Is a Day Trip to Cumberland Island Worth It?

We pulled up to the shore of Cumberland Island by private boat and stepped into a world that felt completely untouched. No cars. No crowds. Just wild horses grazing near the moss-covered ruins of Dungeness and the soft rustle of the wind through the live oaks.

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the noise for a day, this remote barrier island offers the kind of raw, natural beauty that stays with you long after you leave.

In this post, I’ll show you how to plan your own day trip to Cumberland Island, what to expect once you arrive, and why this experience became one of our favorite memories on the Georgia coast.

Cumberland Island at a Glance: Essential Info for First-Time Visitors

Before you go, there are a few key things to know about visiting Cumberland Island, especially if it’s your first time. This isn’t a place where you can just wing it.

Here’s what stood out to us when planning our own trip:

• There are no cars or shops. Once you’re on the island, you’re on your own. Bring everything you’ll need for the day, including food and water.
• Cell service is limited to none. Which, honestly, was a blessing. We loved being able to unplug completely.
• The island is protected by the National Park Service. That means certain areas are off-limits or require permits if you’re camping or staying overnight.
• Wildlife is everywhere. We saw armadillos, horses, and dozens of birds — all roaming freely. It’s their home, and you’ll want to respect that.

Knowing this upfront helped us make the most of our visit. Next, I’ll break down how to get there, whether you’re taking the ferry or arriving by private boat like we did.

Getting to Cumberland Island: Ferry or Private Boat

There are two ways to reach Cumberland Island: by public ferry or by private boat. We chose to go by private boat, and having the freedom to set our own schedule made the experience feel even more secluded and personal.

Private Boat Access

We launched from Amelia Island and leisurely made our way to Cumberland Island. There are three public docks available:

• Sea Camp Dock (this is also where the main ferry drops off passengers)
• Dungeness Dock
• Plum Orchard Dock

Even if you’re not taking the ferry, you still need to pay the National Park Service entry fee (we use the America The Beautiful pass). You can do this online ahead of time, which I recommend since there’s no way to do it once you arrive.

There are no fuel stations, shops, or facilities at the dock, so be sure to bring everything you’ll need for the day.

Having our own boat allowed us to arrive early and explore at our own pace. If you have access to a boat and are confident navigating and docking, this is a great option to consider.

Ferry: St Mary’s to Cumberland Island

If a private boat isn’t an option, the Cumberland Island Ferry is a reliable and popular choice. It departs from the waterfront in St. Mary’s, Georgia, and typically offers morning and afternoon departures, depending on the time of year.

The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes, and it’s a good idea to arrive early to check in and attend the brief orientation. Ferry tickets can sell out, especially during spring and fall, so booking ahead is highly recommended.

Whether you arrive by ferry or boat, the moment you step onto the island, it feels like you’ve been transported somewhere wild and untouched.

Our Self-Guided Day Trip Itinerary on Cumberland Island

We didn’t follow a rigid itinerary, but we did have a few must-see stops in mind that made our day both relaxed and unforgettable. Here’s how we spent our time on Cumberland Island and what I’d recommend for a first-time visit.

Dungeness Ruins

We walked the flat trail to the Dungeness Ruins, and it felt like stepping into a forgotten novel.

The ruins of this once-grand Carnegie mansion are haunting and beautiful, framed by sprawling oaks and dotted with wild horses grazing nearby. We ended up spending more time here than expected, just wandering through the area and taking it all in.

If you’re into photography or history, this spot will probably be your favorite.

The Dungeness Mansion was originally constructed in the late 1800s but the building caught fire in 1959 and was not salvageable.

Hiking the Trails

One of our favorite moments was spotting an armadillo rummaging around just off the trail. It was a small thing, but it reminded me how wild and untouched this island really is.

The Beach

Eventually, we made our way to the beach — and it was completely empty.

No footprints… well, there were some hoof prints actually. No noise.

Just us, the waves, and miles of sand. We had packed lunch, so we sat on a piece of driftwood and ate while watching the tide roll in. If you’ve ever wanted a private beach experience without the luxury price tag, this is it.

Wrapping Up the Day

We kept an eye on the time, since we didn’t want to rush our return to the boat. The walk back was peaceful, and we left feeling completely recharged.

You don’t need a long list of “things to do” here. The magic of Cumberland Island is in its stillness, its history, and how it invites you to slow down.

What to Pack for a Day on Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island feels like a different world, but that also means you’re completely on your own once you arrive.

There are no shops or snack stands on the island. What you bring is what you’ll have for the day.

Here’s what we packed… and what we wished we hadn’t forgotten.

Essentials

• Plenty of water. We each brought a full reusable bottle and still ran low by mid-afternoon. Bring more than you think you’ll need, especially in warm weather. There are places to refill your water bottles but they are not always convenient.
• Lunch and snacks. We packed sandwiches, fruit, and a few protein bars, and ate on the beach with nothing but waves and wild horses for company.
• Sunscreen and bug spray. Trust me, you’ll need both. The sun is strong and the bugs don’t care that you’re trying to enjoy nature.

Clothing and Gear

• Comfortable shoes. The trails are sandy in spots and long. We were glad we wore hiking sandals that handled both beach and forest.
• A lightweight backpack. You’ll want something that’s easy to carry but roomy enough for food, water, and gear. Personally we prefer our CamelBaks so we have water and storage.
• Swimsuit and towel. If you think you might dip your toes in the ocean, pack a swimsuit. Even if you don’t swim, having a towel for sitting on the sand is a game-changer.
• Map or GPS screenshot. Cell service is unreliable. We took a photo of the trail map at Sea Camp and referenced it throughout the day.

Optional Items

• Binoculars for birdwatching
• Camera if you don’t want to rely on your phone
• Small first-aid kit (we always carry one when hiking off-grid)

Cumberland rewards those who come prepared. A little extra planning made our visit smoother and let us enjoy the experience without stress.

Why Cumberland Island Is Worth the Trip

Cumberland Island wasn’t just another day trip. It was the kind of place that slowed us down, made us look around more closely, and reminded us how rare it is to find a truly wild space.

The quiet. The wild horses. The ruins slowly giving way to the forest. It all stayed with us long after we left the dock.

If you’re looking for a destination that feels off-the-grid but still reachable in a day, this is it. You don’t need a guided tour or a packed itinerary — just a little preparation and a willingness to wander.

Whether you take the ferry or go by private boat, Cumberland Island offers something that’s hard to find these days: space to breathe.

Frequently Asked Questions