Kingsland is a Southeastern gem where nature reigns–and hosts a rich history as a maritime town, from a 20th-century submarine legacy to 21st-century fishing and shrimping. Along with the land’s bountiful resources comes plenty of opportunities for leisure and adventure! A plethora of waterways snake across Southeast Georgia, just waiting to be explored during your next visit, whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or an extended summer stay in our charming coastal town.
With a variety of options for kayaking, canoeing, boating, or adventuring alone or with a guide, here’s some of the top options for exploring Kingsland and Southeast Georgia’s waterways!
For a guided exploration of waterways and opportunities for exciting catches, check out local charters like Fish Master Charters or Kings Bay Charters. Both have decades of well-seasoned background giving locals and visitors alike excellent experiences out on the water. With Kingsland’s proximity to rivers as well as the ocean, the opportunities for adventure via water are endless.
Fish Master Charters, led by Captain Warren, operates out of St. Marys and can take visitors as far as sites like Cumberland Island, Jekyll Island, and down to Florida to Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville in pursuit of the best views and a variety of fish species. Captain Warren also offers deep-sea trips up to 30 miles offshore for sea fishing as well as diving!
Kings Bay Charters, with Captain Dave and his extensive expertise, specializes in inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing and tours as well as private sunset cruises that give passengers a chance to spot dolphins leaping amongst the nearshore waters. Contact Captain Dave if you have a specific adventure in mind and he is glad to work with clients to customize their trips!
Local gem Knuckleheads Bait & Tackle is a one-stop shop for boating supplies and rentals, as well as guided boating or paddling tours. You can find them right by the water in Historic Downtown St. Marys at Howard Gilman Waterfront Park, which is also home to the Cumberland Island Ferry and Museum.
For serene beach strolls and the most dreamy landscapes, Cumberland Island National Seashore is just a boat ride away from Kingsland and a must-visit during your stay. The island is home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally Designated Wilderness that is draped with stunning nature like maritime forests, marshes, and undeveloped beaches, as well as historic sites like Dungeness Estate’s ruins and the grand Plum Orchard Mansion. During your explorations of the island, you’re likely to spot members of a band of wild horses that call the island home, grazing amongst ruins or playing on Cumberland’s 18 miles of beach! You can appreciate this historic island on foot or view its shores from the comfort of a private or guided boat tour.
Crooked River State Park is a popular local site for trails and camping as well as watersports. Start your adventure with a stop in North Star Bait & Tackle Shop for supplies as well as water vessel rentals before you head over to the boat ramp and dock to start your exploration along the Intracoastal Waterway. From there you can journey along Crooked River further inland, or explore the snaking routes that lead to the North Atlantic, such as options to go east to Cumberland Island, or follow the coast down to Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Talbot Island, and even further south to Jacksonville and beyond! A northward wander will give you excellent views of Southeast Georgia, with locations like Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island nestled along Georgia’s picturesque coast.
To complete your planning, the incredible Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge is a must-see for seasoned thrill seekers and adventurous families alike! The Swamp consists of nearly 400,000 acres of National Wilderness Area that can be explored by foot, bike, or on its unblemished waterways, and is especially a treat for birders, botany enthusiasts, and anyone hoping to catch a picture-perfect snapshot of majestic alligators and other local and visiting fauna. With a variety of options on how to curate your visit, whether you prefer going solo or being led by a nature expert, there’s so many ways to discover the Okefenokee!
Southeast Georgia’s vast expanse of waterways with varying skill levels–as well as incredible sights and opportunities for discovery–are the perfect exploration option for visitors to experience long standing local favorite locales and memories to make. Live like a local: appreciate the land and water’s history and legacy, help protect it by leaving no trace or trash behind, and remember to slow down and deeply feel each moment in our beautiful state!
For a fun scaled and gilled treasure hunt, check out our guide on common fish species you may spot: CLICK HERE
To download Visit Kingsland’s Watersports Brochure: CLICK HERE
If you would like even more comprehensive info on Kingsland and Southeast Georgia, you can digitally download or request a physical copy of our engaging Official Visitors Guide CLICK HERE
Happy paddling–and we hope to see you soon here in Kingsland, Where Nature Reigns!
