Savannah is one of the most charming cities in the US, and feels like some kind of real-life museum with its cobblestone streets, dripping moss, and literally centuries of tales. It’s wonderful from any aspect, but it’s truly something special from the perspective of the Savannah River!

If you really want to experience it the right way, you need to take on a proper riverboat cruise, with professional guides there to lead the way.

I’ve gone ahead and reviewed the 3 top Savannah riverboat cruises available, with each one offering something a bit different from the rest. Let’s dive right in!

Be sure to see our reviews of Savannah Ghost Tours and Savannah Food Tours.

Best Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruises

	90-Minute Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise	2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment	Narrated Harbor Luncheon Riverboat Cruise
Duration:	1.5 hour	2 hours	1.5 hours
Departure:	Riverboat Ticket Office, 9 E River St, Savannah	Riverboat Ticket Office, 9 E River St, Savannah	Riverboat Ticket Office, 9 E River St, Savannah
Start:	1:00 PM, 3:30 PM	7:00 PM	1:00 PM
Includes:	90-Minute Savannah Riverboat Cruise, Fully Narrated Cruise, Take advantage of the great photo opportunities of Savannah’s historic riverfront and skyline	2-Hour Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise along Savannah River, Buffet Style Dinner Included (including carving station, catch of the day, shrimp & grits, and more), Live On-Board Entertainment	Fully narrated lunch cruise, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Soft Drinks and Coffee, Taxes, fees and port charges are included in price
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 3 Best Rated Savannah Riverboat Cruises For 2026

1. 90-Minute Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise
2. 2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment
3. Narrated Harbor Luncheon Riverboat Cruise

Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise Reviews

1. 90-Minute Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise

There’s a version of Savannah that you just can’t access from the street, and this cruise exists specifically to show it off.

The 90-Minute Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise is the perfect way to get in a bit of relaxation in your morning or afternoon, with a well-curated itinerary and conversation surrounding the different landmarks.

It feels effortless in a way that most of the walking or bus tours don’t quite possess, because, after all, you are putting in some effort when moving about like that!

There are a ton of different start times over the course of the morning to evening, though I personally recommend doing either an early-morning tour or sunset tour, as the lighting is gorgeous and you have fewer crowds with the former.

We met up with our crew and the rest of our group to board the riverboat, which was just like that one in Disneyland, if you’ve been!

The riverboats definitely set the tone with their classic red, white, and blue, styled after the elegant floating mansions from a much different era, creating a type of nostalgia for a time you’ve never been to.

Not to mention, it’s incredibly photogenic – even more so with the water and city architecture in the background!

You have plenty of choices for where to plant yourself – whether it’s the glass-enclosed, climate-controlled observation deck for unobstructed panoramic views, or the open-air patio (the upper deck bench seats are great for catching some sunlight).

The live captain narration was a pleasant surprise, elevating it from a nice boat ride into an educational experience that covers Savannah’s commerce, conflict, and complicated history.

Gliding past Old Fort Jackson is truly something special, and you’ll get to see some of the oldest original artillery right there on the water (not all of it, of course). If you want a memorable venture outside your walking plans, do yourself a favor and book this one!

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2. 2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment

If you’re already looking to go out to a restaurant for dinner but really want to make it special, I have the perfect alternative for you.

What better way to celebrate a special night than out on the water with delicious food, live on-board entertainment, and a dance floor area to get your groove on? You can do all of that and more with the 2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment!

Lasting just 2 hours (as the title suggests), you’re not bound to a long route – just a bit longer than you’d likely spend out at a restaurant.

Not to mention, you can expect grade-A customer service with staff and crew who are kind and engaging, and there to answer any questions you may have. Your cruise starts off at 7:00 pm, where you’ll meet your crew and board a stunning riverboat complete with beautiful warm lights glowing all around you to set the mood.

The dinner buffet alone justifies the already-affordable ticket price, complete with a beef carving station, Savannah-style shrimp and grits, baked chicken with artichoke cream sauce, fresh catch of the day, and a full spread of sides, salads, and dessert that genuinely colored me impressed!

I’ll admit that I did perhaps another lap or two to make sure I didn’t miss anything (definitely do NOT miss out on the dessert!). As we ate, we passed the beautiful Savannah skyline and Talmadge Memorial Bridge, along with plenty of other sights to be seen!

You have a glass-enclosed observation deck to keep things comfy no matter the weather conditions, though the open-air patio was calling my name during golden hour!

The dance floor did too – after all, there was some great onboard entertainment and the cash bar kept me on the dance floor the rest of the cruise. It’s perfect if you’re celebrating something like an anniversary, friends trip, or bachelorette party!

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3. Narrated Harbor Luncheon Riverboat Cruise

Last but certainly not least, is the Narrated Harbor Luncheon Riverboat Cruise. While the previous tour was perfect for dinnertime, this is the best lunch choice, offering a view complete with live historical narration!

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a good Southern buffet, but if you’re a history nerd like I am, you’re also going to love this tour! Lasting just an hour and a half, it’s the perfect amount of time to get a good meal in and learn all about Savannah’s interesting history from local experts!

Your tour starts off at 1:00 pm, so it’s super convenient if you already have morning or evening plans but still want to experience the city from this unique perspective. Board the classic red, white, and blue riverboat, find your seat in either the glass-enclosed observation deck, open-air patio, or upper deck and relax.

The views of the city were truly wonderful, and the boat was slow enough that we had plenty of time to take photos and videos without rushing. The afternoon lighting was impeccable, and some of the photos I got look like they could’ve been postcards!

Unlike the dinner cruise, this one does feature live narration, which further enriches the experience, timed perfectly with the scenery as you pass by. It’s great if you don’t want to go on a full Savannah walking tour but still want to get an idea of the city’s past.

The lunch buffet features plenty of Southern classics like fied chicken, shrimp and grits, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato souffle, squash casserole, turnip greens, warm rolls, and of course, dessert.

For this reason, I was glad the tour wasn’t longer, as I immediately entered a food coma afterward! If you’re looking for gorgeous river views, history, and delicious Southern eats all in one sitting, this is the tour for you.

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The Complete Guide to Savannah Riverboat Cruises

What to book, what to expect, and what I wish I’d known before my first one

A Savannah Riverboat Cruise is one of those activities that sounds touristy until you actually do it. Then you realize you’ve spent 90 minutes hearing the city’s history from the water, watched a container ship glide past close enough to read the name on the bow, and eaten Southern food while live music played. Done right, it’s a Savannah highlight. Done wrong, it’s a lukewarm buffet on a boat. Here’s how to pick the right one.

How Savannah Riverboat Cruises Are Organized

Most riverboat cruises in Savannah are run by the Savannah Riverboat Company, which operates a small fleet of paddlewheel style boats out of River Street downtown. A smaller competitor, Savannah Harbor Cruises, runs the River Explorer for sightseeing, dolphin, and karaoke cruises. Most travelers default to the Savannah Riverboat Company because of its variety and downtown location.

• Departure point: 9 East River Street, directly behind City Hall, next to the Hyatt Regency.
• Cruise duration: 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on cruise type.
• Boarding: arrive 30 to 60 minutes early to exchange vouchers and find seating. Parking takes longer than you think.
• The arc: board, find a seat (interior climate controlled or open air upper deck), captain narrates while the boat travels upriver and back, food and entertainment vary by cruise type.
• Accessibility: main decks of both Queens are wheelchair accessible. Only the Georgia Queen has an accessible elevator and restrooms.

Cruise Types and What Each Offers

This is the main decision point. The same boat with different programming creates very different experiences.

Sightseeing Harbor Cruise

The 90 minute narrated daytime cruise. No food included beyond a cash bar and snacks. The captain covers the city’s history, the port, Old Fort Jackson (where they fire a cannon at the boat as it passes), and the surrounding marshlands. Best entry point if you’re not sure whether you want the full dinner experience.

Luncheon Cruise

A 90 minute to 2 hour midday cruise with a Southern buffet lunch and narration. Less crowded than dinner cruises and often a better value. Good for travelers who want food plus history without committing to an evening.

Sunday Brunch Cruise

The 90 minute Sunday morning cruise with a brunch buffet. A favorite for couples and families. Sells out faster than weekday cruises.

Dinner Cruise

The flagship experience. 2 hours with a Southern dinner buffet, live entertainment, and dancing. The most popular cruise and the one with the highest expectations. Live music varies by night.

Holiday and Special Event Cruises

Themed cruises run throughout the year for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter, July 4th (with fireworks), Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. The July 4th and Christmas cruises sell out two months ahead. Holiday cruise prices run higher than standard cruises.

Murder Mystery Cruise

Interactive dinner theater format where you eat, drink, and try to solve a fictional crime as actors play it out around you. Polarizing: people either love it or find it cheesy. Best for groups who lean into the theme.

Specialty and Karaoke Cruises (River Explorer)

The smaller River Explorer runs port tours, dolphin tours, and themed karaoke cruises. Different vibe entirely, more casual and party oriented.

What You’ll Actually See and Hear

The narration is a major part of every cruise, and quality varies dramatically by captain. Here’s what you’ll typically encounter:

• The Port of Savannah: one of the busiest container ports in the United States. You’ll likely see massive cargo ships up close.
• Old Fort Jackson: the oldest standing brick fort in Georgia. The fort fires its cannon at passing riverboats as a tradition. Time your camera.
• The Talmadge Memorial Bridge: the cable stayed bridge connecting Georgia to South Carolina, often the visual signature of cruise photos.
• The Waving Girl statue: honoring Florence Martus, who reportedly waved at every ship entering and leaving the port for 44 years.
• Cotton Exchange and historic River Street: the old warehouses now converted to shops and restaurants.
• Marshlands and wildlife: dolphins occasionally appear, along with seabirds and (rarely) alligators.

The narration covers cotton trade history, maritime economics, and Civil War history. A great captain makes this fascinating. A mediocre one reads from a script. Reviews mentioning a captain by name (Captain Z, Captain Conor) are a positive signal.

What You’ll Actually Eat

Manage your expectations. This is buffet cruise food, not fine dining. Here’s the honest breakdown:

• Buffet style on most cruises. Plated service is rare.
• Typical dinner menu: prime rib, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, vegetables, salad, rolls, cobbler or other Southern dessert.
• Brunch menu: eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, biscuits and gravy, fruit, pastries.
• Quality: serviceable to good. Food is sometimes lukewarm because of the buffet format. The fried chicken and Southern sides tend to perform better than the prime rib.
• Drinks: cash bar on all cruises. Alcoholic drinks are not included even on dinner cruises, which surprises some guests.
• Dietary restrictions: vegetarian options exist on the buffet but are limited. Vegan and gluten free guests should call ahead. Severe allergies are difficult to accommodate on a buffet.

If food quality is your top priority, eat dinner on land and book the sightseeing cruise. If atmosphere matters more than the meal, the dinner cruise delivers.

Who Each Cruise Suits

Children’s pricing typically runs $40 to $55 for ages 5 to 12. Children 4 and under are usually free.

Practical Logistics

Pricing Tiers

• Budget ($35 to $55): sightseeing cruises, basic harbor tours. Great way to do a riverboat without committing to a meal.
• Standard ($55 to $85): lunch and brunch cruises. Solid value.
• Premium ($85 to $130): dinner cruises, gospel cruises, holiday cruises. Where most travelers land.
• Special event ($120+): New Year’s Eve, July 4th, multi course holiday experiences.

Prices typically don’t include state tax, port fees, or service charges. A 18 to 20 percent service charge applies to groups of 10 or more.

Parking on River Street

The single biggest logistical headache. River Street parking is genuinely tough.

• Street parking: cheapest but rarely available. Metered.
• Whitaker Street Parking Garage: closest covered option, walkable to the dock.
• Bryan Street Garage and other downtown garages: 5 to 10 minute walk.
• Allow an extra 30 to 60 minutes beyond your arrival window.

If you’re staying downtown, walk. It’s almost always faster than driving and parking.

Boarding and Timing

• Arrive 30 to 60 minutes before departure to exchange vouchers, use restrooms, and get good seats.
• Boarding is generally first come, first served for seating except on cruises with assigned tables (some dinner cruises).
• Climate controlled lower decks are best for hot summer days and cool winter nights. The open air upper deck offers the best views and photos.

Dress Code

There’s no enforced dress code. The company’s official position is “dress for your celebration.” Reality:

• Sightseeing cruises: shorts and t-shirts are fine.
• Lunch and brunch: smart casual works.
• Dinner cruises: most guests wear “Sunday best.” Sundresses, button downs, slacks. You won’t be turned away in jeans, but you’ll feel underdressed.
• Holiday cruises: dress up. New Year’s Eve attendees often go formal.

Tipping

Service charges may already be included on dinner cruises. Otherwise, 15 to 20 percent on the cash bar tab is standard. Tipping the captain is not expected. Tipping bartenders and servers on dinner cruises is appreciated.

Seasonal and Weather Considerations

Savannah’s climate shapes the cruise experience more than most travelers expect.

Hurricane season runs June through November, with peak risk August and September. Cruises cancel when storms threaten. Book travel insurance during these months.

Holiday demand: Mother’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving weekend, the Christmas cruise season, and New Year’s Eve sell out 2 to 3 months ahead.

What to Bring and Wear

• Layers: even in summer, the river breeze cools the upper deck noticeably. Bring a light jacket year round.
• Comfortable shoes: you’ll walk to and from parking on cobblestones. Heels are a bad idea for boarding ramps.
• Sun protection: the upper deck has umbrellas at some tables but limited shade. Sunscreen and a hat help in summer.
• Camera or phone: the bridge, fort cannon firing, and sunset views all photograph well.
• Cash for tips and the bar: card payments work but cash is faster at the bar.
• Photo ID: required for any alcohol purchase. The minimum drinking age is 21.
• Seasickness: not typically a concern. The Savannah River is calm and these are flat bottom boats. Skip the seasickness meds unless you’re unusually sensitive.

Combining the Cruise with the Rest of Your Savannah Trip

A riverboat cruise pairs naturally with the rest of a Savannah itinerary. Here’s how to fit one in:

• 2 day trip: take the sightseeing cruise on day one as your orientation, then explore the historic district on foot day two.
• 3 day trip: sightseeing or lunch cruise day one, ghost tour and food tour day two, dinner cruise day three.
• 4+ day trip: add a Tybee Island day trip and consider both a sightseeing cruise (for history) and a dinner or gospel cruise (for atmosphere).

Pairs well with: Forsyth Park walks, Bonaventure Cemetery tours, ghost tours (Savannah’s claim to “America’s most haunted city” is heavy marketing but the tours are fun), Wormsloe Historic Site, and food tours through the historic district.

Best timing: take the sightseeing cruise early in your trip. The history and orientation help everything else make more sense. Save the dinner cruise for a celebration evening, an anniversary, or your final night.