Savannah's Coastal Waters
Waterways of Savannah
From the wide Savannah River to the golden tidal marshes of the Lowcountry, water defines this city's character — and its best adventures.
Savannah sits at the confluence of river, marsh, and sea. The city was founded on the bluff above the Savannah River, and water has shaped its economy, culture, and landscape ever since. Today, those same waterways offer visitors some of the most memorable experiences in the South — whether you're paddling a kayak through a tidal creek at sunrise, watching dolphins from a riverboat at dusk, or casting a line into the Atlantic off Tybee Island.
The Main Waterways
Savannah River
The defining waterway of the city, the Savannah River runs along the northern edge of downtown. Watch container ships glide past from River Street, or board a riverboat for a narrated cruise past historic cotton warehouses and the working port.
- Riverboat cruises
- River Street waterfront
- Talmadge Memorial Bridge views
- Working cargo port
Intracoastal Waterway
The protected inland passage runs through Savannah's coastal zone, threading between barrier islands and salt marshes. Boaters, kayakers, and paddleboarders use it to travel between Tybee Island, Wassaw Island, and the mainland.
- Kayak and paddleboard routes
- Barrier island access
- Wildlife watching
- Sunset paddles
Tidal Salt Marshes
Savannah's Lowcountry marshes are among the most ecologically rich in North America. The golden cordgrass stretches for miles, alive with herons, egrets, dolphins, and fiddler crabs. Guided kayak tours weave through narrow tidal creeks at dawn and dusk.
- Guided kayak tours
- Bird watching
- Dolphin spotting
- Photography at golden hour
Tybee Island Waters
Just 18 miles east of downtown, Tybee Island sits where the Savannah River meets the Atlantic. The beach, Back River, and surrounding creeks offer swimming, surf fishing, crabbing, and jet ski rentals for every level of water enthusiast.
- Atlantic beach swimming
- Surf fishing
- Crabbing off the pier
- Jet ski and kayak rentals
Water Activities
Kayak & Paddleboard Tours
Guided tours through tidal creeks and marshes, departing from multiple launch points near the Historic District and Tybee.
Riverboat Cruises
Narrated sightseeing, dinner, and sunset cruises aboard the Georgia Queen and Savannah River Queen.
Fishing Charters
Inshore and nearshore charters targeting redfish, flounder, and speckled trout in the coastal waters around Tybee and Wassaw.
Dolphin Tours
Bottlenose dolphins are year-round residents of Savannah's coastal waters. Boat and kayak tours offer reliable sightings.
Sailing
Day sails and sunset sails depart from the Savannah Yacht Club and Thunderbolt Marina, exploring the river and coastal sounds.
Crabbing & Shrimping
Cast a crab trap off a dock or join a shrimp boat excursion — a quintessential Lowcountry experience for families.
Planning Your Time on the Water
Best seasons
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for water activities. Summer is warm but humid; winter kayaking is possible on mild days.
Launch points
Key access points include the Savannah Riverfront, Thunderbolt Marina, Bull River Marina, and multiple Tybee Island boat ramps and kayak outfitters.
Stay Close to the Water
Find a rental near the river, the marshes, or the beach — and make the waterways part of every day.
Browse rentals