Frequently Asked Questions

Savannah Harbor Cruises departs from River Street Landing along historic River Street in downtown Savannah, Georgia. We are located directly opposite the Shrimp Factory restaurant.

We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Downtown Savannah and River Street can be busy, especially on weekends, holidays, and during special events, so plan accordingly.

There are several public parking garages, lots, and metered spaces throughout downtown Savannah. Because parking availability can vary, we recommend allowing plenty of extra time to park and walk to River Street Landing.

Yes! Many of our cruises are family-friendly and offer a fun way for children and adults to experience Savannah from the water. Our Karaoke Cruises, including the Halloween Karaoke Cruise and Parade of Lights Karaoke Cruise, are 21+ only.

Yes. Infants are welcome aboard our family-friendly cruises. All passengers, regardless of age, must be included in the reservation so we can maintain an accurate passenger count.

Our vessel provides areas where guests can get out of the direct sun and weather. Because you are still enjoying an outdoor boating experience, we recommend dressing appropriately for the day’s conditions.

Cruises may still operate during periods of rain. Trips are only canceled when weather or water conditions make operating unsafe. Savannah weather can change quickly, so we recommend checking the forecast and dressing appropriately.

If we determine that conditions are unsafe and cancel a cruise, our team will provide guests with the available options for their reservation. If another day or time doesn’t work, you will be refunded.

Our cruises operate primarily in the protected waters surrounding Savannah and the Savannah River rather than the open ocean. Conditions are generally comfortable, although every guest’s sensitivity to motion is different.

Yes, a restroom is available onboard.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own beverages or snacks aboard. We do sell nonalcoholic beverages and snacks as well during your cruise.

Yes, our trip is BYOB as we don’t sell alcohol aboard.

Yes, we are dog friendly on all of our cruises. Please just let us know in advance that you will be bringing your dog with you. For a cruise designed especially for dogs, see our Wag-O-Ween Dog Cruise below.

Yes, service animals are allowed on all our cruises.

No. The River Explorer has a few steps to come aboard. If a guest is able to handle them with assistance, we are more than accommodating aboard. It’s always best to call us directly at (912) 207-5504 with any questions related to this, or contact us online.

Our River Explorer can accommodate up to 49 passengers, making it a great option for both public cruises and private groups.

Yes! Private charters are available for birthdays, corporate outings, wedding events, family gatherings, celebrations, and other group events in Savannah. Contact us to start planning.

The Dolphin Eco Cruise is approximately two hours, giving guests plenty of time to explore Savannah’s waterways while searching for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and other local wildlife.

Dolphins are wild animals, so their location and activity can vary from day to day. Our experienced captains know the local waterways and the areas dolphins frequently visit, giving guests an excellent opportunity to see them in their natural environment.

The route can vary based on tides, weather, river traffic, and recent wildlife activity. Rather than following an identical route every day, our crew can adjust the trip based on current conditions and where wildlife has been active.

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are commonly found throughout the coastal waters surrounding Savannah and Georgia’s Lowcountry.

Depending on the season and conditions, guests may encounter a variety of coastal birds and marine wildlife while exploring Savannah’s rivers, creeks, and surrounding waterways.

Absolutely. The Dolphin Eco Cruise is one of our most popular family experiences and combines sightseeing, wildlife, boating, and education into one adventure.

We recommend sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and a camera or phone for photos. Temperatures can feel cooler on the water, so bringing an extra layer during cooler months is also a good idea.

It’s both. While dolphins are one of the highlights, the experience also introduces guests to Savannah’s coastal ecosystem, waterways, wildlife, maritime activity, and unique Lowcountry environment.

Dolphins live in Savannah’s coastal waters year-round and can be active throughout the day. Their movement is influenced more by tides, feeding activity, and environmental conditions than by one specific departure time.

The Sunset Dolphin Eco Cruise is approximately two hours and combines wildlife viewing with an evening cruise through Savannah’s waterways.

Dolphins are frequently seen in the waters around Savannah, although sightings can never be guaranteed with wild animals. Our captain will navigate areas where dolphins are commonly active while you enjoy the evening scenery.

Yes! The trip is timed around the evening hours, providing an opportunity to experience the changing colors and scenery of Savannah from the water.

Yes. It’s a great option for date nights, anniversaries, couples’ trips, and visitors looking for a relaxing evening activity in Savannah.

Yes. The Sunset Dolphin Eco Cruise is family-friendly and is a great evening option for both adults and children.

Casual, comfortable clothing is perfect. Temperatures can feel cooler after sunset and while the boat is underway, so bringing a light jacket or extra layer is recommended during cooler months.

Both trips explore Savannah’s waterways and search for dolphins and wildlife. The Sunset Dolphin Eco Cruise adds the atmosphere of an evening departure and the opportunity to experience Savannah’s coastal scenery around sunset.

Definitely. The evening light over Savannah’s waterways can create some fantastic photo opportunities, so have your phone or camera ready.

The Savannah Port Tour is a 90-minute sightseeing cruise offering a water-level perspective of the Port of Savannah, Savannah River, commercial shipping activity, and the city’s working waterfront.

The Port Tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Large commercial vessels frequently travel the Savannah River, and seeing one up close can be an incredible part of the experience. Because ship movements and schedules vary, specific vessels cannot be guaranteed.

Guests can get an impressive water-level perspective of commercial vessels navigating the Savannah River. Our captain always maintains the required safe distances and navigates according to maritime regulations and current river traffic.

Yes. The cruise provides a unique perspective of Savannah’s active maritime environment and port operations that you simply can’t experience from land.

Absolutely. You don’t need to know anything about ships or ports beforehand. The massive scale of the vessels, river traffic, infrastructure, and Savannah’s maritime activity makes the trip fascinating for adults and children alike.

Yes. Children who love boats, ships, machinery, transportation, or anything BIG tend to especially enjoy seeing Savannah’s working river from the water.

Savannah is home to one of the country’s most important commercial ports and plays a major role in international trade. Seeing the Savannah River from the water provides a unique perspective on how recreational, historic, and commercial maritime activity all come together.

Yes. Departing directly from River Street Landing gives guests a completely different perspective of Savannah’s famous waterfront from the Savannah River.

The Savannah Karaoke Cruise is a 90-minute, 21+ evening cruise combining sightseeing, music, drinks, and karaoke on the Savannah River.

The regular Karaoke Cruise runs on Friday and Saturday nights. We also host special-edition karaoke cruises, including a Halloween Karaoke Cruise and a Parade of Lights Karaoke Cruise.

Not at all! Singing is completely optional. You’re welcome to grab a drink, enjoy the music, cheer on the singers, and take in Savannah from the water.

The Karaoke Cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Guests have the opportunity to select a song and take their turn on the mic while cruising the Savannah River. Participation is optional, but enthusiastic backup singers are always welcome!

Your Karaoke Cruise experience includes three drink tickets along with the opportunity to sing a song onboard.

Our karaoke selection includes songs from a variety of artists, genres, and decades, so whether your go-to is country, pop, rock, throwbacks, or something completely unexpected, there’s a good chance you’ll find something fun to sing.

Absolutely. The cruise is a fun option for birthdays, bachelorette parties, friend groups, celebrations, and anyone 21+ looking for something different to do at night in Savannah.

Yes, subject to availability. We strongly recommend booking early for larger groups so everyone can be accommodated on the same departure. For an exclusive group experience, ask about private charters.

Come casual or dress up for your night out! Comfortable footwear is recommended for boarding and moving around the vessel.

Definitely. Some guests grab the microphone and others happily stay in the audience. Both are encouraged!

The Halloween Karaoke Cruise is a 90-minute, 21+ evening cruise on the Savannah River aboard the River Explorer on Friday, October 30. It features costumes, a costume contest, three drink tickets per guest, and a Halloween-inspired karaoke playlist.

The Halloween Karaoke Cruise sails on Friday, October 30, departing from River Street. Check the booking calendar for departure time.

This cruise features Halloween-inspired songs only. Choose a spooky classic, a song with a supernatural theme, or something that simply fits the Halloween vibe. If it’s spooky, creepy, or supernatural, it belongs on the playlist!

Yes! Every group aboard is guaranteed the opportunity to perform at least one karaoke song during the cruise. Singing is still optional.

Yes. Your ticket includes three tasting-size drink tickets per guest, redeemable for beer or wine.

Yes! Come dressed up and ready to compete. A Best Costume winner is voted on by your fellow crew, and the winner receives a prize.

Costumes are a big part of the fun and encouraged, though not required.

Space is limited to 29 guests, so we recommend booking early, especially for groups.

No. This is a 21+ cruise. For a family-friendly and dog-friendly Halloween option, see our Wag-O-Ween Dog Cruise.

Wag-O-Ween is a one-hour, dog-friendly Halloween cruise on the Savannah River aboard the River Explorer, departing from River Street. Guests dress up their pups, compete for best-dressed prizes, and help support local animal rescues.

The Wag-O-Ween Cruise sails on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

Yes! Dogs of all ages are welcome with a $10 Pup Ticket. Reserve your spot.

100% of the proceeds from Pup Tickets are donated to the local rescues supported by Wag-O-Ween.

Adults (ages 13+) are $25, children (ages 3 to 12) are $15, and infants (ages 2 and under) are free. Each dog needs a $10 Pup Ticket.

Yes! There are Best-Dressed Pup prizes each day, and humans are encouraged to dress up too.

Yes. The cruise is open to all ages, including kids and infants.

The Wag-O-Ween Cruise lasts one hour.

The cruise departs from River Street Landing in downtown Savannah, aboard the River Explorer.

It’s a special-event cruise offering guests the opportunity to celebrate Independence Day from the Savannah River and experience Savannah’s Fourth of July festivities from the water.

The cruise is designed around experiencing Savannah’s Fourth of July fireworks from the water, providing a unique alternative to watching from crowded areas on land.

Arrive significantly earlier than you would for a normal cruise. Downtown Savannah and River Street are extremely busy on July 4th, with increased pedestrian traffic, road closures, and limited parking.

We strongly recommend planning your downtown parking before arriving and allowing substantial additional time. Parking conditions, street closures, and traffic patterns may be different from a normal day.

Yes. It’s a fun way for families to celebrate Independence Day and experience the fireworks from the Savannah River.

Yes. July 4th is one of Savannah’s busiest special-event dates, and capacity aboard the vessel is limited. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

This special 21+ holiday cruise combines festive karaoke, Savannah’s waterfront atmosphere, and the excitement of the annual Parade of Lights for a unique Christmas-season experience on the Savannah River. The cruise lasts approximately two hours.

The cruise is scheduled around the Parade of Lights, giving guests an opportunity to experience the illuminated boats and holiday festivities from the water.

The Parade of Lights is a holiday boating tradition featuring vessels decorated with festive lights and Christmas displays along Savannah’s waterfront.

Yes! Guests can get into the holiday spirit with karaoke during the cruise. Expect plenty of opportunities for Christmas favorites along with other karaoke selections.

No. Singing is optional, and song availability may include both holiday favorites and traditional karaoke selections.

Festive attire is encouraged! Christmas sweaters, holiday outfits, Santa hats, and other seasonal attire can make the experience even more fun, but they aren’t required.

Dress warmly and in layers. Temperatures on the Savannah River can feel colder than they do on land, particularly once the boat is underway after dark.

Plan to arrive earlier than you would for a normal cruise. River Street and downtown Savannah can be especially busy during major holiday events.

Yes! It’s a fun option for friends, coworkers, holiday gatherings, and group celebrations 21 and over. Because this is a limited special event, larger groups should reserve as early as possible.