River Cruises in Georgia

Journey Through the South's Hidden Waterways

From the cobblestone streets of Savannah to the wildlife-rich wetlands of the Low Country, Georgia offers an immersive river cruising experience filled with soulful music, warm hospitality, and unforgettable landscapes. As your boat glides down the Savannah River, you’ll uncover centuries-old port cities, Civil War sites, colonial architecture, and local cuisine steeped in soul and spice.

Ideal for travelers seeking a blend of comfort, culture, and slower-paced exploration, Georgia’s river cruises offer both short escapes and longer expeditions. Whether you're sipping peach wine at sunset or birdwatching in a wildlife refuge, each moment onboard captures the essence of Southern living.

Cruising the Savannah River: Georgia’s Iconic Waterway

Savannah

The gateway to Georgia river cruising, Savannah is one of the most beloved cities in the South. With its well-preserved historic district, antebellum architecture, and leafy public squares, Savannah is an atmospheric starting point. Enjoy a pre-cruise stroll along River Street, dine on fresh-caught shrimp and grits, or take a carriage ride through oak-lined boulevards. Cruise itineraries often allow time to explore Forsyth Park, the Mercer-Williams House, and the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery.

Augusta

Further upstream lies Augusta, best known for hosting the Masters golf tournament. But Augusta’s riverfront charm and history run deep. Cruise guests can explore the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, lined with 19th-century textile mills and scenic towpaths. The city’s Southern charm is palpable at the Riverwalk, where music festivals and open-air markets animate the waterfront. Don't miss the Morris Museum of Art, which celebrates the art of Southern painters and storytellers.

Thunderbolt

This quaint coastal town, situated between Savannah and the Atlantic Ocean, offers a peaceful pause in your journey. Known for its shrimping industry, Thunderbolt is a hidden gem for seafood lovers. Cruise ships sometimes stop here for culinary-themed excursions, where guests can enjoy dockside tastings of Georgia white shrimp and local oysters.

Tybee Island

Accessible via estuaries that branch from the Savannah River, Tybee Island provides cruisers with a taste of beach-town life. Explore the 18th-century lighthouse, take in the view from the top, or relax on sandy shores with a peach cocktail in hand. Eco-tours here might include dolphin-spotting or kayak trips through salt marshes.

Fort Pulaski National Monument

Near the mouth of the Savannah River, this historic Civil War fortress is a popular excursion for history enthusiasts. River cruise itineraries often include guided tours of Fort Pulaski’s moat, drawbridge, and imposing ramparts, offering a vivid sense of life during wartime in the Deep South.

Ebenezer

One of Georgia's oldest settlements, Ebenezer, lies on a scenic stretch of the river near Rincon. Once home to German-speaking Lutheran colonists, it now features serene ruins and a restored church that hint at its rich history. This lesser-visited stop adds depth and intimacy to your river journey, far from the usual tourist trail.

Port Wentworth

A short distance upriver from Savannah, Port Wentworth showcases Georgia’s industrial riverfront. Its role in trade and commerce adds a modern contrast to the otherwise historical voyage. Guests may enjoy watching massive container ships pass or visit the nearby Mulberry Grove Plantation site, where Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin.

Hardeeville and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

Located along the river’s border between Georgia and South Carolina, this area offers one of the most biodiverse experiences of the cruise. Excursions to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge highlight alligator-filled marshes, migratory birds, and untouched wetlands, making it a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Unique Aspects of Cruising Georgia’s Savannah River

River cruises through Georgia are a celebration of contrasts: moss-covered forests beside busy ports, Gullah-Geechee traditions beside modern Southern cuisine, and moments of tranquil stillness broken only by the sounds of cicadas. The cruise season typically runs from late spring to early fall, with warm temperatures and blossoming flora enhancing the experience.

Cuisine is a standout highlight, featuring dishes such as fried green tomatoes and barbecued pork, alongside sweet pecan pie and Georgia peaches, making every meal a true taste of the South. Many cruises offer onboard chefs who prepare regional specialties using local ingredients, often paired with Southern wines or craft beers.

Cultural excursions include plantation tours, storytelling sessions, music performances, and artisan workshops. The low-speed travel style of river cruising enables a deep immersion into local cultures and a more meaningful connection with each stop along the route.

Themed and Length-Based Cruise Itineraries

Short Cruises (3–5 Days)

Perfect for weekend getaways or travelers with limited time, short cruises focus on the Savannah River stretch between Savannah, Thunderbolt, and Tybee Island. These routes highlight the best of coastal Georgia, with historical walking tours, beach excursions, and seafood feasts. Expect intimate vessels and relaxed schedules that allow guests to unwind quickly and thoroughly.

Medium-Length Cruises (6–9 Days)

These cruises typically extend inland to Augusta or explore estuarine paths branching from the Savannah River. A seven-day itinerary may include stops in Port Wentworth, Fort Pulaski, Ebenezer, and a day in the Savannah Wildlife Refuge. Culinary tastings, Civil War reenactments, and optional kayaking excursions provide plenty of variety. Travelers will enjoy both historic urban centers and secluded nature escapes.

Long Cruises (10+ Days)

For those seeking an in-depth exploration, longer cruises might combine Georgia’s stretch of the Savannah River with other Southern waterways, such as South Carolina’s ACE Basin or even extend into Florida’s river systems. These itineraries typically feature a blend of onboard lectures, nightly entertainment, and expanded excursions. Cultural enrichment programs may include visits to lesser-known plantations, Savannah River ecology tours, and Southern cooking classes.

Special Interest Cruises

• Wine Cruises: Enjoy onboard tastings of regional wines, paired dinners, and visits to Georgia vineyards, such as Butterducks or Meinhardt Vineyards, near Savannah.
• History & Art Cruises: Dive into the region's Civil War, Revolutionary War, and Gullah-Geechee heritage with guided museum tours and artist meet-and-greets.
• Christmas Market Cruises: Seasonal cruises through Savannah and Augusta feature twinkling lights, Southern holiday traditions, Christmas concerts, and local crafts.
• Culinary Cruises: Led by guest chefs, these cruises offer cooking demos, market visits, and regional food pairings that bring Southern cuisine to life.

The Onboard Experience

Ship Sizes and Ambiance

Most river cruise vessels operating in Georgia are boutique-sized, carrying between 30 and 100 guests. This creates an intimate and personalized atmosphere, ideal for slow travel lovers. Expect wide observation decks, lounge areas for reading or sipping cocktails, and panoramic windows in most cabins.

Cuisine and Wine

Dining aboard a Georgia river cruise is an essential part of the journey. Menus change with the seasons and reflect local flavors, often featuring Lowcountry classics such as gumbo, shrimp and grits, and homemade biscuits. Wine and beverage pairings frequently showcase Georgia-grown grapes and locally brewed ales.

Excursions and Enrichment

Each stop along the way brings new opportunities for exploration—whether it's a historic house tour, a birdwatching safari, or a guided food walk through downtown Savannah. Onboard lectures by regional historians, chefs, and naturalists add educational value to every voyage.

Traveler Types

• Couples will enjoy the romantic ambiance and slow-paced elegance of Georgia's river routes.
• Families can benefit from nature-based learning, interactive exhibits, and relaxed schedules.
• Solo travelers appreciate the welcoming onboard community and the opportunity for cultural engagement.
• Luxury seekers will find comfort in the refined service, plush accommodations, and curated excursions.

Let Georgia’s Rivers Tell Their Story

From the hush of the wetlands at sunrise to the echo of jazz spilling from Savannah's squares at night, a river cruise through Georgia is more than a voyage—it's a slow dance through history, culture, and the soul of the South.

Whether you're drawn by culinary adventures, historic tales, or the calming rhythm of the river itself, Georgia offers a richly rewarding cruise experience. Let the Savannah River be your guide through one of the South's most captivating regions.