Savannah, GA

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rawidman

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I want to take a trip down the ICW from Charleston, SC to Savannah, GA (and back). The main purpose of the trip is the cruise itself, but I would like to spend some time in downtown Savannah, seeing the sights, taking the trolley tour, and eating in some of the local restaurants. I've been there before by car.

I would really like to stay at one of the docks right on the river but several people have warned me about wakes and rocking from commercial traffic on the river.

The other option is to stay in a marina in Thunderbolt and take a cab or bus to Savannah. This, of course, is much less convenient and desirable than hopping on and off my own boat on the riverfront downtown.

So - I'm asking for suggestions and advice from folks who live in the area or who have travelled there by boat.
 
Isle of Hope, bus service to downtown, pool next door for marina guests. Loaner car also available.
 
We have always stayed in Thunderbolt, either at Thunderbolt Marine marina or at anchor on the Herb River next door. We like Thunderbolt for the privacy and small town feel, though you are right in Savannah. The historic district is a cab ride away, or rent a very cheap delivered car from Savannah Car and Van Rental. You have at hand the greatness of Tubbie's Tankhouse for very fresh local seafood, an easy and pretty walk. River Marine is a great and well priced chandlery. The mega yachts being worked on at the adjacent boat yard will get your boat-nerd juices flowing; fun to see them out of the water. They do smaller boats there too; they have done some work on my boat there, though I felt like Gulliver in the land of giants. And how can you fault a marina that brings you fresh box of Krispy Kremes every morning?

While I have no direct experience, I have heard the downtown docks aren't that bad, at least in a big boat. The city owned docks are undergoing renovation right now.

Other than having the boat worked on, the main reason we go to Savannah is to eat lunch (which becomes all the meals for the day) at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room on Jones St, about the best Southern cooking on earth, then try to walk it off moseying around the squares of what we think is the prettiest city in the USA, and I have been to them all.

George
Hatteras 56MY
Boston Whaler 130 Sport
 
I have eaten the pink house, outstanding.
go for the scored flounder.
 
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

I usually stay at the river street market place, best location in Sav

wakes are not much of an issue although i guess it depends on the boat size

http://www.riverstreetmarketplace.com/dock

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That's where I was thinking of staying. The last time I was in Savannah was for the boat show a year ago. It got pretty interresting along the river watching the crowds, performers, etc. I want to be able to enjoy that and just walk back to my boat when I'm ready.

When my boat was manufactured, it was a "Camano 28". At some point it was changed to a "Camano 31". Same boat.

When I'm renting a slip, it's a 28', when I'm bragging, it's a 31'.

Smaller than yours, but not like it's a cuddy or something.
 
We stayed at the River Street Last year. They were dredging nearby so the big diesels were thumping all night. Cargo ships were passing all the time and the tugs went out to help them. The tugs were docked just down stream.
For us, I'd say the worst of the wakes was from the small pontoon boats the locals had. Some tour boats were also a problem. The commercial traffic was indeed very polite given their size and bulk. That includes the tugs. But while the wake won't get you, the sound of the big commercial diesels comes right through the water and into your cabin. Those commercial tankers, container and bulk carriers have some big a$$ thumping cylinders and you will know about their presence.
It's a busy area. If you sleep soundly or drink heavily it won't be a problem. :D

I enjoyed being close to the area but it was a bit noisy from the commercial traffic. Make sure you have reservations well in advance for the Pink House or any other well respected establishment.
 
Ron here is some added info on the City Docks from Waterway Cruising Guide
Savannah City Dock to reinstate fees

The City of Savannah is preparing to once again charge for docking at the Riverfront Plaza facilities. Per a phone conversation with Shawn Emerson of the Mobility and Parking Services Department, the policy will be in place by the end of May. The information below was taken directly from the city website.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Quick Reply

Dock 1 West River Street: vessels up to 250 feet in overall length. This area of the bulkhead is located on the western end of the plaza up-river from the Hyatt Hotel. The pier has vertical stationary pilings. It can accommodate vessels with a minimum length of 35 feet and a maximum overall length of 250 feet. Utility services are not available at this time.
Dock 2 (floating), River Street at Abercorn Ramp: up to 100 feet - Is the area beginning just east of the tour boats dock behind City Hall and extending eastward to Abercorn Ramp. See the Dock 2 Policy for guidelines specific to this dock. – (no reservations, first-come, first-reserved) Utility services are not available at this time.
Dock 3 East River Street: vessels up to 250 feet in overall length. This area of the bulkhead is located on the eastern end of the plaza up-river from the River St. Market Place Dock which has vertical stationary pilings, cleats and requires fenders, can accommodate any vessel up to about 250 feet that does not need a floating pier. Utility services are not available at this time.
REGULATIONS

All vessels using a City dock must be registered upon arrival with the Mobility & Parking Services Department, call (912) 651-3634; Fax (912) 525-1625, Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm. After 5pm, weekends and holidays, call (912) 651-6477, control booth, attendant is on duty 24/7 to collect fees. Mobility & Parking Services is located at the Bryan Street Parking Garage, 100 East Bryan Street behind the Holiday Inn Express Hotel at Bay St and Abercorn St.
Reservations may be made for Dock 1 and Dock 3 up to one year in advance. Fees are to be paid to the Mobility &Parking Services Department upon arrival of the vessel, or by mail if prior arrangements have been made.
No reservations are accepted for Dock 2; use is first-come, first-served, with registration required for more than three hours. Fees are to be paid to the City Mobility & Parking Services Department.
Use and reserving of docking facilities is at the discretion of the City of Savannah and may be denied or terminated at any time.
All vessels using the Riverfront Plaza Dock will be governed by the Savannah Port Authority's Regulations for the Port District of Savannah.
The owner/operator shall be fully responsible for his/her vessel and guests at all times.
The City of Savannah shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or injury of any kind to person or property arising from the use of the docking facilities or services.
Boat toilets shall not be used while boat is docked, unless the boat is equipped with an operating holding tank, so that no effluent is discharged into the Savannah River.
All refuse scheduled for City collection is to be securely bagged and stowed on board until City pick-up is made.

DOCKING FEES
Rates are based on extreme vessel length, and will be computed per 24 hour period.
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(A) Non-Commercial Vessels. Rates are based on extreme vessel length, and will be computed per 24 hour period.

Classification Daily Rate
Government Vessel No Charge
Non-profit Organization $0.50 per linear foot, per day
Educational/Institutional $0.50 per linear foot, per day
Pleasure Craft $1.50 per linear foot, per day (on the first day, the first three hours are FREE)
 
Ron

Staying at the River Street docks is fun since you are just a step off of your boat to many of the great places to eat and drink. It is only about 30 minutes by water from River Street to Thunderbolt so if you really do not like the docks and the container ships, you can easily move. Thunderbolt and Isle of Hope are both nice choices but you must catch a ride or bus to get downtown. If you carry bikes, you can bike to the historic district from Thunderbolt but it would be a bit too far from Isle of Hope. George hit the target on Thunderbolt, it is a nice little village with Tubby's and the Tortuga Cafe (beware of Tubby's on Thursday nights they have Sunset Parties and the place is VERY crowded, standing room only in the bar and deck). Mrs. Wilkes, Pink House, Alligator Soul, Sapphire Grill, Belford's, Barnes Bar B Que,are very good spots and all within easy walk from the City Docks on River Street. The Sunday jazz brunch at the Westin Hotel across the river from the docks is spectacular ($40+). On River Street, there are a couple of places that are not too touristy such as The Shrimp Factory, Chart House and Vic's. Kevin Barry's and Churchills are neat Irish pubs for late night sing-a-longs. River Street can be noisy late at night on weekends as the crowds are close to your boat. Mondays are dead on River St. and some places are even closed. Tues-Thurs are the best days to visit if you are docking.
 
Have stayed at Thuderbolt,Isle of Hope and they are each,in there own way,unique and worth it. However, nothing beats being on the riverwalk. The place is special, the city is special. George,you are right on, it is the preyyiest,by far. Go for the gusto, so you rock a little, you hear the sax players, the heart of the city.

John
 
You can't go wrong by staying at Isle of Hope (great folks run the place) or Thunderbolt. Isle of hope is clean, has great docks and is just a short hop in a car to Thunderbolt or Riverstreet. Thunderbolt has some great marinas (Bahia Bleu, TMI) and of course Tubby's Tank House is right there (have lunch on the elevated porch the view is great). Can you say fried scallops and cheese grits for lunch?

River Street and the downtown area are great. Just keep in mind that if you want to keep the boat there it is a commercial hub. I don't think you will have huge problems with wake but yes, it is noisy and it doesn't stop because it's dark.
 
I stayed downtown last year and at Thunderbolt 3 weeks ago. Personally, I prefer Thunderbolt simply because of the noise. Dan hit it right on the head. Wakes aren't the problem. it's the raw power of those vessels and the low frequency noise and vibrations.

That said though, I would recommend trying downtown once. It really is entertaining. If it's too much for you, move to Thaundebolt or Isle of Hope.

As I said, I stayed at Thunderbolt 3 weeks ago. Super place and the staff if really good! After getting settled in I called Enterprise and had a car in about 30 minutes.

For the cruise down from Charleston, be mindful of the tides. Low tides in some of the cuts and rivers can get really skinny. It is a beautiful cruise though which you will enjoy.

Bob

PS: Beaufort, SC is an excellent mid-trip stop.
 
quote:
Originally posted by rnbenton

I stayed downtown last year and at Thunderbolt 3 weeks ago. Personally, I prefer Thunderbolt simply because of the noise. Dan hit it right on the head. Wakes aren't the problem. it's the raw power of those vessels and the low frequency noise and vibrations.

That said though, I would recommend trying downtown once. It really is entertaining. If it's too much for you, move to Thaundebolt or Isle of Hope.

As I said, I stayed at Thunderbolt 3 weeks ago. Super place and the staff if really good! After getting settled in I called Enterprise and had a car in about 30 minutes.

For the cruise down from Charleston, be mindful of the tides. Low tides in some of the cuts and rivers can get really skinny. It is a beautiful cruise though which you will enjoy.

Bob

PS: Beaufort, SC is an excellent mid-trip stop.

Click to expand...


Thanks. I'm not passing through, the trip is to Savannah and back, for the trip and the destination. The responses pretty much reinforce my desire to at least try downtown.

The first trip we made when we got the boat and moved into the marina was two years ago with seven other boats fom the marina. We went to Beaufort for the weekend.

I figure a stop there again on the way back might be fun.
 
The NO WAKE rule does not seem to apply (seriously) on the River. If you sit at the outside cafe area, you could even get a little wash from passing cargo ships.
 
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