Savannah Land & Sea Combo: City Sightseeing Trolley Tour with Riverboat Cruise

If you’re considering a way to get a good sense of Savannah’s charm without feeling overwhelmed, this Savannah Land & Sea Combo might just be what you need. Combining a guided trolley tour with a relaxing river cruise, it promises a balanced look at the city’s historic sites and waterfront beauty. It’s a popular choice for visitors wanting both land-based stories and water views in one go.

What we really like about this experience is how it covers the essentials — from stately mansions and historic squares to the lively River Street — all while keeping it flexible and relaxed. Plus, the narrated river cruise offers a lovely change of pace with views along the Savannah River. On the flip side, some travelers have mentioned that the tour can be rushed or that the river cruise might not be as scenic as expected, especially if weather is less cooperative. Overall, it’s a solid option for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a quick but rundown of Savannah’s highlights.

This tour suits those who want a well-rounded introduction to Savannah without the hassle of planning multiple activities or navigating on their own. It’s also convenient for travelers who prefer guided experiences with easy logistics. If you’re short on time but want a taste of Savannah’s culture, architecture, and scenic waterfront, this combo is worth considering.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines land-based sightseeing with a scenic river cruise.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides share stories and history, making the experience engaging.
• Convenient & Flexible: Starts at the Visitor’s Center or hotel pickup, with transportation included.
• Cost-Effective: For around $79, you get two major Savannah attractions in one package.
• Good for First-Timers: Perfect if you’re visiting Savannah for the first time and want an overview.
• Weather-Dependent: The river cruise can be affected by weather, so keep that in mind.

Why This Tour Works

This combo tour is designed to give you a thorough taste of Savannah, especially if you’re new to the city. By pairing a full loop trolley ride with a narrated river cruise, it maximizes your exposure to Savannah’s most iconic sights without the need to hop between different tickets or guides. You get the best of both worlds: the historical charm on land and waterfront views over the river.

What to Expect on the Tour

The experience begins at Savannah’s Visitor Center, where you’ll board a trolley that takes you on a 90-minute guided tour through the city’s most notable neighborhoods. As you cruise past Victorian mansions, leafy squares, and notable landmarks like Lafayette Square and Forsyth Park, your guide will share stories about Savannah’s captivating past, legends, and local anecdotes. You’ll learn about the city’s architecture, the significance of Spanish moss, and the stories behind Savannah’s status as one of America’s most romantic—and haunted—cities.

One of the highlights is passing through the Historic District, laid out by General James E. Oglethorpe, with its grid pattern and lush greenery. The guide’s commentary often includes fun tidbits, like how the city inspired “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” This part of the tour offers a nice blend of history, culture, and local color, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Once the trolley tour wraps up, you’ll be dropped off at River Street, the bustling waterfront area full of shops, cafes, and bars housed in old cotton warehouses. Here, you’ll have some free time to explore, grab a snack, or just soak in the views before boarding the scenic 90-minute river cruise.

The River Cruise Experience

The river cruise is a gentle ride along the Savannah River, with narration from your captain about the port’s history, the ships visiting, and notable spots along the river. You might see Old Fort Jackson, a historic military site, or just enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the waterfront. Tour reviews mention that the cruise provides great photo ops of the skyline and riverfront, although some find it less scenic if the weather is cloudy or hot, as shade can be limited on the boat.

Passengers have described the cruise as informative, with some reviews highlighting the captain’s storytelling skills. “Hear the captains tales and facts about Savannah’s port and the ships that visit,” is how one review puts it, making it a pleasant, educational end to your day.

Practical Details & Tips

The tour is priced around $79.18 per person, which offers good value considering you’re getting both a comprehensive city tour and a scenic river cruise. The duration is roughly 5 hours, which makes it manageable even if you have a packed schedule. The tour includes hotel pickup only if you’re staying in select Savannah hotels, but you can also choose to meet at the Visitor Center.

It’s worth noting that the timing of the cruise varies, with departures at either 1:00 PM or 3:30 PM depending on the day, so you’ll want to plan your day accordingly. Also, keep in mind that parking fees are not included if you choose to drive yourself to the meeting point, and that the experience is weather-dependent, especially for the river cruise.

Some travelers have mentioned issues with parking and signage, so arriving a little early or verifying directions can help. The tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with most reviews noting that the guides are friendly and knowledgeable. However, a few reviews suggest that onboard comfort could be improved, especially for taller guests.

What the Reviews Say

The tour garners a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 1,700 reviews. Many praise the friendly guides and the informative nature of the land tour, with comments like, “Tour guide was very friendly, polite, and knowledgeable.” Several reviewers mention that the river cruise complements the land tour well, providing a relaxing contrast and photo opportunities.

A handful of reviews note minor frustrations, such as poor signage, limited shade on the boat, or quick pacing that some felt missed out on sights. For example, “It was difficult to find the entrance for parking,” or “The driver drove so fast and provided so much information that I would have preferred less info and a stop to get out and see more.”

Despite these small issues, most travelers find this combo experience to be a worthwhile and enjoyable way to see Savannah, especially if you’re short on time or prefer guided tours to exploring on your own.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Savannah Land & Sea experience is especially suited for first-time visitors or those wanting a broad overview without the hassle of planning multiple activities. If you enjoy guided storytelling, beautiful views, and a relaxed pace, you’ll likely appreciate what this tour offers.

It also works well for travelers who want an efficient day of sightseeing, with the convenience of transportation included and a mix of history, culture, and waterfront scenery. However, if you’re a serious history buff or prefer unstructured exploration, you might find the tour a bit too guided or rushed at times.

Final Thoughts

For a well-priced introduction to Savannah, this Land & Sea Combo ticks many boxes. You get to see the city’s highlights from both land and water, with guides adding stories that bring the sights to life. The experience is relaxed but informative, making it ideal for those who prefer a guided approach rather than wandering solo.

While the river cruise might not be the most scenic in perfect weather, it still provides a nice change of pace and great photo ops. Plus, the included guide commentary on land helps deepen your understanding of Savannah’s architecture, history, and legends. It’s a reliable choice for first-timers, couples, or anyone wanting to cover a lot of ground in a manageable half-day.

If you’re okay with minor inconveniences like parking and weather dependence, and you value guided insights, this tour could be a perfect fit for your Savannah visit.

FAQ

Is there parking available near the departure point for the Savannah Land & Sea Combo?
Yes, you can park at the Savannah Visitor’s Center if you prefer to drive. However, if you’re staying in certain hotels, they might offer pickup, but there may be parking fees involved.

What time is the cruise portion of the Land & Sea combo tour?
Depending on the schedule, the cruise will either start at 1:00 PM or 3:30 PM. Be sure to check your booking details so you can plan your day accordingly.

What can I see between the city tour and the river cruise?
After your trolley ride, you’ll be dropped off at River Street, where you can explore shops, grab a bite, or just soak in the views while waiting for your cruise.

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, most reviews suggest it’s a manageable experience for most travelers. Keep in mind that the cruise is a relaxed boat ride, and the trolley tour is a full loop with commentary, so energetic kids might need some entertainment.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
No, food and drinks are not included. You’re encouraged to explore the River Street area for meals or snacks before or after the cruise.

How long does the entire experience last?
The total duration is approximately 5 hours, making it a good half-day activity that fits comfortably into most schedules.

What should I bring or prepare for the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, sun protection, and a camera. Check the weather forecast — if rain is expected, it might impact the river cruise.

If you’re looking for a practical, engaging way to experience Savannah’s highlights with knowledgeable guides and scenic views, the Savannah Land & Sea Combo offers a well-rounded, enjoyable outing. It’s a great choice to get a sense of the city’s charm without feeling overwhelmed.