“Magical.”

“Enchanting.”

“Peaceful.”

These are adjectives visitors use to describe Cumberland Island with its towering maritime forest, miles of uninterrupted white-sand beach, impressive mansion ruins, and wild horses.

Why You Should Take a Guided Cumberland Island Tour

With history covering thousands of years from the Native Americans to the Gilded Age and beyond, Cumberland Island boasts countless fascinating stories, but with little signage and LOTS to discover, a visit to Cumberland Island can feel a bit overwhelming.

That is where tours come in.

All of the recommended tours below will help you maximize your time on the island. But which tour is right for you, your interests, and your physical abilities?

Let this guide help you decide!

Which Tours Are Offered on Cumberland Island?

There are four tours available on Cumberland Island:

1. Cumberland Island Walking Tour

Molly’s Old South Tours

A two-hour walking tour highlighting the Dungeness Mansion Ruins area

2. Lands and Legacies Van Tour

An all-day van tour covering the north end of the island

3. Ranger-Led Footsteps Tour

A short ranger-led Dungeness area tour

4. Self-Guided Tour

A cell phone tour provided through the National Park Service App

Learn more about each below!

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1. Cumberland Island Walking Tour

Molly’s Old South Tours

Duration: 2 hours

Time: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Dates: Every day the ferry runs

Area Covered: Dungeness Mansion area

Distance Walked: 1 mile

Price: $40 per adult, $25 per child

Booking Ahead: Required

Recommended Ferries: 11:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. (but any will work)

Arrive at Dungeness Dock

This leisurely two-hour stroll of Cumberland’s Dungeness Historic Area brings to life the tumultuous history of this island, inhabited over the last 500 years by Native Americans, Spanish, British, and Americans, as you travel down palmetto-lined trails past wild horses, ancient live oak trees, and expansive marshes.

Explore the Carnegies’ haunting Dungeness Mansion ruins, a 200-year-old cemetery, and beautifully-preserved Carnegie servants’ buildings as you hear tales of famous figures who have surprising links to the island.

Private tours, half-day tours, and full-day tours also available.

Note: This tour allows time to explore Cumberland Island’s beach on your own before or after the tour.

2. Lands and Legacies Van Tour

Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Time: 10:00 a.m. to ~4:00 p.m.

Dates: Every day the ferry runs

Area Covered: The north end of the Island

The Dungeness Mansion area is NOT included

Distance Walked: Minimal

Price: $65 per person

Booking Ahead: Highly encouraged

Recommended Ferries: 9:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.

Arrive at Sea Camp Dock

This motorized tour of the north end of the island travels along Cumberland’s rugged dirt road to reach such landmarks as Plum Orchard, a well-preserved Carnegie mansion; the Settlement, containing historic African American homes; and the First African Baptist Church, the humble building where John Kennedy, Jr., was married in 1996.

Explore natural wonders along the way, such as the maritime forest, antebellum cotton fields, tidal creeks, and wild horses.

Note: This tour does not allow time to explore Cumberland Island’s beach on your own.

3. Ranger-Led Footsteps Tour

Duration: 30 to 45 minutes

Times: 10:00 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., when staff is available

Dates: Every day the ferry runs (or when staff is available)

Area Covered: The Dungeness Mansion area

Distance Walked: Approximately one-half mile

Price: Free

Booking Ahead: Not Required

Recommended Ferries: Any

Arrive at Dungeness Dock

These free ranger-led tours begin at the Dungeness Dock at the arrival of the ferry at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and explore the Dungeness Historic District. They offer a concise overview of the island’s history and ecology.

Call ahead to confirm this tour is offered the day of your visit.

4. Self-Guided Tour

Distance Walked: Approximately one-half mile

Price: Free with smartphone

Booking Ahead: Not Required

Recommended Ferries: Any

Arrive at Dungeness Dock

Self-guided cell phone tours of the south end of the island are available through the NPS App.

There are two types of self-guided tours offered:

• A 1- to 2-hour audio tour of the Dungeness Area, covering 9 stops.
• A River Trail tour highlighting native plant uses, which contains 12 stops and can take between 15 and 45 minutes.

How To Choose Which Tour Is Right For You

Now that you know the tour options, which should you choose?

This depends on your interests.

For instance, do you want to get a general overview of north end of the island? Then the Lands and Legacies tour would fit the bill.

Or do you prefer to focus in a more in-depth manner on a certain section? If so, the Cumberland Island Walking Tour of the Dungeness Area is for you.

Do you wish to spend your time exercising outside among nature? Then you should choose the Cumberland Island Walking Tour, Footsteps Tour, or self-guided tour.

Do you prefer to be inside protected from the elements with minimal walking? The Lands and Legacies tour should be your choice.

Do you want an all-day experience? Lands and Legacies is for you.

Do you want to tour with a guide but still have time to visit the beach and explore on your own? Then choose the Cumberland Island Walking Tour or Footsteps Tour.

Conclusion

So the final question is, do you NEED to take a tour on Cumberland Island?

Of course, the answer is no: the island has plenty of trails to explore and a pristine beach to enjoy.

However, if you wish to be informed about the incredible ruins and natural beauty you witness on Cumberland Island, a guided tour is your best bet for maximizing your visit.

Which adjectives will YOU choose to describe your visit to Cumberland Island? Make sure that instead of “stressful” and “overwhelming,” they are “magical” and “peaceful” for you, too!

Want to learn more about how to plan your time on Cumberland Island? Check out this Guide to Visiting Cumberland Island: How to Plan the Perfect Day!