Be Ready!

Be Ready! for your visit to Cumberland Island

A little preparation makes for a much more enjoyable trip to the island. Take time to review the information below and watch the videos when planning your visit.

 

Cumberland Island is only accessible by passenger ferry or private boat. The ferry schedule changes seasonally, so make sure you check the schedule and secure a reservation. Space is limited on the boat, so reservations are highly recommended, especially for busy times.

The ferry will depart from the mainland visitor center in Saint Marys, GA. On the island, the ferry will drop off at both the Dungeness and Sea Camp docks. Visitors wishing to have easy access to the Dungeness Ruins should get off at the first stop. Campers, Lands and Legacy Tour riders, visitors with bikes or who wish to rent bikes will need to get off at the second stop, Sea Camp.

The ferry will pick up visitors at 2:45 pm (when available) and 4:45 pm from both the Sea Camp an Dungeness docks. Please be at the dock 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. The 10:15 am ferry only leaves from Sea Camp.

 

New Check In Process

In order to protect visitors and employees, a new check-in process has been implemented. Entry and exit from visitor center is one way. Follow signs and arrows to enter through the southeast corner. One person per reservation is requested for check-in. Download this checklist to prepare for your trip to the island.

View the Checklist

 

Checklist for Visiting Cumberland Island

Follow this list to be prepared for your trip. Print a copy here.

Reservations

Make reservations for the ferry & your bike – www.cumberlandislandferry.com

Make camping reservations – www.recreation.gov

Before You Arrive

Pack the essentials – water bottle, food, bug spray, sun screen, trash bag, an extra

layer of clothing, hand sanitizer and a face covering.

Have a plan for what you would like to do and see – Watch the Southend Loop Route video

Check the weather forecast

Print your camping permit

Morning Of Your Trip

Arrive 1 hour before ferry departure time

Bring your ID & America the Beautiful Public Lands Pass if you have one

Check In Process

1. Go to the visitor center to:

Check in for the ferry & pay your park entry fee (One person per reservation for check-in)
Check in for bringing a private bike (advanced reservations are sold online when reserving ferry tickets)

Check in for camping reservations

Grab a map

Drop off people & gear

Load your camping gear and bikes on the ferry

Handicap parking is available

2. Park your vehicle in the Cumberland Island Parking lot, 1 block west of the visitor center.

All vehicles – day visitors and campers- must be parked in the lot

Lock doors & don’t leave valuables in sight

3. Be at the ferry dock next to visitor center at least 10 minutes prior to departure.

Attend orientaion led by the ranger
Have your face covering ready to wear (optional)

Make sure you have ferry tickets & gear

On The Island

Rent carts (campers at Sea Camp Campground only) at Sea Camp Ranger Station while the ferry is in dock

Be back at Sea Camp or Dungeness Dock 15 minutes before scheduled departure

Campers hang permits on campsite markers when you get to your site (at wilderness

sites, leave the permit with your tent)

 

 

Duration:

3 minutes, 29 seconds

This 4.3 mile loop is the most popular route taken by day visitors to Cumberland Island. It showcases a variety of what the island has to offer.