Boating Guidance & On-Water Training
New to Boating in Savannah?
Hire a Local Captain to Show You the Ropes with Friendly Boating Guidance
Just bought a boat, or are you new to the Savannah area? Don’t stress—we’ve got just the thing to get you started.
Our Captains for Hire program pairs you with a local, licensed captain who will hop on your boat and help you navigate the Low Country like a pro. From laying down GPS routes and avoiding tricky sandbars to docking practice and safety procedures, it’s a personalized, hands-on way to build confidence on the water.
Perfect for first-time boat owners, new residents, or anyone looking to sharpen their skills.
For instance, the Savannah River Entrance experiences a significant tidal range, with a maximum of 11 feet… Meaning, the water level can fluctuate by nearly 11 feet between high and low tides. Therefore, you may be able to travel a creek in the morning, but it may be unnavigable on your return. Additionally, Savannah’s landscape is constantly being reshaped. Shifting channels and sandbars are a natural result of powerful tides, storms, and river currents. These dynamic changes can alter navigation routes and require local knowledge to traverse the waterways safely.
Essential Coastal Regulations
Navigating the low country responsibly means more than just avoiding sandbars; it’s about knowing the local laws that keep your passengers and our wildlife safe. Our on-water training also covers critical requirements such as:
Marine Mammal Protection Act: Federal law requires that you stay at least 50 yards away from Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. We teach you how to “parallel” a pod’s course safely without ever crossing their path or disrupting their natural feeding and social behaviors.
Shorebird & Nesting Protection: Many of our local sandbars and beaches are critical habitats for migratory species such as the Red Knot and the American Oystercatcher. We’ll help you identify “No Landing” zones and teach you how to recognize signs of bird distress so you can maintain a respectful distance.
Why Choose Low Country Drifters?
- Local, licensed captains with deep knowledge of the Savannah and Low Country waterways
- Private, one-on-one instruction aboard your boat
- Customized sessions that build confidence, safety, and skill
- Ideal for both recreational boaters and serious explorers
Perfect for:
- First-time boat owners in Coastal Georgia or South Carolina
- New residents looking to explore the Savannah waterways safely
- Families and individuals seeking private boating lessons on their own boat
- Anyone who wants to become a more confident, capable boat operator
