Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise

If you’re visiting Savannah and craving a relaxed way to see the city while enjoying some delicious Southern fare, the Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise might just be your answer. This 2-hour cruise offers a pleasant journey down the Savannah River, complete with informative narration, a hearty buffet, and picture-perfect views of the waterfront. From the moment you step aboard, you’ll feel the charm of Georgia’s historic port city come alive through scenery, stories, and flavors.

What we love about this experience is how seamlessly it combines sightseeing and cuisine. The Southern-style buffet is a standout, with dishes like shrimp and grits and fried chicken that truly hit the spot. Plus, the captain’s tales and historical tidbits add a layer of depth (and fun!) to your cruise. One minor consideration is that parking can take some time, so arriving early is a smart move. This tour suits anyone wanting a laid-back, engaging way to explore Savannah’s waterfront while indulging in local flavors.

Key Points:

• Scenic waterways: Enjoy a relaxing cruise along Savannah River with views of the port and local flora and fauna.
• Authentic Southern food: Feast on a buffet featuring signature dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and southern greens.
• Informative narration: Learn about Savannah’s history, including Old Fort Jackson, from friendly guides and captains.
• Good value: For around $63, you get a 2-hour cruise with a meal, making it a reasonably priced experience.
• Accessible & flexible: The tour is wheelchair accessible, and you can reserve now with the option to pay later.
• Ideal for: History buffs, food lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxed, scenic day out.

What to Expect on the Savannah Sightseeing Lunch Cruise

This tour is designed to deliver a multi-sensory taste of Savannah—its history, scenery, and flavors. Starting from the Riverboat Ticket Office at 9 East River Street, you’ll check in and wait for boarding, which begins about an hour before the cruise departs. If you’re driving, parking is available nearby at public lots on River Street, Bay Street, or the Bryan Street Parking Garage. Keep in mind, you should allocate at least 30-60 minutes just to find parking in downtown Savannah.

Once aboard, the boat, often referred to as the Georgia Queen or similar vessels, sets sail along the Savannah River. The narration begins shortly after departure, providing insights into the city’s port activities, historical landmarks, and notable sites like Old Fort Jackson. The guide or captain, such as Gage or Chayse in reviews, makes the experience engaging with stories that resonate with both history buffs and casual listeners.

The Scenic Ride

The cruise offers a gentle, two-hour journey along the river, giving you a front-row seat to Savannah’s bustling port and its scenic natural landscape. You’ll see the modern port facilities, local flora and fauna, and the historic fort, all from the comfort of the boat’s shaded or open-air decks. Reviewers have commented on how the scenery isn’t necessarily breathtaking, but the overall experience remains enjoyable because of the relaxed atmosphere and lively commentary.

Food & Dining

The highlight for many is the Southern buffet lunch, which has earned compliments for being flavorful and satisfying. Expect dishes like shrimp and grits, spicy fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and greens — all served buffet-style. Many reviewers, including those who typically have big appetites, found the food to be surprisingly good, with some describing the fried chicken as “delicious” and “better than expected.” The menu also includes sides like squash casserole and sweet potato soufflé, plus fresh fruit, salads, and desserts.

Some guests note that the food quality varies slightly depending on the day and the chef on duty, but overall, it’s hearty, soul-satisfying, and plentiful. A reviewer even mentioned, “Chef Ron made the best fried chicken,” highlighting the skill involved. The buffet provides a casual, family-friendly vibe—perfect for a relaxing lunch break.

Guides & Narration

The guides and captains deliver lively and informative commentary, sharing interesting tidbits about Savannah’s history and port operations. Reviews mention guides like Gage and Rae, who are praised for their engaging storytelling. The narration includes fun facts and historical insights, enhancing your understanding of the city’s past and present. For instance, hearing the cannons roar from Old Fort Jackson during the cruise adds a compelling touch.

Additional Details

• Duration: About 2 hours—enough time to relax, eat, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.
• Inclusions: Live narration and the buffet lunch are included in the ticket price.
• Extras: Alcoholic beverages are not included, but you can purchase drinks onboard. No hotel pickup is provided.
• Accessibility: The boat is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most travelers.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

The majority of reviews—over 560—give this experience a solid 4.6 out of 5, with many travelers praising the friendly staff, tasty food, and informative guides. One guest highlighted, “The food was very good, and our server Rae and tour guide Gage were excellent,” demonstrating the attentive service. Others appreciated the relaxing pace of the cruise and the chance to see Savannah from a different perspective.

A few notes from travelers include comments like, “The scenery is not the prettiest,” but the overall enjoyment was still high due to the knowledgeable narration and good food. Several reviewers, including families and couples, mention that the experience is a memorable and worthwhile way to spend a few hours in Savannah.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise appeals most to those seeking a relaxed, scenic experience combined with delicious Southern cuisine. History enthusiasts will appreciate the storytelling about Savannah’s landmarks, while food lovers can indulge in a hearty buffet without worrying about a sit-down dinner. It’s also ideal for groups, families, or couples looking for a shared adventure on the water.

Travelers who want to avoid long sightseeing excursions or prefer a low-key, enjoyable way to explore Savannah’s waterfront will find this tour a perfect fit. Given the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, it’s also accessible for those wanting to keep their plans adaptable.

The Sum Up

The Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise offers a well-rounded taste of the city’s waterfront, combining scenic views, engaging storytelling, and genuine Southern hospitality. The buffet proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a satisfying meal, especially with dishes that echo the flavors of Georgia. The narration, led by friendly guides, adds educational value and makes the cruise suitable for those interested in history, local culture, or simply relaxing on the water.

While it might not be a scenic marvel, the overall experience is warm, informative, and great value for the price. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a leisurely, authentic taste of Savannah’s maritime charm without the fuss of more structured tours.

If you love good food, scenic waterways, and stories that bring a place to life, this cruise could easily become one of your favorite Savannah memories.

FAQ

• How long is the cruise? The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, including boarding, sightseeing, and dining.
• What is included in the ticket price? Your ticket covers the live narration and a Southern buffet lunch.
• Are drinks available onboard? Alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased during the cruise.
• Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs? Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible.
• Where do I meet for the cruise? The meeting point is at the Riverboat Ticket Office at 9 East River Street, near Olympia Cafe and River Street Sweets.
• Is parking available? Yes, there are public parking lots nearby on River Street, Bay Street, and Bryan Street.
• Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• What should I bring? Bring your ID, passport, and weather-appropriate clothing.
• Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially if you enjoy relaxed, scenic outings.
• What if I have dietary restrictions? The buffet menu is fixed, so it’s best to check with the tour provider if you have specific dietary needs.

This Savannah sightseeing lunch cruise proves to be a delightful way to enjoy the city’s waterfront with good food, engaging stories, and picturesque views—all without breaking the bank.