When you think of exploring the historic charm of Georgia’s first city, your mind likely wanders to cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks, and charming city squares. However, one of the most significant perspectives of the city is found not on land, but from the water. If you are looking for the best sightseeing in Savannah, GA, a riverboat cruise offers a unique vantage point that connects the city’s colonial beginnings with its bustling modern industry.
Savannah’s harbor is a living timeline. As you glide along the Savannah River, you aren’t just looking at scenery; you are retracing the paths of explorers, entrepreneurs, and legendary local figures. From the site of the city’s very first landing to the massive vessels of the global shipping trade, the harbor is filled with hidden gems that are best discovered from the deck of a majestic riverboat.
The Historic Starting Point: Where Savannah Began
Your journey into the heart of Savannah’s harbor begins at the very spot where the city’s story started. The riverboat tours depart from the dock located directly next to the exact location where General James Oglethorpe first landed on the riverfront in 1733. Standing on the deck as the lines are tossed, you can imagine the sight of the pristine bluffs that greeted the first settlers nearly three centuries ago.
From the dock, the boat heads upriver toward the Port of Savannah. This initial leg of the trip offers a striking contrast between the old-world aesthetic of River Street and the massive industrial scale of the modern port. Moving upriver allows passengers to see the city’s transition from a colonial outpost to one of the most important economic engines in the Southeastern United States. It is a powerful reminder that Savannah has always been, first and foremost, a port city.
Engineering Marvels: The Talmadge Memorial Bridge
As the riverboat turns around to head back downriver, one of the most impressive sights is passing under the Talmadge Memorial Bridge. This cable-stayed bridge is a focal point of the Savannah skyline, and seeing it from directly beneath is an experience you can’t get from a car. The sheer height of the bridge is designed to accommodate the massive container ships that travel to and from the port.
Sailing under the bridge provides a sense of the scale of modern engineering. The bridge connects downtown Savannah to Hutchinson Island, and as you drift past, the historic riverfront begins to unfold before you. This stretch of the cruise offers the perfect opportunity for photography, as the colorful buildings of River Street and the gold dome of City Hall provide a stunning backdrop against the water.
Legends of the River: The Waving Girl
As the tour continues downriver, you will encounter one of Savannah’s most beloved legends. The boat passes the statue of the world-famous “Waving Girl,” Florence Martus. For 44 years, between 1887 and 1931, Florence greeted every ship entering the Savannah harbor by waving a cloth during the day or a lantern at night.
Legend has it that she never missed a day, watching for a lost lover or simply offering a warm welcome to weary sailors. Seeing her monument from the water—just as the sailors did for decades—adds a layer of intimacy to the story. It is a quintessential Savannah “hidden gem” that highlights the deep connection between the people of this city and the river that sustains it.
Fort Jackson and the Edge of Hutchinson Island
The cruise further explores the outskirts of the harbor, passing through the active shipyards and drifting just past the tip of Hutchinson Island. Here, the scenery shifts from the urban hustle of River Street to a more rugged, historic landscape. The highlight of this portion of the trip is passing by Old Fort Jackson.
As Georgia’s oldest standing brick fortification, Old Fort Jackson has stood guard over the river for over two centuries. Seeing the fort from the water gives you a true appreciation for its strategic design. Chances are you’ll get to experience a cannon firing, but please note that the cannon schedule varies and is dependent on weather and time of the year. In the days before modern radar and long-range missiles, this fort was the city’s primary line of defense. Watching the shoreline at this point, you can almost hear the echoes of the past before the boat gently circles back upriver to return to the dock.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sightseeing in Savannah, GA
What should I bring on a Savannah sightseeing cruise?
To make the most of your experience, we recommend bringing a camera to capture the historic landmarks and a light jacket, as the breeze on the river can be cooler than on land. Comfortable shoes are also a plus if you plan to walk around the different decks of the vessel to see the sights from various angles.
How long do the sightseeing tours typically last?
Our sightseeing cruises last approximately 90 minutes. This provides ample time to travel upriver to the port and downriver past Old Fort Jackson, allowing for a comprehensive view of the harbor’s hidden gems without taking up your entire afternoon.
At Savannah Riverboat Cruises, we invite you and your family to step aboard our climate-controlled vessels for an unforgettable journey through history. Our team is dedicated to providing a relaxing and educational experience that showcases the very best of our beautiful port city. To learn more about our tour schedules or to book your next adventure, please contact us today.