Amelia River Cruises & Charters

Historic Fernandina Harbor Marina

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, Nassau Sound and Cumberland Sound it isn't any surprise that much of Amelia Island's history has revolved around the water — from a smuggling center for slaves and maraudering pirates to a playground for the elite and the illicit to Civil War fortress and world headquarters for revolutionary shrimping. Imagine having a chance to explore the same history-making waters and enjoying the spectacular views.

Narrated Tours of Amelia's Scenic Waterways

Sightseeing cruises by Amelia River Cruises set sail from Fernandina Harbor Marina at the end of Centre Street in historic Downtown Fernandina Beach. Purchase your tour tickets dockside at the small gift shop on the boardwalk behind Brett's Waterway Cafe.

• One-hour North Amelia River Tours* depart 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. - adults $18, seniors $16 and children $12.
• Two-hour Cumberland Island Tours* set sail at 10:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday - adults $24, seniors $22 and children $18.
• One-hour Sunset Cruises* depart at varying times, depending on the season and are priced the same as the one-hour tour above.
• Private charters and custom group cruises also available.

The cruise does provide several pair of binoculars for passengers to pass around, but there will be plenty of photo opportunities, so bring a camera.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and meals for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this article, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.

*Schedule and prices are subject to change. Please call for reservations 904-261-9972.

Shrimping History Comes to Life

The narration of your tour begins as you cast off from the marina and your attention is drawn to the births of Amelia's fleet of shrimp trawlers. In the early 20th Century, the modern shrimping industry was born here and it is interesting to note that nearly 80 percent of Florida's intake of sweet Atlantic white shrimp is harvested in Amelia's waters. When the heavily-laden shrimp trawlers return to the downtown docks each evening at sunset, there is often a crowd gathered to watch.

Also, the local Burbank Trawl Makers (known locally as the Net House) is still one of the world's largest producers of hand-sewn shrimp nets.

Points of Interest

While we saw some wildlife — dolphins and various birds — what I found most interesting is the landmarks and bits of history that the boat's captain (who also serves as the narrator) points out along the way.

Of course, the paper factory and cargo ship was not-too-scenic, but it they were interesting. What got our attention was Fort Clinch. We had toured the old fort earlier in the day and to get another glimpse of it — this time from the water — was a photo opportunity we hadn't expected.

Speaking of photo opportunities, they are endless on these cruises. There are two things you should remember. One is hang on to your camera tight — most cameras do not float. The other is to use a zoom lens if you have one. The cruises do not come too close to shore and most landmarks will be but tiny specks with a regular lens.

There were more surprises and landmarks along the way. A few that I remember are a glimpse of Old Town, the building that houses Burbank Trawl Makers and the Amelia Lighthouse.

Cumberland Island

Did you know you actually leave the state of Florida during the tour? Of course, I'm talking about crossing into Georgia and a closer look at Cumberland Island. The only thing I knew about Cumberland Island was that wild horses inhabit it. Although we caught a glimpse of a small herd, it was nearly impossible to get a good photo. Between the boat rocking and the horses failing to... shall we say, "turn their better side" to the camera, I only got one halfway decent picture out of the 10 that I took.

Those that want a closer look at the island should take the morning two-hour Cumberland Island Tour. You'll not only get close enough to hear the sound of whinnying horses above the surf, but you'll get a glimpse of The Greyfield Inn, founded by Lucy Carnegie Ferguson. The inn is now a bed and breakfast inn. Guests to the inn arrive by ferry from the Fernandina Harbor Marina.

Bottom Line

The cruise was a lot of fun, the narration interesting and informative and the views spectacular. Our tour was in the afternoon, but I think the Sunset Tour would be an awesome and relaxing way to cap off a day of shopping and sightseeing.