The Cumberland Island ferry offers more than a ride—it’s a passage into Georgia’s wildest coast, where locals and visitors alike find adventure and solitude. Discover why this ferry is the gateway to untouched trails, historic ruins, and coastal landscapes waiting to be explored.
Adventure Tips
Book Ferry Tickets Early
Reservations for the Cumberland Island ferry fill quickly, especially during spring and fall. Secure your spots well in advance to ensure access on your preferred day.
Wear Durable Footwear
Trails combine soft sand and exposed roots, requiring shoes with good grip and ankle support to navigate comfortably over varied terrain.
Bring Plenty of Water
There are no services on the island, so carry ample water—at least two liters per person—to stay hydrated during hikes in warm weather.
Check Weather Ahead
The ferry can be canceled during severe weather or high winds. Review forecasts and ferry status before heading out to avoid unexpected disruptions.
From Locals To Visitors: Why Everyone Loves Cumberland Island Ferry In St. Marys, Georgia
Cumberland Island is a fiercely wild stronghold just off the coast of St. Marys, Georgia, and the ferry that connects island and mainland is the heartbeat of this adventure. From the moment the boat slides away from the dock, the salty breeze pushes forward your anticipation, and the water dares you to leave the everyday behind. Locals and visitors alike share a quiet understanding: this ferry isn’t just transport—it’s an entry to a raw, untamed world.
The ferry trip itself clocks in around 45 minutes, gliding through channels dotted with marsh grass that sways like shifting crowds, demanding a keen eye to spot the osprey or the occasional dolphin’s fleeting smile. The decks are open-air, allowing the occasional splash of Atlantic spray to remind travelers of the environment’s potent presence.
For those planning the trip, timing is crucial—depart early in the day to beat afternoon heat and maximize hike time once ashore. The island’s terrain is a mix of sandy trails and forested paths stretching about 17 miles end to end, with a moderate elevation gain rarely exceeding 100 feet, but uneven roots and sandy soil require sturdy footwear and steady footing. Expect to traverse quiet maritime forests where live oaks lean over the paths as if to whisper old stories, and windswept dunes where dunes meet waves with a salty kiss.
Hydration is essential: carry at least two liters per person, particularly in summer’s grip. The ferry schedule is fixed, so double-check times—missing the last boat back can extend your stay from serene day trip to a wild, unexpected overnight.
Beyond the practicality, the ferry symbolizes transition. Nature on Cumberland Island is fiercely itself—horses roam with casual authority, salt marshes pulse with life, and currents pull with quiet insistence. Engaging with the ferry ride means preparing for an adventure that honors respect for the environment’s power without trying to dominate it.
Whether a weekend escape or a longer excursion, the Cumberland Island ferry remains a step into simplicity paired with challenge. As the boat approaches the island’s dock, thick forest edge brushing the shoreline, the anticipation climbs again. Here, adventure waits—not as conquest, but as a shared dialogue with a landscape that commands reverence. This ferry is the gateway, and everyone who takes it feels that pull to explore, respect, and savor Cumberland Island’s fiercely beautiful world.
Nearby Trips
Adventures near St. Marys
Discover the unique and memorable adventures that make St. Marys special.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the ferry ride from St. Marys to Cumberland Island?
The ferry ride covers about 9 miles across the Cumberland Sound and typically takes around 45 minutes, providing scenic views of marshes and waterways along the way.
Are there any facilities available on Cumberland Island after arriving by ferry?
Facilities on the island are minimal. There are no shops or restaurants, so visitors should bring all food, water, and supplies needed for their visit, and pack out any trash.
Can I bring my bike or pet on the Cumberland Island ferry?
Bicycles are allowed but subject to space and must be secured on the ferry. Pets are generally not allowed on Cumberland Island to protect wildlife and natural habitats.
What wildlife might I encounter on Cumberland Island?
Visitors often see wild horses that roam freely, white-tailed deer, various shorebirds, and occasionally alligators in freshwater marsh areas. Respect for wildlife distance is important.
Is it better to hike the island in a loop or out-and-back from the ferry dock?
Many choose loop routes covering landmarks like the Plum Orchard Mansion and beaches, but early planning is essential due to distance and ferry schedules. Out-and-back hikes allow flexible timing.
Are there any lesser-known spots worth visiting on the island?
Yes. The ruins of the Dungeness Mansion offer a quiet, atmospheric stop, and the quiet Wild Horses Beach provides an intimate experience with the island’s free-roaming horses.
Recommended Gear
Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating sandy, root-filled paths with good traction and ankle support.
Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
Must have to maintain hydration, especially in hot or humid weather.
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Useful for unpredictable spring showers without adding bulk.
Sun Protection (hat, sunscreen)
Necessary for protection in exposed areas where tree cover is light.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "Dungeness Ruins – explore the remains of a historic mansion surrounded by sprawling oak forests."
- "Wild Horses Beach – a quieter stretch where horses often graze near the shore."
- "Brick Hill Trail – less trafficked forest path with a chance to see nesting birds."
Wildlife
- "Wild horses roam the island with a calm authority."
- "Marsh hawks patrol open saltwater marshes, alert and swift."
- "Raccoons and box turtles inhabit the forest floor."
History
"Cumberland Island was once home to the Carnegie family and served as a retreat for Georgia’s elite, leaving behind stately ruins and a rich heritage that blends with Native American and colonial histories."