How to Get to Cumberland Island from St. Marys, GA | Ferry Guide

How to Get to Cumberland Island from St. Marys, Georgia

If you've ever wanted to visit one of Georgia's most beautiful and untouched coastal destinations, Cumberland Island National Seashore should be near the top of your list.

Located just off the coast of St. Marys, Georgia, Cumberland Island is known for its undeveloped beaches, maritime forests, historic ruins, wildlife, and famous wild horses. Unlike many coastal destinations, you can't simply drive across a bridge and arrive. Cumberland Island is accessible by boat, making the journey from St. Marys part of the adventure.

For most visitors, the easiest way to get there is the passenger ferry departing from historic downtown St. Marys.

Here's everything you need to know before making the trip.

Where Is Cumberland Island?

Cumberland Island is located off the coast of Camden County, Georgia, approximately seven miles east of St. Marys.

The island is part of Cumberland Island National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service. It stretches for roughly 17 miles and contains beaches, marshes, maritime forests, historic sites, trails, and wilderness areas.

There is no bridge connecting Cumberland Island to the mainland.

That means visitors need to arrive by boat, either on the passenger ferry from St. Marys or by private boat.

For most people visiting for the day, the ferry is the easiest option.

Taking the Cumberland Island Ferry from St. Marys

The public passenger ferry leaves from the waterfront in historic downtown St. Marys.

The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes each way, giving you a beautiful ride through the coastal waters and marshes before arriving at Cumberland Island.

The ferry operates as a round-trip service, so you'll select your departure from St. Marys and your return trip when making your reservation.

Cumberland Island Ferry – Official Reservations & Schedule

Where Does the Ferry Leave From?

The ferry and National Park Service visitor center are located at:

113 St. Marys Street
St. Marys, GA 31558

This is in the historic waterfront area of St. Marys.

If you're driving from Interstate 95, take Exit 3 and follow Georgia Highway 40 east toward historic downtown St. Marys. Highway 40 eventually becomes Osborne Street. Continue toward the historic district and turn onto St. Marys Street.

Important GPS Tip

If you're entering the destination into your GPS, use:

113 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, GA 31558

The ferry operator specifically recommends using the visitor center address. Simply searching for Cumberland Island National Seashore can potentially send you toward Crooked River State Park instead of the ferry terminal.

Where Do You Park for the Cumberland Island Ferry?

Visitors should park in the designated Cumberland Island parking area located about one block west of the mainland visitor center.

The parking area is free, according to the National Park Service.

Don't wait until the last minute to find parking and walk to the visitor center.

The National Park Service recommends arriving about one hour before your scheduled ferry departure.

That gives you time to:

• Park your vehicle

• Walk to the visitor center

• Check in

• Pay the park entrance fee

• Get your ferry information

• Load any gear

• Attend the required orientation

• Walk to the ferry dock

Cumberland Island Ferry Schedule

The ferry schedule changes throughout the year.

For 2026, the spring and summer schedule runs from March 1 through September 30.

During that period, ferries leave St. Marys at:

9:00 AM
11:45 AM

The trip takes approximately 45 minutes.

The ferry arrives at Cumberland Island at approximately:

9:45 AM
12:30 PM

Return departures from Cumberland Island during the spring and summer season include:

10:15 AM
2:45 PM Monday–Saturday
4:45 PM

The 2:45 PM return is available during the March 1–September 30 period.

Fall Schedule

From October 1 through November 30, the ferry continues operating seven days a week, but the return schedule changes.

Winter Schedule

From December 1 through February 28, ferry service operates Thursday through Monday, with no regularly scheduled ferry service on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Always check the current ferry schedule before your trip, because schedules can change.

Current ferry pricing listed by the Cumberland Island Ferry is:

• Adults 16–61: $44 round trip

• Seniors 62+: $42

• Children 6–15: $34

• Children 5 and under: Free

• Bicycles: Additional $10

The ferry ticket does not include the National Park entrance fee.

The National Park Service currently lists the park entrance fee at $15 for visitors 16 and older.

Because fees can change, check the official ferry and National Park Service websites before your trip.

Do You Need a Reservation?

Yes — reservations are strongly recommended.

Ferry capacity is limited, and popular departures can sell out.

The National Park Service specifically recommends making ferry reservations ahead of time.

The ferry operator also says reservations can be made up to six months in advance.

If you're planning a weekend trip, holiday visit, spring trip, or fall getaway, don't assume you'll be able to walk up and get a ticket.

Book ahead.

Book the Cumberland Island Ferry

Which Dock Should You Get Off At?

The ferry can serve two main visitor areas on Cumberland Island:

Dungeness Dock
Sea Camp Dock

Where you get off depends on what you want to do.

Dungeness

Dungeness is the better choice if your primary goal is exploring the historic Dungeness area.

The famous Dungeness ruins are one of Cumberland Island's most recognizable attractions.

The ruins are the remains of a large Carnegie-era estate and provide a fascinating glimpse into the island's history.

If you're interested in history, photography, architecture, and wildlife, Dungeness is a great place to begin.

Sea Camp

Sea Camp is especially important for:

• Campers

• Beachgoers

• Visitors bringing bicycles

• Visitors renting bikes

• People exploring the southern portion of the island

The National Park Service recommends that campers and visitors with bikes get off at Sea Camp.

What Should You Bring to Cumberland Island?

This is one of the most important things to understand before visiting.

Cumberland Island is not a typical tourist attraction.

There aren't restaurants, convenience stores, or regular shops waiting for you when you arrive.

The National Park Service recommends bringing the essentials you will need for your visit.

For a day trip, we recommend bringing:

• Plenty of drinking water

• Lunch

• Snacks

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Sunglasses

• Hat

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Lightweight clothing

• Rain gear

• Phone/camera

• Portable battery

• Small backpack

• Trash bag

And remember:

Pack it in and pack it out.

There are no trash cans throughout the island, so visitors are responsible for taking their trash back with them.

Can You Bring a Car to Cumberland Island?

No.

The public ferry is a passenger ferry and does not transport cars.

Once you're on Cumberland Island, you'll generally be exploring by:

• Walking

• Hiking

• Biking

Bikes can be brought on the ferry for an additional fee, and reservations are recommended.

This is one of the things that makes Cumberland Island feel so different from many other Georgia coastal destinations.

There are no roads filled with cars, parking lots, restaurants, and traffic.

Instead, you're walking through a protected coastal landscape.

What Can You See on Cumberland Island?

There is a lot to see, especially if you're visiting for the first time.

Some of the most popular experiences include:

Dungeness Ruins

One of the island's most famous historic landmarks.

Cumberland Island Beach

Miles of undeveloped Atlantic shoreline provide plenty of opportunities for walking, beachcombing, photography, and enjoying the scenery.

Wild Horses

Cumberland Island is famous for the horses that roam freely across the island.

They are wild animals, though, and visitors should never approach, feed, or attempt to touch them.

Maritime Forest

Live oaks, Spanish moss, palmettos, and other coastal vegetation create a completely different environment from the open beach.

Wildlife

Depending on the season and conditions, visitors may encounter deer, armadillos, wild turkeys, birds, dolphins, and other coastal wildlife.

Historic Sites

Cumberland Island has thousands of years of human history, along with Native American, colonial, plantation, African American, and Carnegie-era history.

Is Cumberland Island Good for a Day Trip?

Absolutely.

A day trip is one of the easiest ways to experience Cumberland Island without camping overnight.

For a first visit, consider taking the 9:00 AM ferry from St. Marys.

That gives you the largest amount of time on the island before returning on a later ferry.

Just remember that Cumberland Island is much larger than the areas immediately surrounding the ferry docks.

You can't realistically see the entire island during a short day trip.

Instead, pick a few things you really want to experience.

For example:

Dungeness + beach + hiking + wildlife viewing

can make an excellent first visit.

If you want to explore more of the island, consider bringing a bicycle or staying overnight.

Can You Camp on Cumberland Island?

Yes.

Cumberland Island offers several camping options, including the developed Sea Camp Campground and more primitive backcountry camping areas.

Camping requires reservations, and the National Park Service recommends making your camping reservation before arranging your ferry transportation.

Camping can be an incredible way to experience the island because you get to stay after many of the day visitors have left.

But it also requires more preparation.

You'll need to carry your food, water, camping equipment, and other necessities with you.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Cumberland Island?

Cumberland Island can be beautiful throughout the year, but the experience changes with the seasons.

Spring and fall are popular times because temperatures are generally more comfortable for hiking and exploring.

Summer can be hot, humid, and buggy, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Winter can offer cooler temperatures and a quieter experience, although the ferry schedule is reduced during the winter months.

Make St. Marys Part of the Trip

One of the best things about visiting Cumberland Island is that your trip doesn't have to begin and end at the ferry dock.

Spend some time exploring St. Marys, Georgia, before or after your ferry ride.

Historic downtown St. Marys has waterfront views, restaurants, shops, museums, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

The St. Marys waterfront is also a great place to walk around while you're waiting for your ferry.

If you're coming from Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, Kingsland, Brunswick, or elsewhere in Southeast Georgia, St. Marys makes an excellent starting point for a Cumberland Island adventure.

Final Tips for Your Cumberland Island Trip

Before you head to St. Marys, remember these simple tips:

1. Reserve your ferry ahead of time.

Don't assume you'll get a walk-up ticket.

2. Arrive about an hour early.

You need time to park, check in, and get ready for boarding.

3. Bring food and water.

Don't count on buying lunch once you reach the island.

4. Wear comfortable shoes.

You'll likely be doing a lot of walking.

5. Bring bug spray.

Especially during the warmer months.

6. Watch the weather.

The ferry operates on the water, and conditions can affect service.

7. Don't approach the wild horses.

Enjoy watching them from a safe distance.

8. Take your trash with you.

Cumberland Island is protected for a reason. Help keep it that way.

9. Pay attention to your return ferry.

You don't want to miss your ride back to St. Marys.

10. Slow down and enjoy it.

Cumberland Island isn't about rushing from attraction to attraction. It's about beaches, forests, wildlife, history, and experiencing one of Georgia's most special coastal places.

Your Cumberland Island Adventure Starts in St. Marys

For visitors searching for how to get to Cumberland Island from St. Marys, Georgia, the answer is simple: drive to historic downtown St. Marys, park near the visitor center, check in for your ferry, and take the approximately 45-minute ride across the water.

What you'll find on the other side is something very different from the typical Georgia beach vacation.

There are no bridges, no traffic, and no rows of high-rise hotels.

Instead, you'll find miles of undeveloped shoreline, maritime forests, historic ruins, wildlife, and the famous wild horses of Cumberland Island.

And the best part?

The adventure starts the moment you leave the St. Marys waterfront.

If you're visiting the Georgia coast, put Cumberland Island on your list.

And if you're starting your trip in St. Marys, give yourself some extra time to enjoy the town before or after your ferry ride.

This is one of those places that's right in our backyard — and worth seeing for yourself.

Official planning links

National Park Service — Cumberland Island Plan Your Visit

Cumberland Island Ferry — Official Schedule & Reservations