Authentic. Local. Unforgettable.

Take a historic ride down the Savannah River

Get off the street and into the water. Leave the cobblestone streets behind and cruise the scenic waterways from historic downtown Savannah to Georgia’s barrier islands or Daufuskie Island, South Carolina.

Our unforgettable boat tours combine Southern charm, Low Country landscapes, and the salty breeze rolling in from the Atlantic.

River Street & the Georgia Ports

Along the way, you’ll pass historic riverfront architecture, the Port of Savannah, the lively bustle of historic River Street and Savannah’s waterfront, Cockspur Island Lighthouse, Fort Pulaski National Monument, and Old Fort Jackson. Our captains bring the journey to life by sharing local stories, Revolutionary and Civil War history, and the rich maritime heritage that shaped Georgia’s first city.

But this isn’t just transportation — it’s an immersive experience.

As you head farther from downtown, the scenery shifts. Panoramic views of marsh grass flats, winding tidal creeks, and barrier islands unfold around you. Meanwhile, dolphins surface beside the boat, ospreys soar overhead, and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a manatee, river otter, or alligator as we navigate the Savannah and Wilmington Rivers.

River Street & the Ports

Plan your Boat Charter

  • Duration: Half- and full-day excursions are available (starting at 4 hours or 6 hours)

  • Capacity: Up to 6 people

  • BYOB-friendly: Bring your own drinks and snacks

  • Dog-friendly

  • Can be coupled with other activities

  • Open-air seating for panoramic views

  • Includes fuel, life jackets, a licensed captain, water, and an iced cooler

  • Gratuity is not included in the fare

  • Must be booked in advance to ensure availability

Itinerary & Local Landmarks

Cruise the bustling ports, active osprey nests, and the iconic marshlands of the Intracoastal Waterway. Because no two cruises are the same, some local landmarks may include:

  • Georgia Ports or Elba Island
  • Old Fort Jackson or Fort Pulaski National Monument
  • Savannah River and Wilmington River
  • Cockspur Island Lighthouse

Book Online!

BOOKING IS SIMPLE. Secure your half- or full-day captained boat charter with a deposit, and share any details or interests at checkout. Your captain will confirm plans and a start time before your trip.

Points of Interest Along the Savannah River

What’s so interesting about the ports? As of 2023, the port was the third busiest seaport in the United States.

In 2021, Marco Polo, the largest container ship to ever serve the East Coast of the U.S., called on the Port of Savannah. The ship is over three and a half football fields in length and can accommodate 16,000 containers. If that wasn’t big enough, in February of 2025, OOCL Iris arrived and outdid the Marco Polo.  With 16,828 twenty-foot equivalent container units, the OOCL Iris is 1,204 feet long and 167 feet wide.

In 2026, the Georgia Department of Transportation will begin construction on a project to replace existing cables on the Talmadge Bridge, lifting its height. This will allow even larger vessels to serve the Port of Savannah.

River Street, located along the Savannah River waterfront, is one of Savannah, Georgia’s most famous and historically significant commercial and entertainment hubs. Originally constructed in the late 1700s, this cobblestone-paved artery was the epicenter of the city’s booming cotton and export trade.

The street’s unique geography—built into the bluff beneath Factor’s Walk—is a testament to its industrial past. Warehouses lined the riverfront, with the higher level (Factor’s Walk) connecting to the bluff via historic iron bridges and ramps, where cotton brokers (or “factors”) once conducted business. The area relied heavily on the labor of enslaved people and, later, dock workers, making it a critical, though complex, site in Southern commerce.

Following a period of decline after World War II, River Street underwent a major revitalization. Today, it has transformed into a vibrant tourist destination. The old cotton warehouses and brick structures now house an array of restaurants, souvenir shops, galleries, and bars. Visitors are drawn to the scenic views of the massive container ships passing by, the historic River Street Market, and iconic events, like the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The area is also famous for the River Street bronze statue honoring the “Waving Girl,” Florence Martus, who greeted ships for decades.

In essence, River Street successfully bridges Savannah’s colonial, industrial past with its thriving modern-day tourism and leisure economy.

Tucked in between the hustle and bustle of port traffic and River Street sits Old Fort Jackson – one of the oldest brick fortifications on the East Coast and one of the few surviving Second System fortifications in the U.S. Strategically located on the Savannah River, it was built in the early 1800s over a Revolutionary battery that was important to the founding of Savannah.

More recently, movies such as GloryEmporer, and The Underground Railroad have been filmed here. Because it represents an exceptional aspect of American history and culture, Old Fort Jackson was named a National Historic Landmark in 2000; and if you time your trip right, you may be able to hear its daily cannon firing.

Guarding the mouth of the Savannah River since 1847, Fort Pulaski National Monument is a brick sentinel with a big story. This Civil War stronghold witnessed a pivotal 1862 battle that changed military engineering forever, when Union rifled cannons proved that even the thickest masonry walls could crumble.

Today, visitors can wander the fort’s echoing corridors, peer out over tidal marshes, watch dolphins roll through the river, and climb to the ramparts for panoramic coastal views. History buffs, nature lovers, and sunset seekers all find something to savor here.

Cruising past Fort Pulaski by boat offers a perspective few experience, with the fort rising dramatically from the marsh like a red-brick mirage. Add it to your Low Country adventure and see where history, wildlife, and wide open water meet.

The Cockspur Island Lighthouse is situated on the islet twelve miles east of the port of Savannah. The little island is usually covered by high tide and is surrounded by oyster shells, rocks, and marsh grass, making the structure only viewable by water.

The original lighthouse was built in the mid-1800s but was rebuilt within 10 years after a hurricane caused damage. It held strong during the middle of the Civil War battles. Yet, hurricanes continued to torment the Cockspur Lighthouse. One storm even caused water to rise 23 feet above sea level. The surge filled the lighthouse interior and destroyed the Keeper’s residence, but it wasn’t until June 1, 1909, that it shone its light for the last time as shipping routes were moved to a deeper channel.

The Cockspur Island Lighthouse is now managed by the National Park Service.

Why Choose Low Country Drifters?

We’re not just another boat tour; we’re your laid-back, experienced locals who love sharing our waterways.

  • Small Groups, Big Memories. No crowded ferries or riverboats here. We keep our groups small for a more personal, inviting experience.
  • True Low Country Experience. We’re rooted in Savannah and the surrounding barrier islands. Our tours are filled with stories, sights, and local flavor you won’t get anywhere else: no scripts, no fluff.
  • Flexible Options. Staying on River Street? We can pick you up. We can even drop you off there (round-trips are not mandatory). We offer flexible departure times and custom itineraries.
Ports & Savannah River Gallery

Every Charter

  • Reserved as a private experience for up to six guests.
  • Children and pets are welcome (dogs are not allowed on all beaches, so please discuss with us)
  • We provide a cooler with cold water and ice (accommodating additional beverages), as well as limited space for your personal belongings and snacks
  • BYOB for ages 21+
  • Includes a Coast Guard-licensed captain as your private guide, as well as fuel
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See what our guests have to say about Low Country Drifters Boat Tours