Savannah: Harbor Cruise and Historic Trolley Tour Combo

Exploring Savannah offers a chance to step into a city where history whispers from cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks, and elegant mansions. The Harbor Cruise and Trolley Tour Combo promises a well-rounded peek into this southern gem. We haven’t experienced it ourselves, but based on the details and reviews, it looks like a good introduction for first-timers, especially those interested in history, scenic views, and lively guides.

What we love about this combo is how it balances water and land perspectives—seeing the bustling harbor and then wandering through the historic districts. The narrated harbor cruise offers a leisurely way to appreciate Savannah’s port and waterfront, while the trolley tour gives a broader look at landmarks, mansions, and squares. One possible drawback might be the relatively short duration—just over a day—and some comments about viewing windows being closed during colder months. Still, if you want an engaging overview without breaking the bank, this experience offers solid value.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace, authentic guides, and scenic views. It’s particularly good for those new to Savannah or anyone wanting a taste of the city’s maritime and architectural charm in one convenient package.

Key Points

• Balanced experience with both water and land touring
• Knowledgeable guides share engaging historical insights
• Great views of Savannah’s skyline and riverfront
• Accessible location in downtown Savannah, close to accommodations
• Short, flexible tour options for a single day
• Mixed reviews on photo opportunities due to window coverings in colder months

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The narrated harbor cruise is the centerpiece, offering a 1.5-hour boat ride on the Savannah River. From the boat, you get a different perspective of Savannah’s port activities and skyline. The guide’s stories about the city’s military past and the port’s evolution are often praised for being informative and engaging. One traveler mentioned, “the knowledgeable captain shared fascinating tales,” which indicates that the guides are well-versed and passionate.

Old Fort Jackson is a key stop during the cruise, providing a chance to see one of America’s oldest brick forts. It’s home to a large artillery piece and offers great photo ops. It’s a tangible link to Savannah’s military history, making the cruise both scenic and educational.

Views of the riverfront are another highlight. Expect to see Savannah’s historic buildings, bustling waterfront, and the skyline with steeples and towers. Those who love maritime scenery will find plenty to enjoy here.

The trolley tour complements the cruise by taking you through Savannah’s historic districts in a lively, open-air vehicle. The guides are notably enthusiastic, often dressed in period costumes, bringing history alive. You’ll pass by cobblestone streets, stately mansions, squares, and landmarks like Forsyth Park and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

The tour’s narration covers over 270 years of history, giving context to the sights. We loved the idea of riding beneath moss-draped oaks and learning about Savannah’s Old South charm from a comfortable trolley seat.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Starting Point: The tour begins at 217 W Boundary St, a central location within walking distance of many Savannah hotels. The convenience of the starting point is a plus for travelers staying downtown.

Cruise Segment: Boarding typically occurs around 12:30 p.m. with departure at 1:00 p.m.. The 1.5-hour boat ride takes you along the Savannah River, with commentary on the port’s development into a major shipping hub. During the cruise, you’ll see Old Fort Jackson, which is a highlight for history buffs and photographers alike. Visitors often appreciate the chance to see one of the largest original artillery pieces remaining from that era.

Views En Route: Expect to see the city’s historic riverfront, with its warehouses, piers, and ships. The captain’s narration adds flavor, sharing stories that connect the port’s past to its current bustling activity.

Post-Cruise: After disembarking, the trolley tour begins. It’s a fully narrated 75-minute journey through Savannah’s historic districts. The guides’ lively commentary and period costumes add an element of entertainment. Highlights include Ellis Square, Madison Square, Forsyth Park, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

Key landmarks: The trolley route passes City Market, Lucas Theatre, and River Street, giving you a rundown of Savannah’s vibrant downtown. You’ll also see Waving Girl Statue, Davenport House Museum, and the Colonial Park Cemetery.

Tour timing: The schedule varies seasonally, with boarding at 12:30 p.m. and departure at 1:00 p.m. in winter months, and later times during peak season from March to November. The last stop is the starting point, making it easy to plan your day.

What Travelers Love and What Could Be Better

Based on the reviews, guides are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm. One reviewer said, “the trolley tour was a good overview, and the guides made history fun.” The scenic views of the waterfront and skyline are consistently highlighted as memorable.

However, some travelers noted limitations with the boat’s windows, especially during colder months. One review mentioned, “the plastic windows were down, making photos hard,” which could be frustrating for photo lovers. Others mentioned that the steamboat wheel wasn’t turning, which might disappoint those expecting a more interactive or authentic paddlewheeler experience.

The length of the tour is suitable for a single day, but some might find it rushed if they want a more in-depth exploration. The overall value depends on your expectations—if you’re after a broad overview with engaging guides, this tour checks most boxes.

The Practical Details

• Duration: Approximately 1 day, including both cruise and trolley
• Cost: While not specified here, the experience offers good value for a comprehensive city overview
• Meeting Point: 217 W Boundary St, a central downtown location
• Availability: Runs multiple days per week, with seasonal variations
• Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Language: Guided in English
• What to bring: Camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothes—especially if you plan to sit on the trolley for 75 minutes

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This combo is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a broad introduction to Savannah’s maritime and urban charms. History buffs will enjoy the narrated stories, and those who love scenic water views will find the harbor cruise a highlight. It’s also a good choice for travelers seeking a low-effort, guided experience that covers many sights without the need for extensive planning.

If you prefer more interactive or in-depth visits to specific sites, you might want to supplement this tour with additional exploration. But for a fun, informative, and reasonably priced way to start your Savannah adventure, this combo offers good value.

The Savannah Harbor Cruise and Historic Trolley Tour Combo offers a balanced look at one of the South’s most charming cities. You’ll enjoy guides who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, scenic views of the riverfront and skyline, and a rundown of Savannah’s historic districts. It’s a relaxed experience that suits travelers new to the city or those looking for a pleasant, all-in-one introduction.

While the short duration and some logistical quirks—like window coverings—may be drawbacks, the overall experience provides authentic insights and memorable views. It’s particularly valuable for those wanting an engaging, guided tour that covers both maritime and architectural highlights without requiring multiple bookings or complex planning.

This tour is well worth considering if you value local stories, scenic water views, and a lively guide to help bring Savannah’s history to life. For a first visit or a quick overview, it’s one of the better ways to get acquainted with this historic city.

How long does the harbor cruise last?
The cruise is approximately 1.5 hours, starting around 1:00 p.m. after boarding at 12:30 p.m.

Where does the tour begin?
The tour begins at 217 W Boundary St, centrally located behind City Hall in downtown Savannah.

Is the trolley tour narrated?
Yes, the trolley is fully narrated and the guides are known for their lively storytelling.

What sights will I see on the trolley?
Expect to see historic districts, cobblestone streets, mansions, squares, Forsyth Park, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and more.

Are the windows on the boat open or closed?
During colder months, the windows are often covered with plastic, which might make photography more challenging.

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

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed pace and engaging guides make it suitable for families, though younger children might find the full 75-minute trolley ride less engaging.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing suited for outdoor touring, especially on the trolley.

In sum, this Savannah combo tour offers a practical, engaging way to begin your exploration of the city, blending scenic water views with lively storytelling and historic sights. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a memorable, guided overview without overextending their schedule.

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