Savannah: Harbor Cruise and Historic Trolley Tour Combo

Savannah: Harbor Cruise and Historic Trolley Tour Combo

If you’re visiting Savannah and want a taste of both its maritime allure and its storied streets, the combo of a narrated harbor cruise and a historic trolley tour offers a practical, engaging way to see a broad slice of the city’s highlights. For around $70, you get a 1.5-hour boat trip on the Savannah River along with a 75-minute open-air trolley ride. The experience covers notable sites like Old Fort Jackson, the bustling riverfront, and elegant mansions lining the squares.

What we like most is how these tours blend informative narration with spectacular views — especially the chance to see Old Fort Jackson, one of the oldest brick forts in the U.S., and to enjoy Savannah’s picturesque waterfront. The lively guides on the trolley add a layer of personality and local flavor that makes history more relatable. Plus, the opportunity to snap photos of historic buildings, moss-draped oaks, and busy wharfs makes the experience memorable.

On the downside, some travelers note that the boat’s plastic windows can hinder photo-taking when it’s chilly, and the steamboat wheel not turning was a disappointment for one guest. Still, these are minor inconveniences that don’t detract too much from the overall charm.

This tour best suits visitors who appreciate a balanced mix of history, scenery, and local storytelling. It’s particularly good for first-timers wanting an overview without the effort of navigating on their own, and for those who enjoy authentic, guided insights into Savannah’s past and present.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines a scenic harbor cruise with a comprehensive trolley tour, giving you both water and land perspectives.
• Expert Guides: Guides are lively and knowledgeable, making history engaging and accessible.
• Iconic Stops: Highlights include Old Fort Jackson, riverfront, squares, mansions, and cultural landmarks.
• Photo Opportunities: Stunning views of historic buildings, moss-draped trees, and waterfront scenes.
• Practical Details: Centralized dock location, flexible cancellation, and live English narration add convenience and clarity.
• Value for Money: Full day of sightseeing for a reasonable price, with the benefit of guided commentary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at 217 W Boundary St, right in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. This convenient location makes it easy to walk from most downtown accommodations. The boat cruise departs at 1:00 p.m. with boarding at 12:30 p.m., lasting about 1.5 hours. The trolley tour follows afterward, lasting 75 minutes, and takes you through many of Savannah’s iconic neighborhoods.

The flexible scheduling means you can choose from different times depending on the season, but most cruises run on weekends in December and January, with daily options from March through November. The central dock location also means you won’t have to travel far once you’re in town, which is a big plus in a city where walking is part of the charm.

The Harbor Cruise: Water Views and Old Fort Jackson

The cruise is narrated, with a captain sharing tales about Savannah’s bustling port and its significance. You’ll glide along the Savannah River, enjoying views of the city skyline, historic wharf buildings, and moss-draped trees. A highlight is seeing Old Fort Jackson, one of the oldest brick forts still standing in America, which played a key role in the city’s defense history.

The cruise offers a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to soak in the scenery and snap photos. The instructor’s stories about the port’s evolution from a colonial trade hub to one of the busiest ports in the world add depth to the experience. Visitors have noted that the views of ships coming and going keep the scene lively and engaging.

The Trolley Tour: Strolling Through Savannah’s History

After the cruise, you’ll hop aboard a fully narrated, open-air trolley that takes you through Savannah’s historic districts. Guides in costume or period dress bring the city’s stories alive, sharing over 270 years of history. You’ll pass by cobblestone streets, squares, and stately mansions, many with fascinating stories of their own.

The trolley’s route includes stops or views of landmarks like Ellis Square, Madison Square, Forsyth Park, and the Davenport House Museum. The guide’s lively commentary helps connect the dots between the city’s architecture, its people, and its role in American history.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authenticity and Value

According to reviews, guides are a true highlight — “the knowledgeable guides” make the difference between a good tour and a memorable one. They often share personal stories, giving a sense that you’re learning from locals rather than just listening to a script.

The tour’s value is enhanced by the fact that it’s a full day of sightseeing in one convenient package, without the hassle of separate bookings. The boat’s spectacular views combined with the city’s charm from the trolley make it a well-rounded introduction, especially for first-time visitors.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

One common complaint is about the plastic windows on the boat, which can make photography difficult when it’s cold. If you’re keen on picture-taking, bringing a camera with a good zoom or planning to take photos before boarding might help. Also, the steamboat wheel not turning was mentioned as a letdown — a minor point, but worth noting if you’re expecting a working paddlewheel experience.

Timing is important, especially if you want to maximize your day. The cruise and trolley schedule are fixed, so planning your day around these times helps ensure a smooth experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This combo suits travelers who enjoy guided storytelling and want a rundown without spending a fortune. Perfect for history buffs, photographers, or those simply wanting a relaxed introduction to Savannah’s neighborhoods and waterfront. It also appeals to families, as the boat’s slow pace and lively guides keep all ages engaged.

If you prefer independent exploring or detailed visits to specific sites, you might find this tour somewhat broad, but it’s an excellent starting point.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Savannah Harbor Cruise and Trolley Tour Combo offers a practical, enjoyable way to see many of the city’s highlights in a single day. The expert guides and scenic views stand out as real strengths, making history come alive in a friendly, accessible manner.

While the photo restrictions on the boat and the lack of a working steamboat wheel may disappoint some, they are minor compared to the overall value and richness of the experience. The combination appeals especially to first-time visitors or anyone looking for a well-rounded, guided overview of Savannah’s historic streets, riverfront, and architecture.

If you’re after a low-stress, informative, and visually appealing introduction to Savannah, this tour hits the mark. Just come with your camera ready before boarding, and leave with a good sense of what makes this city so unique.

FAQ

• Where does the tour start?
  It starts at 217 W Boundary St, right in Savannah’s historic district, within walking distance of many hotels and attractions.

• What is included in the experience?
  A 1.5-hour narrated harbor cruise and a 75-minute trolley tour, both with live guides providing historical insights.

• How long does the whole tour last?
  The combined tour takes about 2.75 hours, with the cruise followed by the trolley ride.

• Are the boat windows clear enough for photos?
  The boat has plastic windows, which some find make photo-taking challenging, especially in cold weather.

• Is there a specific time to board?
  Boarding is typically at 12:30 p.m. for the afternoon cruise, with departure at 1:00 p.m., and later options are available depending on the season.

• Can I cancel the tour?
  Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Is this suitable for children?
  Yes, the relaxed pace and lively guides make it suitable for families, although the tour is best appreciated by those interested in history and scenery.

• What should I bring?
  Bring your camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and an appetite for storytelling and scenic views.

In the end, this combo tour provides a friendly, insightful look into Savannah’s charming streets and bustling riverfront, perfect for those wanting a balanced, authentic experience that captures the city’s spirit.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby