Savannah: Riverboat Sunset Cruise

This Savannah riverboat sunset cruise promises a relaxed, scenic hour or two on the water, complete with live music and breathtaking views of the city’s historic riverfront. Offering a mix of sightseeing and entertainment, this experience is perfect for those seeking an easy, enjoyable way to unwind after exploring Savannah’s vibrant streets.

One thing we love about this cruise is the open-air top deck, where you can really soak in the sunset and the river’s gentle breeze. It’s a simple, yet charming way to see Savannah from a different perspective. That said, a possible consideration is that, while the cruise includes live music and scenic views, food and drinks are not included — so if you’re craving a full dinner, you’ll need to plan to buy it onboard or beforehand.

This activity suits travelers looking for a laid-back, scenic evening with good music and beautiful sights. It’s especially ideal for couples, small groups, or families wanting to experience Savannah’s charm in a relaxed setting. If you appreciate stunning sunsets and a friendly atmosphere, this cruise could be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

Stunning Sunset Views: The cruise offers a prime vantage point for Savannah’s sunset, with many reviews praising the timing and beauty of the sunset.

Live Music & Atmosphere: Guests enjoy lively music, often by engaging DJs, which adds a fun, social element to the experience.

Flexible Seating Options: With multiple decks, you can choose to sit indoors or outside, depending on your preference and weather.

Affordable Price Point: At $55 per person, the cruise provides excellent value, especially considering the scenic views and entertainment.

Informative & Friendly Staff: Reviews frequently mention the welcoming, friendly staff and the captain’s skilled navigation, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Limited Food & Drink: While there is a bar and grill onboard, food and beverages are available for purchase, not included, so plan accordingly if hungry.

An In-Depth Look at the Savannah Riverboat Sunset Cruise

What Makes This Cruise Special?

Imagine drifting down the Savannah River as the sky paints itself with hues of orange, pink, and purple. You can expect this cruise to deliver just that. The open-air top deck is the star of the show — perfect for snapping photos, feeling the breeze, and soaking in the views. The reviews highlight that the captain expertly timed the sunset, ensuring guests caught the most photogenic moments, making it a photographer’s dream.

Many travelers loved the relaxed vibe, describing it as a “beautiful”, “breathtaking”, and “very relaxing” experience. The atmosphere is casual, with guests able to walk around, sit, or dance to the live music by the onboard entertainers. The music varies from lively DJs to talented guitar players, adding a lively soundtrack to your evening.

The Itinerary & What to Expect

The cruise starts from a convenient meeting point near Savannah’s bustling River Street, with easy parking options nearby. Once aboard, the boat immediately sets off, gliding along the Savannah River. The first noticeable feature is the panoramic water views, with many reviewers mentioning how impressive the city skyline and historic waterfront look from the water.

As the boat moves, you’ll notice an open-air upper deck where most guests gather to enjoy the sunset. The timing is typically perfect, with reviews confirming that the captain “timed it perfectly for great photo ops.” While the cruise itself lasts around two hours, the highlight is the hour or so before sunset when the sky transforms into a canvas of colors.

Throughout the journey, you’ll have ample opportunity to relax, take photos, or dance if you’re feeling lively. Some guests mentioned that despite the boat having multiple levels, there was a slight wait for drinks at the bar, so arriving early or being patient is advisable.

Scenic Views & Photo Opportunities

This cruise’s main draw is undoubtedly the spectacular sunset over Savannah. Guests frequently mention how “breathtaking” the sunset was, with some noting they saw dolphins swimming nearby, adding to the magic. The city’s historic waterfront, with its brick buildings and quaint piers, looks especially charming from the water, providing plenty of photo opportunities.

Reviewers appreciated that the boat provides both shaded and open-air areas, allowing everyone to find their comfort zone. The multiple decks, with their panoramic windows and open spaces, mean you can choose to stay inside if it’s chilly or outside to feel the wind.

Entertainment & Atmosphere

The live music on board truly enhances the experience. Whether it’s a DJ spinning lively tunes or a guitarist serenading guests, the music helps set a festive tone. Many reviews mention the DJ’s engaging personality and the variety of music played, from pop hits to Latin dances, which encourages guests to dance and enjoy the moment.

Guests found that the friendly staff and captain contributed significantly to the welcoming environment. Many reviewers noted how personable and helpful the crew was, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and cared for during the cruise.

Food & Drinks

While food isn’t included in the ticket price — which is quite affordable at $55 — there’s a bar and grill onboard where you can purchase drinks and snacks. Many guests enjoyed the cocktails and snacks available for purchase, though some pointed out that there could be more bartenders working to reduce wait times.

Reviews indicate that drinks are priced somewhat higher than typical bars, but the quality and variety generally satisfy guests. Many travelers appreciated having options to buy a cocktail or a cold drink while watching the sunset or dancing to the music.

Timing & Practical Tips

The cruise duration of approximately two hours makes it an ideal evening activity, especially if you’re looking to relax after a day of sightseeing. It’s essential to check the availability and starting times in advance, as they vary. You should also allow extra time for parking and getting to the dock, especially in downtown Savannah, where parking can take some planning.

Guests recommend arriving early to secure a good spot on the deck or inside, especially during busy times. Remember, the experience ends back at the same dock, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This sunset cruise is perfect for couples wanting a romantic evening, families seeking a relaxed outing, or groups of friends looking to unwind with good music and scenic views. It’s also well-suited for travelers who appreciate a laid-back, social atmosphere and don’t mind purchasing food and drinks during the cruise.

If you’re someone who loves watching sunsets, enjoys live music, and prefers an easy, low-maintenance activity, this cruise delivers on all those fronts. It’s a fantastic way to see Savannah’s historic waterfront from a different perspective without the fuss of a formal tour or dinner cruise.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it manageable for guests with mobility concerns.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, with the main highlight being around an hour of sunset viewing.

Are food and drinks included in the ticket price?
No, food and drinks are not included. They are available for purchase onboard at the bar and grill.

Where do I meet for the cruise?
You’ll pick up your tickets near Olympia Cafe and River Street Sweets, with the boat docked across from the ticket office at the Savannah Riverboat Cruises location.

Is parking easy to find?
Parking is available at public lots on River Street, Bay Street, and Bryan Street Parking Garage. Be sure to allocate extra time, especially in busy seasons.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

What’s the best time to go?
Check the local schedule for available start times, but aim for the sunset hour for the most spectacular views.

Final Thoughts

The Savannah Riverboat Sunset Cruise offers a relaxed yet visually stunning way to experience the city’s waterfront. With friendly staff, lively music, and that unforgettable sunset backdrop, it creates a memorable evening that balances scenic beauty with easy entertainment.

While it doesn’t include food or drinks in the ticket price, the onboard bar and grill options are convenient, and the overall cost provides solid value for the experience. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting a low-key, scenic activity—especially couples, families, or groups who enjoy a bit of live music and a beautiful view.

If you’re after a peaceful yet lively way to end your day in Savannah, this cruise hits the mark. Just remember to plan for parking and bring comfortable shoes to enjoy the views comfortably.

To sum it up, for those who love sunsets, scenic water views, and a friendly atmosphere with good music, this cruise is a solid choice. It’s less about formality and more about enjoying the moment — perfect for making lasting memories with friends or loved ones in beautiful Savannah.