Pete and Jennifer of Up the Creek Expeditions are outstanding outfitters! They ensured we knew the…read moreideal time to leave St. Mary's to get to the confluence of the inter coastal and the river at peak low tide as well the correct time to leave Cumberland island on the return trip. This expert planning ensured we did not have to fight the tides in either direction! Their outstanding rental service and answering of any and all pertinent questions allowed us to reach and enjoy Cumberland island even during a government shutdown. I highly recommend their outfitting services to anyone interested in aquatic adventures or tours in the Cumberland island vicinity!

Pete took us out on the St Mary's Harbor tour. Unfortunately, we were late in the season to see…read morethe manatee and didn't get to see any dolphins. However, we had a blast paddling across to Florida and Pete is a very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. We had a blast! We will definitely do this again! Donna and Randy from TN

It was a great day on the water with the Amelia River Cruises & Charters company at the helm…read more It was my first time visiting Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach and wanted to get an overlay of the area and the river cruise seemed like the perfect thing to get an overview of the area. And I wasn't wrong! The tour lasted about 90 minutes (and it leaves promptly FYI) and takes you along the shoreline of Amelia Island - past the shrimping boats and past a Civil War era fort - before heading towards Cumberland Island National Seashore. This is where the true fun of the tour was for me. I had no idea really the history of the island and found it fascinating how the Carnegies and Rockefellers and more of the country's elite used this random Georgia seashore as their private escape. The history of both Cumberland and Amelia Islands is incredibly fascinating and the guides for both the Florida and Georgia sides respectively were well informed and personable. Plus - you'll very likely see a ton of great wildlife throughout including dolphins and wild horses and pigs. It's a great way to spend an afternoon in the area and a fabulous introduction to Cumberland Island National Seashore/Park.

Really nice boat Super friendly tour guides…read moreStunning g views of fort an horses on Cumberland Island Wonderful sunset.! Good pricing!

I arrived 10 minutes before the ferry was leaving, and I'm grateful the park ranger was able to…read morecheck me in and also sell me a poncho, which was HUGE lifesaver since it rained all two days I was on the island. Had a nice conversation with the ferry crewman who told me about growing up in St Marys.

First, there is no other way to Cumberland Island, so it's this or nothing…read more Cost: 45.20 for a round trip with fees and all (you have to purchase a round trip, can't purchase one way). The ferry is basic, nothing fancy. On the way there, I rode up top, very windy and a little cool, but fine views (you face inward on top, toward the other row of passengers). On the way back, I rode on the second deck outside, less windy, views comparable, but you didn't have to look around like on top. You were already facing out toward the water. There is also an inside with booths/tables/benches and a food/drink bar. The staff here were so personable and fun. And very professional. They've been doing this a very long time. I felt safe while also having a great time. You have no other choice but to choose this ferry if you're wanting to go to Cumberland Island, but I'm totally okay with that.

Fished with him last October. He worked hard to get us into fish and finally did. Nice boat…read more Took good care of us. We had a great time.

From the owner: We provide fishing charters, ecotours, sightseeing and custom boat tour experiences around the…read moreCumberland Island National Seashore and Fernandina Beach. Whether you would like to pursue Redfish, Trout and Flounder in the backwaters and creeks around the Island or take a relaxed tour and look for wildlife such as Wild Horses, Bald Eagles, Manatees, Alligators and more we can provide the perfect trip to meet your needs.

Would not recommend. Was a diaster for my son's rehearsal dinner and wedding. Have tried to contact…read morethem after to get somewhat of a refund and no one responds after they told our coordinator they would "make it right". Use someone else. They are unreliable.

We did the morning tour when the delightful gentlemen there really knew his stuff kept up a great…read morenon-stop never boring narration Well worth it.

Beautiful and unique experience. Where else can you see crumbling ruins from the gilded age, the…read morebeach, and a herd of wild horses? There is something here for everyone and for people of all abilities. Most of the main part of the island is flat, including from the dock and up to the ruins (it's about 0.4 to half a mile from the dock to the ruins--and there are beach wheelchairs). There's also a main road that traverses the island from one end to the other for about 18 miles that can be traveled by bicycle. There's also an inn and multiple historical structures you can visit. You can also visit a beautiful, mostly empty beach! I got off at the first stop, which is the most challenging stop, meaning I had to climb over sand dunes to get to the beach. It was QUITE the workout and exhausting (I felt it for days after). Someone told me that the second ferry stop is a much easier, more direct path to the beach. This was a wonderful, serene location. I saw several groups of horses along my hike. The greenery is beautiful. I wouldn't mind coming back and setting up camp (permit required) so I can travel the whole island on bike and by foot. Spending more time on the tranquil beach. I wouldn't spend time at the end, as it's 900-1000 dollars or more per night with a two night minimum. If you're looking to visit the island during the day, the RiverView Hotel is RIGHT THERE, essentially directly across from the ferry, and costs about 200 a night for great vintage rooms with comfy beds. Please see my reviews of the ferry and Molly's tours to build a whole itinerary. You'll never see anything else like this, anywhere else in the world probably. It's a fairly cost effective trip, with the ferry costing just over 40 bucks round trip, the inn costing about 200 a night, and the island entry fee being just a few bucks.

3 Ladies - 1 - 88 1- 86 and 1- 71! OH MY GOD, The mode of transportation on the island is HORRIBLE…read morefor the Lands and Legacies Tour. What was wrong? The owners of the transport company over- stuffed the bus to full and maximum capacity with 12 paying customers. The seating in the rear of the bus is both claustrophobic, cramped, and those sitting in the middle of the last row of 4 really could not see much. (While maximizing profits for themselves...) The tour guide, Juane, was a 10! She had so much knowledge! The Van - ZERO! We came back hurting all over! For those being a bit older count on your hips, joints, neck muscles, hurting for several days... it's awful... and, the agony of being threw around, takes away most of the enjoyment of the tour. Which is a pity, as Cumberland Island is a most beautiful and interesting place. Hint: If you still decide to go on the tour, make sure you quickly select the 3 seats just behind the driver. These are fine. The next row is marginal, the rest, read above. us 3 Ladies were in the last row! Between the rough roads and the speed the driver was doing we couldnt hear a thing. When the tour was almost over she decided to turn on a portable bluetooth speaker that was attached to the seatbelt strap in the back. That lasted for about 5 minutes. I won't be recommending this tour to any of my friends. Maybe my enemies! Hint for the National Park Service: end the contract and get a bus company providing proper transportation! And regrade the roads! Maybe some item 4 or blacktop? The tour wasn't cheap so it should have been so much better!

We had a great day on the water with this group. The creek was perfect, lots of nature…read more It was easy to make a reservation. We did the "Paddle and a Pint" which they offer every month. Our ticket included a free pint and pizza! Yum

My boyfriend and I recently went kayaking for the first time here during our visit to Jacksonville…read more I came across Paddle Jax Amelia online while looking for activities to do. I decided to book the experience because it was affordable, nearby, and seemed new and exciting. We booked their glow in the dark night kayaking tour. When we arrived all the staff were friendly, knowledgeable about kayaking and the river ecosystem, and incredibly patient with us cause of our inexperience. We were provided with life vests, water, glow sticks, and our kayaks were fitted with led lights. It took us a little while to get comfortable in our tandem boat but with the staff's help we were eventually able to paddle down the river. The sun began setting and we switched on our leds and glow sticks for our return back up the river. It was one of the most beautiful and unique moments of my life. My only complaint is that pictures were taken of us on the river and we never got to see them. I would've loved to have those photos!

Today Friday 15th Tony Vanoy and I explored the McIntosh Sugar Mill Tabby Ruins near St Mary's GA …read more It's free to enjoy and explore. There is a private parking lot and picnic tables BUT BE WARNED we experienced a ton of mosquitos! So BUGGIE SPRAY the Heck out of your exposed body parts! I got ate up and so did Tony! It's much larger than it looks from the parking lot! There's a Historical marker available to read about the previous owner dates and Plantation name! Definitely recommend & hope you enjoy!

very nice and unique place! we took our family photos here and they turned out so beautifully.read more

I recall the first time that I visited this park was in 2019, as I was visiting the St. Mary's…read moresubmarine museum close by. This was an awesome first visit and there's a lot to see within this park. It a great way to spend some quality time relaxing and enjoying nature and the outdoors. I have been visiting this park every year since my first visit there.

St. Marys Waterfront Park is an amazing small park located at the water's edge and the downtown St…read more Marys, Georgia area. It also seemed to be a very popular place. I was here on a Thursday late morning and it was quite busy. Let me add, I can understand why it is so popular. If I lived here, I would be here on a regular basis. I will give here five stars overall. If you find yourself in St. Marys, Georgia, I would recommend a visit here.

I recall the first time that I visited this museum with my roommate was in 2019. Our first visit…read morewas amazing. There is so much Naval submarine history to learn about within this small museum. I found everything inside to be very fascinating because I'm a Navy and Army veteran, and I love learning about Naval history as well. If you're on active duty Navy, Navy Reserves, or retired Navy, then I highly suggest visiting this type of museum. I plan on visiting again this year as time and weather permits.

A great place to go to learn about the silent service. This…read morewonderful museum, dedicated to preserving the history of the distinguished US Submarine Force, is located on St Mary's W street and right off the St Mary's River. It is right on the street and open to the public for a fee. It is a wonderful place for those interested in naval history and technology. The museum features a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of underwater warfare. Visitors can get a glimpse into what life was like for the crew during long deployments in hostile waters. There are two floors to the museum. The lower floor has the gift shop and the earlier boat memorabilia. There is a periscope that can actually see outside. The museum's exhibits include informative displays on the history of submarines, the development of submarine technology, and the role of submarines in various conflicts. You can also watch a short film on a loop that describes the life aboard submarines and the narrator does a good job of explaining what it was like to people not accustomed to submarines. The second floor has lots of artifacts from the newer submarines. If you were on a boat you can request to see the file on your boat. There are many pieces of information in the files from stock footage to articles about the boats. The staff was wonderful, friendly, and helpful. They have done a good job of trying to organize and preserve all the history to present it to the public and to those who served. Overall, the Submarine Museum in St Mary's, Georgia, is a great destination for anyone interested in the history of the US Navy's submarine service. The museum's exhibits provide a unique and educational experience that is well worth a visit.