- Island Tour
- 5-6 Hours
Pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches, and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. Natives, missionaries, plantation owners, enslaved people, and wealthy Industrialists have all left their mark.
Take a Relaxing Ferry Ride to Beautiful Cumberland Island
Come and celebrate Christmas like the Carnegies! On December 2nd, 2023 Plum Orchard will be decorated for Christmas; complete with games and light refreshments. If you would like to book the ferry, please call the office at (877) 860-6787. You can take the 9am or the 11:45 ferry out to the island and come back to St Marys on the 4:45. Spaces are limited so make sure you call soon. For suggestions of things to do while in St Marys, click here for a list of everything St Marys has to offer!
Cumberland Island is only accessible by boat and is located just seven miles east of St. Marys. Our short 45-minute ferry ride makes for a scenic and pleasant form of transportation to the island. Our concession-operated passenger ferry departs from downtown St. Marys throughout the day and provides round-trip transportation services to Cumberland Island year-round. Cumberland Island Ferry offers ferry services near Jacksonville, St. Mary’s, Fernandina, and Fernandina Beach.
Find Your Adventure
Cumberland Island is home to pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes that whisper the stories of both man and nature. Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island offers a rustic getaway with over 50 miles of trails and roads, as well as 18 miles of undeveloped beaches. You may find yourself hiking, biking, camping, and beachcombing after disembarking from the ferry.
About the Cumberland Region
Your journey begins in St Marys, Georgia. Here, you board the ferry bound for Cumberland Island National Seashore, visit our museum and Visitor Center and learn about the history and unique nature of the area.
St. Marys offers lodging, dining, and attractions within our National Historic District, and beyond that, offers a treasured visit. Adventure, history, nature, and fun await you on the Georgia coast.
Preserved and protected for future generations, Cumberland Island National Seashore includes a designated wilderness area, historic sites, cultural ruins, undeveloped beaches, critical habitat and nesting areas, as well as numerous plant and animal communities.
Interpretive and educational programs are available to teach you compelling stories of the many people who have shaped and been shaped by Cumberland Island. Take time to plan your visit and enjoy the vast experiences that Cumberland Island and the surrounding region have to offer.
Guests Rave About This "Scenic and Enjoyable" Ferry Ride
This National Seashore is a must see! Wild horses, armadillos, manatees, dolphins, marine life in the shallow water areas like blue crabs, small fish, hermit crabs. My littles collected shark teeth along the paths and waterside. We also enjoyed the ferry ride over. Pristine area.
– Millie K., TripAdvisor
Make sure you book your ferry tickets well in advance. Ferry to the island sells out fast and has limited spots! Overall, enjoyed the ferry ride and the island! Tons to do and see. Wear comfy shoes, bring bug spray, sunscreen and plenty of water & food. There’s no where to buy water or food on the island. Rent or bring your own bikes to get around faster!
– Saydee09, TripAdvisor
What can I say, beautiful water oaks, marvelous desolate beaches, warm ocean waters, sand and plenty of time to play. Wild horses, usually at Dungeness and absolutely great Rangers and a novel ferry ride . Enough reading , just go.
– Mog3, TripAdvisor
Went here to camp for a weekend. Gorgeous scenery and the history of the island is fascinating. Clean restrooms and after a couple of nights, even the cold showers are pretty good. Gorgeous beach, lovely sunsets, and great staff handling all aspects of the ferry ride over and back. If you haven't been there, you should definitely go.
– Nanabam, TripAdvisor
We came here without knowing much about the island and history. The ferry ride was a scenic trip through the salt marshes. After disembarking we met the ranger. We saw wild horses, turkeys, armadillos, deer and in the end- Manatees. The kids found several sharks teeth on the beach.
– drscottymc, TripAdvisorCancellation Policy
Refunds for a paid reservation must be requested no later than 10 days prior to sailing; a cancellation fee of 20% per ticket will be deducted from the refund. Cancellations within 10 days of sailing may not be refunded, however, one transfer can be made per customer up to 24-hours prior to the cancelled sailing date. Transfers for a future sailing date must be within six months from the date of request for transfer. A transfer date must be known when changing tickets. Once a booking has been transferred, it cannot be transferred again and a refund will not be issued if date is cancelled by the customer. Sailings are subject to the vessel Captain’s discretion, including regular scheduled ferries and/or charters. Rarely are sailings cancelled for reasons other than mechanical problems with the vessel, severe weather and/or heavy seas. Should this occur a full refund will be made when sailings are cancelled by the Captain. Rain and cloudy conditions will not cancel sailings and no refunds will be made. All cancellations and refunds must be requested in writing by email. For all requests and questions received by email, please allow 24 hours for a response or 48 hours during weekends and holidays when we are not operational. Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance.