring light snacks and a refillable water bottle, and check the booking link for current policies.

What is the cancellation policy?

A cancellation policy is not provided in the listing; check the booking link or contact the operator for up-to-date terms.

Savannah to Hilton Head Ferry: Scenic Crossing from IGY Savannah Harbor to Capt.Sims Landing

From the drowsy moss-draped streets of Savannah to the sun-bleached pines of Hilton Head, the Savannah Ga - Hilton Head Sc ferry offers an unhurried coastal passage that feels more like a maritime mini-escape than a shuttle. Operated as a round-trip service by Setwake Savannah between IGY Savannah Harbor Marina and Capt.Sims Landing, the scheduled crossing takes approximately two hours each way and deposits you onshore ready to explore Broad Creek and Hilton Head Island’s beaches.

The route threads past barrier islands, tidal creeks and broad salt marshes where marsh grass ripples and brown pelicans cruise low over the water. Along the way you’ll pass working docks and oyster beds and can often spot bottlenose dolphins playing in the ferry’s wake. The vessel gives you a front-row seat to Georgia’s coastal ecology: live oaks draped in Spanish moss, stands of palmetto, and the slow-moving estuary that defines the Lowcountry shoreline.

Practical details are straightforward. Guests are asked to arrive 30 minutes before departure; parking is most convenient in the Savannah Convention Center parking lot, directly across from the marina, though note that parking fees are managed by the Convention Center and can change seasonally. If you use rideshare, drop-off near the EmmaJames apartment complex gives direct access to the marina bridge. Your captain meets passengers at the marina gate and escorts you aboard.

Why choose the ferry? For one, it turns transit into part of the adventure. Instead of driving coastal highways and bridges, you get a relaxed waterborne approach with time to scan shorebirds, sip coffee on deck, and recover from the city buzz. It’s also a practical choice for visitors staying in Savannah who want a low-stress way to visit Hilton Head without the logistics of rental cars and bridge crossings.

Bring binoculars, a windproof layer, and a charged camera: light is exceptional at golden hour when marshes glow and pelicans silhouette against the sky. Onboard amenities vary by sailing; check the booking link for current inclusions. The crossing is family-friendly and accessible to most travelers; specific accessibility details are not listed and should be confirmed in advance.

This ferry connects two distinct coastal cultures—Savannah’s colonial streets and Hilton Head’s island rhythms—across a corridor defined by tides, salt, and birdflight. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a beach day, or simply a slower commute, the Savannah Ga - Hilton Head Sc ferry makes the water the best route between destinations.

Savannah was founded in 1733, and these waterways have long carried trade, shrimpers, and ferry traffic that shaped the Lowcountry’s economy and culture. Check sailing times ahead and bring layered clothing—the wind off the estuary can sharpen in minutes—so you can focus on the view, not the weather.

About Setwake Savannah

Setwake Savannah connects Savannah and Daufuskie Island with curated boat shuttles, guided cultural tours, private charters, rental vehicles, and coastal experiences. The operator runs scheduled arrival and departure shuttles between Savannah and Daufuskie Island alongside scenic 45-minute boat transfers that eliminate luggage and parking hassles. Cultural programming includes the Daufuskie Island History & Modern Traditions experience led by the Simmons family, a four‑hour guided tour through Gullah heritage, artisan visits, and island storytelling. For visitors who prefer flexibility, 2023 EZ‑GO 4‑passenger gas golf carts are available for day and overnight rentals with lights and fuel included for island exploration. Marine adventures feature dolphin tour excursions, a two‑hour Savannah Breeze sunset cruise, and Captain's Guest private charters that range six to eight hours for fully tailored days at sea. Corporate and celebration offerings include the “It’s after 5’Oclk” private evening picnic cruise guided by a certified USCG captain, plus Weekend Warrior packages that bundle round‑trip transport, golf cart rental, live music, and island lawn games. Port enthusiasts can choose a Port of Savannah operational tour to observe cargo operations and longshore work in action. An exclusive travel dashboard streamlines departures for select travelers seeking elevated service. Safety and local knowledge are emphasized through experienced captains, modern vessels, and partnerships with island artisans and community leaders. Guests benefit from convenient pick‑up and drop‑off at County Dock, straightforward bookings, and a range of private and group options tailored to leisure travelers, corporate groups, and cultural visitors. Reservations are recommended during peak season year-round.