The Cumberland Island Ferry is a concession-operated passenger ferry running between downtown St. Marys, Georgia and Cumberland Island National Seashore, seven miles offshore. This guide covers departure times, ticket prices, how to reach St. Marys, what to expect on board and on the island, accessibility, and practical tips for the crossing.
Updated May 2026. Ticket prices increased on 1 November 2025: adult fares rose from $40 to $44, senior fares from $38 to $42, and youth fares from $30 to $34. Any guide showing the previous prices is out of date.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operator | Cumberland Island Ferry (NPS concession) |
| Departure point | 113 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, GA 31558 |
| Arrival point | Sea Camp Dock and Dungeness Dock, Cumberland Island |
| Crossing duration | 45 minutes each way |
| Adult fare (round trip) | $44 (ages 16–61) |
| Senior fare (round trip) | $42 (ages 62+) |
| Youth fare (round trip) | $34 (ages 6–15) |
| Children 5 and under | Free |
| NPS entrance fee (separate) | $15 per person, paid on-site before boarding |
| Vehicles permitted | No – foot passengers only |
| Pets permitted | No – ADA service animals only |
| Phone | (877) 860-6787 |
Cumberland Island ferry timetable
There is one operator on this route. Schedules vary by season. Departures run from St. Marys at 9:00 am and 11:45 am year-round. Return times differ by season and day.
Spring and Summer: 1 March – 30 September | 7 days a week
| Direction | Departure times |
|---|---|
| St. Marys → Island | 9:00 am · 11:45 am |
| Island → St. Marys | 10:15 am · 2:45 pm (Mon–Sat only) · 4:45 pm |
Fall: 1 October – 30 November | 7 days a week
| Direction | Departure times |
|---|---|
| St. Marys → Island | 9:00 am · 11:45 am |
| Island → St. Marys | 10:15 am · 4:45 pm |
Winter: 1 December – 28 February | Thursday – Monday only (no ferry Tuesday or Wednesday)
| Direction | Departure times |
|---|---|
| St. Marys → Island | 9:00 am · 11:45 am |
| Island → St. Marys | 10:15 am · 4:45 pm |
The ferry drops passengers at Dungeness Dock (closest to the historic district) and Sea Camp Dock (for campers, beachgoers, and bike hire). Confirm the current timetable before travelling.
Why book the Cumberland Island Walking Tour?
- 🐎 Wild Horses of the South: Witness the island’s famous feral horses grazing among the ruins and salt marshes—a rare opportunity to see these creatures in a completely wild, unmanaged habitat.
- 🏛️ Dungeness Mansion Ruins: Walk through the hauntingly grand remains of the Carnegie family’s 59-room Gilded Age estate, which stands as a silent monument to one of America’s wealthiest industrial dynasties.
- 📜 Deep Historical Narratives: Go beyond the surface as expert guides share stories of the island’s 500-year history, from Native American settlements and Spanish missions to Revolutionary War heroes and the era of the “Robber Barons.”
- 🌳 Enchanting Maritime Forests: Traverse trails lined with ancient, moss-draped live oaks and saw palmettos, experiencing the raw, pristine beauty of Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island.
- ⏳ Optimized Day Trip Itinerary: Designed specifically to align with the ferry schedule, this tour ensures you see the most significant southern landmarks—including the Greene-Miller Cemetery—without the stress of navigating the island’s vast wilderness on your own.
Cumberland Island ferry fares and how to book
Round-trip fares (effective 1 November 2025) are $44 for adults, $42 for seniors, $34 for youth aged 6–15, and free for children 5 and under. These fares do not include the National Park entrance fee of $15 per person, which is paid on-site at the visitor center before boarding. The Lands and Legacies guided island van tour costs $65 per person and includes the ferry.
Tickets can be booked online up to six months in advance. Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly in spring and summer, as departures sell out regularly. One-way ticket purchases are subject to cancellation by the operator; return travel must be booked at the time of purchase.
Special discounts are available in-person at the visitor center only and cannot be pre-booked: Camden County, GA residents receive 30% off during December–February; active military and veterans receive a discount during November.
Fares were verified on the official Cumberland Island Ferry website and last updated in May 2026.
5 great experiences around Jacksonville to book now
- 🏛️ Discover how Jacksonville’s history was shaped by fire on an architecture tour.
- 🛶 Take a guided kayak tour to see the local wildlife around Amelia Island.
- 🍫 Indulge your sweet tooth on a chocolate and candy factory tour.
- 🚶 Take a Downtown Fernandina historic walking tour – and learn about pirates, war and colourful local characters.
- 🚴 Enjoy Jacksonville’s art and architecture on an ebike tour.
How to get to St. Marys ferry terminal
The ferry departs from 113 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, GA 31558, in the town’s historic waterfront district.
By car from Jacksonville, Florida: St. Marys is approximately 40 minutes north of Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) via I-95 North, exiting at St. Marys Road (exit 3). This is the most practical access route for most visitors.
By car from Savannah, Georgia: Allow approximately two hours south on I-95 to exit 3.
Public transport: There is no direct public transport service to St. Marys. Greyhound serves Kingsland, GA (6 miles from St. Marys), from which a taxi or rideshare is required for the final leg.
Parking at St. Marys ferry terminal
A dedicated ferry parking lot is located within walking distance of the departure dock at 510 Osborne Street, St. Marys. Additional street parking is available throughout the historic district. Parking is not operated by the ferry company; check current charges locally. The lot fills early on busy days, particularly during spring and summer weekends — plan to arrive before 8:00 am if driving.
What to expect on board
The crossing takes 45 minutes and passes through coastal salt marshes and open water. Seating is available on deck and inside. The ferry sells ice, firewood, potato chips, and drinks, but only when docked at Sea Camp — not during the crossing. There is nothing to purchase on the island itself, so passengers should bring all food, water, and supplies they need for the day before boarding.
All luggage must be carried by the passenger. Coolers and bags are permitted provided they can be hand-carried. Bikes are allowed on board and can also be hired on the island at Sea Camp.
Arriving at Cumberland Island
The ferry makes two stops on the island. Dungeness Dock serves the historic district, including the ruins of the Carnegie mansion. Sea Camp Dock is the base for campers, bike hire, beach access, and the ranger station. Passengers can disembark at either stop; those who wish to visit both areas can walk the trail between them (approximately 1 mile).
There are no shops, cafes, or vending machines anywhere on the island. Restrooms are available at Sea Camp and at the Dungeness area. The island has over 50 miles of trails and 18 miles of undeveloped beach. Wild horses are commonly seen near Dungeness. All waste must be packed out — there are no rubbish collections on the island.
Accessibility on the Cumberland Island ferry
The ferry has boarding ramps and the operator can accommodate most mobility needs for the crossing. Passengers requiring assistance should contact the ferry at (877) 860-6787 in advance of travel. On the island, the trails and beaches are largely unpaved and uneven, and wheelchair access is limited across most of the site. The visitor center at St. Marys is accessible. The ferry does not permit emotional support animals, comfort animals, or pets of any kind; only ADA-qualified service animals may board.
How long to allow
Check in at the visitor center at least 60 minutes before your booked departure. Reservations may be released to walk-on passengers if you have not checked in within that window. A safety orientation takes place 15 minutes before departure. Missing the ferry is not grounds for a refund. Most visitors taking the 9:00 am ferry and returning on the 4:45 pm service have approximately six hours on the island, which is sufficient for a full day of walking, beach access, and sightseeing. Campers remain overnight and return on a subsequent day’s ferry.
Practical tips for the Cumberland Island ferry
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book as early as possible | Spring and summer departures, especially the 9:00 am sailing on weekends, regularly sell out. Bookings open up to six months in advance. |
| Arrive 60 minutes before departure | Check-in is at the St. Marys Visitor Center. Arriving late risks losing your reservation to walk-on passengers. |
| Bring all food and water you need | There is nothing to buy on the island. The ferry sells limited snacks only when docked at Sea Camp, not during the crossing. Bring more water than you think you need, particularly in summer. |
| Pay the park entrance fee before boarding | The $15 NPS entrance fee is separate from the ferry fare and is paid on-site at the visitor center before you board. Factor this into your budget. |
| Plan your docking stop in advance | Decide before you travel whether you want Dungeness (historic ruins, wild horses) or Sea Camp (beach, bikes, camping). You can walk between docks, but it takes 20–30 minutes each way. |
Frequently asked questions about the Cumberland Island ferry
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I bring a car on the Cumberland Island ferry? | No. The ferry carries foot passengers only. No cars, kayaks, or privately owned boats can be transported on the ferry. |
| Do I need to book the Cumberland Island ferry in advance? | Yes. Advance booking is strongly recommended. Departures, especially in spring and summer, sell out well ahead. |
| Can I bring my dog on the Cumberland Island ferry? | No. Only ADA-qualified service animals are permitted. Pets, emotional support animals, and comfort animals are not allowed on the ferry or the island. |
| Is the Cumberland Island ferry running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays? | Not in winter (December 1 – February 28). There is no ferry service on Tuesdays or Wednesdays during the winter season. The ferry runs 7 days a week from March through November. |
| What is the cancellation policy for the Cumberland Island ferry? | Refunds requested 10 or more days before sailing incur a 20% fee. Cancellations within 10 days are not refunded, but one date transfer is permitted up to 24 hours before departure. |
Other things to do near St. Marys ferry terminal
St. Marys Historic District — The ferry departs from the heart of this compact 18th-century waterfront district, which has restaurants, a museum, and historic buildings within a short walk of the dock.
Crooked River State Park — A state park 7 miles north of St. Marys with hiking trails, a boat launch, and tidal creek access; a practical stop if you have time before or after the ferry.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge — A large freshwater swamp wilderness approximately 50 miles northwest of St. Marys, with boat tours, canoeing, and wildlife including alligators and wading birds.
Fernandina Beach, FL — A historic beach town on Amelia Island, approximately 20 miles south across the state border, with a Victorian downtown, beaches, and seafood restaurants.
Fort Clinch State Park, FL — A preserved Civil War-era fortification on Amelia Island, roughly 20 miles south, open for guided tours and with Atlantic beach access.
Other passenger-only ferry crossings in the Southeast
Sapelo Island Ferry, Georgia — A Georgia DNR ferry from Meridian, GA to Sapelo Island, a similarly wild and largely undeveloped barrier island with a small resident community and the Hog Hammock cultural site.
Bald Head Island Ferry, North Carolina — A passenger-only ferry from Southport, NC to Bald Head Island, a car-free barrier island with beaches, a historic lighthouse, and golf cart transport; crossing time approximately 20 minutes.
Caladesi Island Ferry, Florida — A Florida State Parks ferry from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island, an undeveloped Gulf Coast barrier island with white sand beaches and a boat-in marina; crossing time approximately 20 minutes.
Pelican Bay to Cayo Costa Ferry, Florida — A small passenger ferry from Pine Island, FL to Cayo Costa State Park, an undeveloped barrier island with primitive camping and shelling beaches on the Gulf Coast.
Cape Hatteras to Ocracoke Ferry, North Carolina — A North Carolina DOT vehicle and passenger ferry connecting Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island on the Outer Banks; crossing time approximately 60 minutes, and free of charge.
More coastal Georgia
Other coastal Georgia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- What are the best stops on the Atlanta to Savannah drive?
- The best stops on the Savannah to Jacksonville drive.
- Complete guide to the Tybee Island Marine Science Center.
- The best places to see manatees in Georgia.
- First time visitor guides to the Webb Military Museum, Savannah History Museum and American Prohibition Museum in Savannah.
