How to Get to Cumberland Island
Find out how to get to Cumberland Island, how much it costs, and what you need to do before your trip!
By Ferry
There is one official way to get to Cumberland Island: by ferry from the Cumberland Island Visitor Center in St. Marys, Georgia.
You may arrive to the island by private boat; this will be discussed below.
The Cumberland Island Ferry leaves St. Marys on a schedule that varies by season.
Here is seasonal ferry information:
Spring/Summer Schedule
March 1 to September 30 – 7 days per week
St. Marys Departures
9:00 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
Cumberland Island Departures
10:15 a.m.
2:45 p.m.
4:45 p.m.
Fall Schedule
October 1 to November 30 – 7 days per week
St. Marys Departures
9:00 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
Cumberland Island Departures
10:15 a.m.
4:45 p.m.
(The Fall Schedule no longer has a 2:45 departure.)
Winter Schedule
December 1 to February 28 – 5 days per week, Thursday to Monday
No ferry Tuesday or Wednesday
St. Marys Departures
9:00 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
Cumberland Island Departures
10:15 a.m.
4:45 p.m.
Duration
The ferry ride from St. Marys to Cumberland Island on the St. Marys River takes about 45 minutes one way
Price
$20 one-way per adult
$15 one-way per child (ages 15 and under)
$19 one-way per senior (ages 62 and older)
Free (children ages 5 and under)
Reservations
Reservations are recommended, especially during the high seasons in fall and spring.
Visit the Cumberland Island Ferry website to reserve.
Ferry Check-In
Check-in starts at the Cumberland Island Visitor Center at 113 St. Marys St. W. one hour before the ferry departure time.
Transporting Bikes
Bikes may be brought on the ferry.
The price to transport bikes is $10 per bike. You must purchase a “ticket” for your bike at the Cumberland Island Ferry website.
You may bring your own bike or rent one from Camden Bicycle Center.
On Cumberland Island, bikes must be loaded and unloaded at Sea Camp Dock, the second stop on Cumberland Island.
By Private Boat
Private boats may arrive on Cumberland Island.
There are docks at Dungeness, Sea Camp, and Plum Orchard.
However, as of October, 2023, the docks at Dungeness and Sea Camp are closed. Although limited docking is allowed at Sea Camp, the most reliable way to arrive by private boat is to come by dinghy from your boat anchored off shore.
By Car
There is no way to arrive to the island by car, and there is no civilian car transportation allowed on the island.
Before taking the ferry to Cumberland, you may park your vehicle for free at the National Park Service parking lot outside the Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center at 113 St. Marys St. W.
Questions? Contact us here!
Check out our Cumberland Island and St. Marys tours such as the Cumberland Island Walking Tour: Haunting Ruins and Wild Horses or the St. Marys Murder, Mayhem, and Martinis Walking Tour!
We also offer Cumberland Island private tours and field trips!
