St. Marys, Georgia · 42 min from Jacksonville, FL
Cumberland Island Ferry
Georgia's Wild Barrier Island
The only way to reach Cumberland Island — a 36,000-acre wilderness preserve where wild horses roam undisturbed beaches, Gilded Age Carnegie mansions stand frozen in time, and 18 miles of completely undeveloped Atlantic shoreline await. No roads. No bridges. No shops or restaurants. Just one of the most pristine barrier islands in North America, 45 minutes from the mainland.
Roundtrip Ferry Crossing45-minute crossing of Cumberland Sound on a 150-passenger vessel with an enclosed lower deck, open upper deck, and onboard restrooms. Dolphins, roseate spoonbills, herons, and the occasional manatee are commonly spotted along the way.
18 Miles of Undeveloped BeachAccess to the entire island — 18 miles of completely undeveloped Atlantic shoreline, 9,800 acres of designated wilderness, 50+ miles of hiking trails and roads, and wild horses roaming freely across beaches, dunes, and maritime forests.
Dungeness Historic DistrictSelf-guided exploration of the Carnegie family's burned-out 59-room mansion (1959), the Ice House Museum, the Carnegie cemetery, and the surrounding meadow where wild horses are commonly seen grazing.
Plum Orchard Mansion ToursFree guided tours of the 20,000-sq-ft Carnegie-built Georgian Revival mansion — offered three times daily at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 2 PM. One of the most spectacular and rarely visited historic homes in the American South.
Ranger Programs & OrientationPre-departure orientation and safety briefing at the St. Marys Visitor Center, free ranger-led "Footsteps" walking tour at Dungeness (subject to staffing), and a daily 4 PM dockside ranger program at Sea Camp.
Mainland Museum & Free ParkingAccess to the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum in St. Marys (open 1–4 PM daily, free admission), plus free long-term NPS parking across from Howard Gilman Park.
Choosing Your Ferry: 9 AM vs. 11:45 AM
~6 hours on the island · Arrive by 8 AM
9:00 AM Early Ferry
The only ferry that connects with the Lands & Legacies Tour. Best for bike rentals (first-come, first-served — often gone by mid-morning), longer hikes, extended beach time, and wildlife viewing at its best. Choose the early ferry if you want to bike north, take the guided van tour, or simply maximize your time on the island.
Lands & Legacies Connects Here
Best for Bikes & Hiking
Max Island Time
~4 hours on the island · More relaxed morning
11:45 AM Late Ferry
The better choice if you want a relaxed morning in St. Marys — breakfast in historic downtown, a visit to the mainland museum, or a later start from your hotel. Generally less crowded. Ideal for visitors planning to stay near Dungeness and Sea Camp Beach without venturing north. Not compatible with the Lands & Legacies Tour or bike rentals.
Relaxed Pace
Less Crowded
Beach & Dungeness Focus
⚠ Important — no food on the island
Pack everything you need for the day
There are no restaurants, cafés, snack bars, or shops anywhere on Cumberland Island. Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person (more on hot days), a substantial lunch, sunscreen, a hat, bug spray (essential in summer), and comfortable walking shoes. All trash must be packed out. The ferry sells limited snacks and drinks only when docked at Sea Camp — not on the island itself.
Do I need a reservation for the ferry?
Yes — strongly recommended. The ferry holds 150 passengers and routinely sells out during spring, summer, fall, weekends, and holidays. Walk-up tickets may be available if there are no-shows, but planning to walk up is risky. Book in advance through the official Cumberland Island Ferry website or an authorized booking partner.
How much does the ferry cost?
Round-trip ferry fares: Adults (16–61) $44 · Seniors (62+) $42 · Youth (6–15) $34 · Children 5 and under free. The National Park Service entrance fee is an additional $15 per person (ages 16+), paid separately at the Visitor Center on the day of your visit. The Lands & Legacies Tour is $65 per person additional. Service fees apply.
What time should I arrive at the Visitor Center?
At least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure — reservations not checked in within 30 minutes of departure are subject to cancellation. For the 9 AM ferry, arrive by 8 AM. For the 11:45 AM ferry, arrive by 10:45 AM. The check-in line can be long during peak season.
Are the wild horses really wild?
Yes. The 150–200 horses on Cumberland Island are completely feral and unmanaged, descended from horses brought during the colonial period and the Carnegie era. They roam freely across the entire island and are commonly seen on the Dungeness lawn, in the maritime forests, and along the beach. Maintain at least 50 feet of distance — they are wild animals and should never be approached, fed, or petted.
What is the Lands & Legacies Tour?
The only motorized tour of Cumberland Island — a 5–6 hour interpretive van tour departing from Sea Camp Ranger Station after the 9 AM ferry. Visits Plum Orchard Mansion (guided interior), the First African Baptist Church (where JFK Jr. married Carolyn Bessette in 1996), the Robert Stafford Plantation ruins, and Cumberland Wharf. Costs $65 per person, requires a separate booking, and books up quickly.
What's the JFK Jr. connection?
On September 21, 1996, John F. Kennedy Jr. married Carolyn Bessette in a small, secret ceremony at the First African Baptist Church in the Settlement on the island's far north end. The 1893 chapel was kept entirely private — the press didn't learn about it until after the couple had departed. It remains a popular stop on the Lands & Legacies Tour.
Can I rent a bike on the island?
Yes — at the Sea Camp Ranger Station, first-come, first-served. Half-day and full-day rates available. They often run out by mid-morning, so take the 9 AM ferry and head straight to the rental area. Plum Orchard Mansion is a 7-mile one-way ride from Sea Camp. You can also bring your own bike on the ferry with an advance reservation (additional fee).
Is there cell service on the island?
Extremely limited and unreliable — most carriers have weak signal or none at all. Download offline maps before you arrive, let someone on the mainland know your itinerary, and don't plan to use the internet during your visit.
Are pets allowed?
No. Only ADA-defined service animals are permitted on the ferry and island. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and family pets are not allowed. This policy protects the island's wild horses and other wildlife.
Is Cumberland Island wheelchair accessible?
The ferry has 3 wheelchair spaces per crossing. The NPS offers free sand-accessible wheelchairs at both ferry docks. Sea Camp campground restrooms are accessible. The Lands & Legacies Tour vans accommodate two wheelchairs. The Dungeness ruins and main paths near Sea Camp are largely navigable by wheelchair, though some sandy and uneven sections exist.
Can I camp on Cumberland Island?
Yes — Cumberland Island is famous for its primitive camping experience. Sea Camp campground (developed sites with restrooms and showers) and several backcountry sites are available via Recreation.gov. Book camping reservations before booking your ferry to ensure availability.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) offer mild temperatures, manageable bugs, and active wildlife. Summer has the best beach weather but brings heat, humidity, and aggressive biting insects. Winter is quiet and beautiful with fewer crowds, but ferry service is reduced to Thursday–Monday only.
What can I do in St. Marys before or after my ferry?
St. Marys is a charming National Historic District worth exploring. The mainland Cumberland Island Museum (open 1–4 PM daily, free) provides excellent context. The St. Marys Waterfront Park is steps from the dock. Local dining includes Locals Dockside (waterfront seafood), the St. Marys Harbor Restaurant, and the Southern River Walk Bar & Grill. Many visitors stay overnight in St. Marys to take advantage of an early ferry without a long drive.
