Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to Savannah, Georgia, and want to enjoy a leisurely experience that combines scenic views, delicious food, and a dash of local history, this Sightseeing Lunch Cruise might just be perfect. While I haven’t personally done it, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a popular choice for visitors looking for a laid-back way to explore Savannah’s waterfront.

What makes this cruise stand out? First, the Southern-style buffet offers a hearty, flavorful meal that many reviews highlight as surprisingly good value for the price. Second, the informative narration provided by the captain adds a layer of engaging storytelling that makes the experience both fun and educational.

Of course, no experience is entirely without its quirks. Some might find the inside of the boat a bit cold—a common complaint in reviews—so dressing weather-appropriate is wise. Also, if you’re on a tight schedule or worried about parking, you’ll want to plan ahead, as boarding begins an hour before the cruise starts, and downtown parking can take some time to find.

This cruise is well-suited for those who enjoy a relaxing, scenic ride with a side of local history and a good meal. It’s especially appealing for friends, couples, or anyone interested in seeing Savannah from a different perspective without the fuss of a more structured tour.

Key Points

• Scenic Views: Cruise along the Savannah River, with sights of the port, local flora, fauna, and historic landmarks like Old Fort Jackson.
• Delicious Food: Expect a hearty southern buffet with favorites such as shrimp and grits, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and peach cobbler.
• Engaging Narration: The captain provides lively stories and historical facts, making the ride both informative and entertaining.
• Good Value: At $63 per person for two hours, many reviewers say the price is reasonable, especially considering the food and sights.
• Comfort & Accessibility: The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the experience is generally comfortable, though inside areas can be a bit chilly.
• Booking & Planning: Boarding begins an hour early, so arriving on time is key; parking downtown can be busy, so early planning helps.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Savannah Sightseeing Lunch Cruise

If you’re seeking a balanced experience that combines scenery, food, and stories, this cruise offers a lot. We’ll explore what to expect from start to finish, highlighting the parts that really shine.

The Itinerary & Atmosphere

The cruise lasts roughly two hours, with boarding typically in the early afternoon. You’ll start at the 9 East River Street dock, near popular spots like Olympia Cafe and River Street Sweets. Once aboard, you’ll find the boat itself beautiful, with multiple decks including an open-air top deck—perfect for taking in the views on a nice day. Many reviews mention how spotless and well-maintained the vessel is, making the experience comfortable from start to finish.

As you cruise down the Savannah River, you’ll be treated to sights of the modern port, bustling with activity. The captain narrates stories and factual tidbits about Savannah’s past and present, with a particular focus on landmarks like Old Fort Jackson. The sound system is generally clear, and the narration lively, though some reviewers note that it can be a bit “corny” at times, which adds a quirky charm rather than detracts from the experience.

The Sights & Scenery

While the views along the river may not be the most dramatic in terms of natural landscapes, they offer a unique look at Savannah’s port, one of the busiest in the country. You’ll see ships, cranes, and the lively port activity that highlights Savannah’s economic importance.

Beyond the port, you’ll enjoy the local flora and fauna along the riverbanks. The cruise offers a chance to relax and observe the waterway’s natural beauty, with some reviewers mentioning dolphin sightings, which add a memorable touch.

The Food: Southern-Style Buffet

The buffet is a real highlight for many, offering classic Southern comfort foods. The menu features shrimp and grits, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, greens, squash casserole, and sweet potato soufflé, plus fresh fruit and salads. Desserts like peach cobbler and banana pudding provide a sweet ending.

Reviewers consistently say the food surpasses expectations, especially considering it’s served buffet-style on a boat. The fullness of the meal and the variety of choices make this a filling, satisfying experience. One reviewer even notes that the food is “way better than expected,” praising the soul-food flavors and quality.

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The Crew & Narration

Many reviews emphasize how knowledgeable and friendly the crew is. The captain is frequently praised for his storytelling, which combines humor, local history, and interesting anecdotes. One guest described the captain as “phenomenal”, noting his engaging manner and clear communication.

The staff serving the buffet are also highly rated, with reviews mentioning attentiveness and friendliness. Some reviews highlight specific servers, like Rae and Chayse, who went above and beyond to make guests feel welcome.

Comfort & Practicalities

Inside the boat, it can get quite cold, even if the weather outside is warm, so dress in layers. The boat is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs.

Since boarding begins an hour before the cruise, arriving early is key, especially if you’re parking in downtown Savannah, which can be busy and slow to find. The public parking lots on River Street, Bay Street, or Bryan Street are the most convenient options, but they fill up quickly on busy days.

Overall Experience & Pricing

At $63 per person, this experience is viewed as good value by many travelers, considering the all-in package of scenery, story, and food. Some reviews highlight that the price is reasonable and even mention it as a great deal for what you get.

The duration of two hours is just enough to relax without feeling rushed, and many mention they’d happily do it again or recommend it to friends.

Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This cruise is ideal for history buffs, food lovers, or anyone wanting a relaxed way to see Savannah from the water. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or travelers looking for a laid-back afternoon with good eats and a bit of local flavor.

If you’re traveling with family or children, the cruise is generally suitable, though the narration and the buffet are targeted more towards adults. Still, the slow, scenic ride and the possibility of dolphin sightings could appeal to kids as well.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Savannah and want a combination of scenic views, tasty southern food, and engaging storytelling, this Sightseeing Lunch Cruise ticks all those boxes. It offers a relaxing atmosphere, friendly crew, and plenty of opportunities to take photos and learn a little about Savannah’s vital port and history.

Given the positive reviews and the consistent praise for the food and narration, it’s clear that this cruise provides a memorable experience — especially if you’re a fan of laid-back, scenic adventures.

FAQs About the Savannah Sightseeing Lunch Cruise

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for those with mobility needs to enjoy the ride.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID and weather-appropriate clothing. Since the boat can be chilly inside, layering is recommended.

How early should I arrive?
Boarding begins one hour before the scheduled departure, so plan to arrive early to avoid missing the cruise.

Can I park nearby?
Yes, there are public parking lots on River Street, Bay Street, or Bryan Street. Parking can fill up quickly, so arriving early helps.

What’s included in the price?
The cruise price includes live narration and a Southern buffet lunch. Alcoholic beverages are not included and must be purchased separately.

Is this a good experience for families?
While suitable for all ages, it’s generally more geared towards adults. Kids might enjoy the views and the possibility of seeing dolphins, but the narration is more adult-oriented.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts about two hours—a manageable length for most travelers looking for a relaxing afternoon.

Is the food served hot?
Yes, the buffet features hot dishes like fried chicken and shrimp and grits. The food is served buffet-style, so you can go back for seconds.

Are there options for dietary restrictions?
The standard menu offers classic Southern fare; for specific dietary needs, it’s best to inquire directly, but reviews do not specify special options.

Can I get drinks on board?
Alcoholic beverages are not included but are available for purchase separately.

If you’re after a laid-back, scenic, and tasty way to experience Savannah’s waterfront, this cruise offers a lot. It’s a chance to enjoy good food, learn some local lore, and see the city from a different angle—all within a comfortable two-hour window.

You can check availability for your dates here: