Savannah Riverboat Cruise

Your Guide to a Riverboat Cruise in Savannah

Taking a riverboat cruise in Savannah is one of those experiences that really makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Watching the city’s historic skyline fade into the distance as the ship glides you along the river. If you are looking for a unique way to learn more about Savannah’s history during the day or if you just want to see the city’s night lights from a distance, getting on a riverboat cruise gives you a view of Savannah that you should not miss. We always tell our guests that if they want to understand how beautiful Savannah can be, they need to see it from the water.

What Makes a Savannah Riverboat Experience So Special?

The coolest thing about being out on the water is seeing how the city was actually built. When you’re walking along the riverfront, you’re mostly looking at shop windows, but from the boat, you can see the massive old stone walls and the small bridges that connect the city streets above to the old warehouses down by the water. It makes you realize just how high up the city sits and how steep those historic stone stairs really are when you see them from a distance.

It is also a great way to escape the heat for a bit without having to head back to your room. Once the boat gets moving, you get a steady breeze that makes the humidity feel a lot more manageable. Plus, it’s just a nice change to sit back and watch the city go by at a slow pace instead of dodging the crowds on the sidewalks, especially during Savannah’s peak tourist season.

Choosing the Right Tour for Your Trip

Most people don’t realize there are actually several different ways to enjoy a riverboat cruise in Savannah. If you are a history buff, the daytime sightseeing tours are usually the way to go. The captains share some great stories about the port’s history and the various landmarks you’ll pass, like Old Fort Jackson.

Daily Sightseeing Cruises

These are perfect for families or anyone who wants a casual morning or afternoon outing. They usually last about 90 minutes to two hours, which is just enough time to see the main sights. We love these for the picture-taking opportunities with your family or as a couple. The natural light during this experience is great for capturing the bridge and the historic buildings for your social media post or photo album.

Sunset and Dinner Cruises

For something a bit more festive, and we dare say romantic, the evening cruises are a big hit. You can enjoy a full Southern buffet with live music while you watch the sun set below the horizon. It’s a very popular choice for couples or groups celebrating a special occasion because the atmosphere on the river at night is honestly really special. Experiencing it first-hand, we guarantee you will have more things to talk about while on a riverfront cruise.

If you decide to go with the dining option, get ready for some serious Southern hospitality. Most of the menus feature local favorites like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and sweet potato soufflé. Most tours offer a very casual, buffet-style setup, so you can grab what you like and head back to your table or out to the deck.

There is also a climate-controlled dining room if you want to eat in comfort, but we find that most people like to grab a drink from the bar and head to the top deck. Enjoying a cold cocktail while the boat whistles and moves down the river is a quintessential Savannah experience. It’s a great time to just slow down and chat with your travel companions.

Sights to See While Enjoying the Cruise

One of the coolest things you’ll see during your riverboat cruise in Savannah is the contrast between the old and the new. On one side, you have the historic waterfront and 19th-century warehouses. On the other hand, you might see one of the massive, modern cargo ships. These cargo ships are heading toward the Port of Savannah, which is one of the busiest ports in the country.

You will also get a close-up view of the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, which looks even more impressive when you’re sailing right underneath it. As you move further downriver, keep an eye out for Old Fort Jackson. It’s the oldest standing brick fort in Georgia, and seeing it from the river gives you a much better idea of why it was built there in the first place. If you time your cruise right, you might even hear the loud boom of their daily cannon firing, which is a pretty cool piece of living history to experience from the water.

Helpful Tips for the Trip

To make sure you have the best possible riverboat cruise experience, we have put together a few simple tips to help you prepare for your trip.

1. Book your Reservation/Tickets in Advance: Depending on the season, the tickets (especially the dinner cruise) can sell out fast. We recommend booking at least a few weeks in advance to make sure you get the specific time slot you want.
2. Arrive 30–45 minutes early before departure: This gives you plenty of time to park your car and exchange your tickets for boarding passes. This will also allow you to get better seats.
3. Bring a light jacket or wrap: Even on a hot Savannah day, it can feel surprisingly cool once the boat gets moving and the wind picks up on the river. Having an extra layer ensures you can stay out on the top deck comfortably for the whole trip.
4. To-Go Cup Rules: You can bring your “to-go” drink from a River Street bar to the boarding area, but keep in mind you typically cannot bring outside alcohol onto the boat.
5. Wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes: The docks and the decks of the boat can occasionally be slippery or uneven. Since you’ll likely want to walk around to see the view from different sides of the boat, wearing steady shoes is much safer than high heels or flip-flops.

Start Planning Your Visit with Mighty Tree Properties

After a day of enjoying the cruise and the rest of Savannah, you’ll want a quiet, comfortable place to unwind. Staying in a local vacation home makes your trip feel much more authentic than a standard hotel room. Our luxury vacation rentals place you conveniently just a short drive away from the historic neighborhoods. Sipping your morning coffee on a private porch or relaxing in a private pool and hot tub is always a better experience than sharing them with strangers. With our vacation rentals, you’ll get a private home base that lets you experience Savannah like a local while staying close to all the action on River Street.

Browse Our Savannah Vacation Rentals

Your Riverboat Cruise Awaits

No trip to this city is complete without seeing it from the water at least once. A riverboat cruise gives you a look at the historic skyline that you just can’t get from walking on foot. It’s a great chance to breathe in the fresh air, hear some local stories, and enjoy the view of Georgia’s coast. We can’t wait for you to experience it firsthand and tell us more about your own experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Savannah Riverboat Cruises

Where do the riverboats depart from?
They leave from the docks right on River Street in the Historic District.

How long does a typical cruise last?
Sightseeing tours are usually 90 minutes, while dinner cruises can last about two hours.

Do I need to worry about seasickness?
The Savannah River is calm, and the boats are quite stable and rarely cause issues. However, if you often experience seasickness, we suggest bringing any prescribed medications.

Are the boats accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the main decks of the large riverboats are accessible for guests with mobility needs.

Is there a dress code for the dinner cruise?
You can wear casual attire. Though some people like to dress up a little for the evening.

Can I buy tickets at the dock?
You can, but we highly recommend booking online in advance to ensure you get a spot.

Are there bathrooms on the boat?
Yes, every boat is equipped with multiple restroom facilities for guests.

Do the cruises run if it rains?
Yes, the boats have large indoor, climate-controlled decks so they sail rain or shine.

Are pets allowed on board?
Only service animals are permitted on the riverboat cruises.

Is live music included?
Most dinner and sunset cruises feature live performers, often playing jazz or Southern favorites.

Are the cruises good for kids?
Absolutely! Children usually find the big boats and the river views very exciting.