Savannah Riverboat Cruise: Captain's Tales & Fort Jackson

River views, a captain's history, and one of the country's oldest cannons

A 90-minute narrated riverboat cruise on the Savannah River takes you past the historic riverfront and downriver to Old Fort Jackson, where one of the largest and oldest original artillery pieces in the country sits on the banks. The boat is climate-controlled with panoramic windows and open-air decks. A live captain narrates the route and shares stories about the modern port and visiting ships. Choose between a 1:00pm or 3:30pm departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Savannah riverboat sightseeing cruise

• Board decorated riverboat
• Enjoy live guided cruise
• View Savannah riverfront and skyline
• Pass by Old Fort Jackson
• Take photos of historic sites
• Pass by River Street promenade

The experience

The riverboat itself is the first thing you notice: traditional red, white and blue painted hulls that have been a fixture along Savannah's waterfront for generations. Once aboard, you have access to a glass-enclosed climate-controlled observation deck with panoramic views, an open-air patio, and bench seating across the upper decks. The captain narrates throughout, pointing out the historic riverfront and skyline while sharing facts about the modern port and the cargo ships that dock here from around the world. No walking is required. You can stay in one spot or move between the decks as you prefer.

Downriver, the boat passes Old Fort Jackson, where you'll see one of the largest and oldest original artillery pieces still standing in the country. The vantage from the water gives you angles and photo opportunities you won't get from shore. A bar and grille operates on the top deck if you want a drink or snack during the cruise. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase (minimum drinking age 21).

Plan to arrive 30 to 60 minutes early to find parking in downtown Savannah. The boat departs promptly at your chosen time (1:00pm or 3:30pm), and does not offer refunds for late arrivals. Smoking is permitted only on the outside decks. Both vessels have boarding ramps and wheelchair-accessible main decks. The Georgia Queen includes a passenger elevator and accessible restrooms, while the Savannah River Queen's restrooms are not wheelchair-accessible.

What’s included

• Fully narrated 90-minute cruise with live captain's commentary on the port and visiting ships.
• access to a glass-enclosed climate-controlled observation deck with panoramic views and open-air patio seating.
• passage downriver to Old Fort Jackson to view one of the country's oldest original artillery pieces.
• bar and grille on the top deck for food and beverage purchases.

Options for this experience

2 options

1:00pm Sightseeing CruiseGuide in English · 13:00Over the 90-minute cruise, settle in and unwind while our Captain entertains you with fascinating stories and historical facts about our present-day port and riverfront. Boarding starts at 12:00pm.

3:30pm Sightseeing CruiseGuide in English · 15:30Over the course of the 90-minute cruise, relax as our Captain delights you with engaging anecdotes and historical facts about our modern port and riverfront. Boarding starts at 3pm.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 13:00 and 15:30Last departure this season: 27 Dec

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5): free

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by River Street Riverboat Company

Is this one for you?Book the 1:00pm departure if you want the afternoon free after the cruise, or choose 3:30pm if you prefer to spend the morning exploring River Street and the historic district before boarding. The narrated route and fixed schedule mean you don't arrange the stops or the timing. The captain handles the navigation and the stories, so you focus on the views and the photo opportunities.

Traveler reviews

3.94★★★★★★★★★★

3,661 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,693

4 ★849

3 ★575

2 ★287

1 ★257

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What will I see on the Savannah riverboat cruise?

The cruise passes Savannah's historic riverfront and skyline from the water, then travels downriver to Old Fort Jackson, where you'll see one of the largest and oldest original artillery pieces in the country. The captain narrates the route and shares stories about the modern port and visiting ships.

How long is the 90-minute Savannah riverboat cruise?

The cruise lasts 90 minutes total, departing at either 1:00pm or 3:30pm depending on which option you choose at checkout.

Is there food and drink available on the riverboat?

A bar and grille operates on the top deck, where you can purchase alcoholic beverages (minimum drinking age 21) and other refreshments. This cruise does not include a meal. If you want lunch included, the operator offers a separate luncheon cruise option.

Is the riverboat wheelchair accessible?

Both vessels have boarding ramps and wheelchair-accessible main decks. The Georgia Queen includes a passenger elevator and accessible restrooms. The Savannah River Queen's main deck is accessible but restrooms are not. Contact the ticket office if you have specific accessibility questions.

What time should I arrive for the riverboat cruise?

Plan to arrive 30 to 60 minutes early to find parking in downtown Savannah. The boat departs at your chosen time and does not offer refunds for late arrivals, so arriving with time to spare is important.