St Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. Natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and Wealthy Industrialists all walked here. Cumberland Island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness.
We will be taking a 30 mile guided van tour, over rough roads and through dense forests, to explore the history and environment of the northern island.
When
Date April 12, 2025
Time Check begins one hour before ferry departure (9:00AM) at the Mainland Visitor Center. All unclaimed reservations will be cancelled 30 minutes prior to departure and those spots will be offered to walk-in visitors.
Admission Fees
Ferry Ride $40.00 plus tax (65+ 38.00 plus tax)
The seat on the van is $65 plus tax per person. There are only two vans that seat 12 people each. The vans fill up quickly. The longer you wait to book them the greater the chance is that they will be full.
Where
Mainland Visitor Center
113 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys, GA 31558
Open Daily 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Contact - Rebecca Janssen
Contact phone number(804) 615-2069
Parking Info -Cumberland Island Parking lot, 1 block west of the visitor center
Entrance Info - Mainland Visitors Center
Transportation
Great place to include carpool information, if applicable
Food
Bring whatever you want to eat with you. No food is available on the island.
Bring a trash bag to carry anything you brought with you out.
Schedule of Events
Be at the ferry dock next to visitor center at least 15 minutes prior to departure (8:45 AM). Attend orientation led by the ranger.
Gear
We will have opportunities to shoot Wildlife (there are hundreds of feral horses on the Island), Nature, Landscapes and Architecture among others things.
Tripods may be in some cases useful or needed for optimum results but could be problematic in a crowded van.
Whatever gear you bring with you will likely carried most of the day so pack with that in mind.
Other Tip
Directions
Your in car GPS is best choice OR:
I 95 N to Exit 1 in Georgia St Marys Rd. Merge right on to St Marys Rd , 3 mi to right lane ramp to Cumberland Il.
Left at the stop light on GA 40 E, approx 3 miles to right turn on to Dillworth St then 2 miles to the dock.
Parking lot is one block west of the visitors center.