Guided Tours

Footsteps tours take visitors on a walk through time to explore the Southern part of Cumberland Island including the Dungeness Estate ruins.

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Ranger Led Activities

Footsteps Tour

When: Offered daily (Subject to staff availability)
Times: 10:00 AM
Where: Begins at the Dungeness dock
Cost: Free
Length: 30-45 minutes; distance approx 1/2 mile

Ranger guided tours of the Dungeness Historic area explore the remains of this large industrialist era estate, and dive into the pivotal stories of its location. Tours begin when the ferry docks on the island. There are two restrooms and places to fill drinking water along the route. The tour route does not make a loop so visitors are free to explore additional areas on their own after the tour.

A self-guided cell phone tour of the route also available through the NPS App.

 

Visitors who make the journey to Plum Orchard will be greeted by Volunteer tour guides and welcomed on a walk through its many rooms and basement.

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Under The Oaks Talk

When: Offered daily (Subject to staff availability)
Times: 12:30 PM
Where: Begins at Ice House museum
Cost: Free
Length: 30-45 minutes

Rangers offer a walk or talk on a variety of subjects. Walk is no longer than 1/2 mile at a leisurely pace. Route does not make a loop so visitors are free to wander on their own afterwards.

Plum Orchard Tour

When: Offered Daily
Times: 11:00 AM, 1:00PM and 2:00 PM
Where: Located 7 miles North of the Sea Camp dock. Visitors are responsible for traveling the distance on bike or on foot (hiking the 14 mile round trip is not recommended for day visitors).
Cost: Free
Length: 45 minutes

Plum Orchard is CLOSED during managed hunts on the island. Hunts are held October through January each year. Check the managed hunts page to see if this may impact your visit.

All tours start at the front entrance. The front door will be opened 15 minutes prior to each tour, and for 30 minutes following the final tour, allowing visitors to step into the “Great Hall”.

Visit an early 1900s home that echoes an opulent era in the island's history; one of recreation, relaxation, and time spent with family. This 22,000 square foot home offers a glimpse of times gone by.

Getting to Plum Orchard is not an easy task. Visitors should be prepared for the 14 mile round trip journey starting from Sea camp Rangers station. Visitors participating in the day long Lands and Legacies tour will also stop and tour Plum Orchard.

Beach Program

When: Daily (Available during Summer and Fall season)
Time: 1:30 PM
Where: Sea Camp Beach Access
Cost: Free
Length: 30 minutes

Explore a variety of topics dealing with life on the beach and dunes area. Little walking but hands on activities can be in or out of the water.

Dockside Program

When: Offered daily
Time: 4:00 PM
Where: Sea Camp Ranger Station
Cost: Free
How long: 30 minutes

Rangers offer this short program just prior to ferry departures.The programs highlight a variety of cultural and natural history topics. Programs may be held indoors out of the elements or outdoors if weather permits.

 

The Lands & Legacies Tour includes a visit to the Northend of the island. Visitors will hear the story of the establishment of the Settlement and set foot in the First African Baptist Church.

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The Lands and Legacies Tour

Join guides from Lang's Seafood Inc., a National Park Service approved concessioner, for interpretive tours via passenger van to historic locations around the Seashore, including Plum Orchard Mansion, the Settlement (including the First African Baptist Church), Cumberland Island Wharf, and other sites along the main road.

Tours are offered on days when the ferry is operating. There is a fee of $65.00 plus tax per person.

For more information, contact the Cumberland Island Ferry at 877-860-6787 or at www.cumberlandislandferry.com

Reservations are strongly encouraged as the number of visitors that can be accommodated on a daily basis is limited. Tours will operate rain or shine but may be canceled due to extreme conditions on the island.

 

Special Events

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers a number of special events throughout the year, and the volunteers and rangers take part in many around the area. Information on these events will be posted to the park's calendar and the Cumberland Island National Seashore Facebook page as it becomes available.

 

Others authorized to operate in the park:

• Molly's Old South Walking Tours - Guided walking tour through the Dungeness HIstoric Area, 904-735-8243.