Savannah Belles Ferry or a Riverboat Cruise: Which Fits Your Visit?

Start with the kind of afternoon you want: a crossing that fits around other plans, or a scheduled activity on the river. These four differences will help you choose.

The ferry makes sense when getting across the river is the point. The sightseeing cruise suits visitors who want someone to explain the waterfront as part of the experience. Neither is the better choice for every visit; choose according to how much of your afternoon you want to organize around the boat.

Chatham Area Transit names three landing locations. City Hall is on the downtown Riverwalk. Waving Girl is in Morrell Park. Across the water, the Hutchinson Island landing is at the Savannah Convention Center, next to the Westin; CAT labels it The Westin.

Use those landmarks to choose your starting point, rather than heading for the first dock you see. A ferry crossing can fit into a day with other stops, but your return landing still needs a plan.

Checked November 15, 2026: CAT's schedules page lists ferry service from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Its ferry guide notes Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day exceptions. These are general service hours, not a departure promise for each landing. Confirm the return service for the landing you intend to use.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises describes its sightseeing service as a captain-narrated tour. That gives visitors who enjoy local context a reason to make the river itself the afternoon's activity, rather than simply cross it.

The operator lists departures from 9 East River Street. Choose the sailing before arranging lunch or another outing: its departure and duration give the day a fixed centerpiece. Check the sightseeing product specifically, since the operator also offers dining and other cruises.

River traffic can change the route. Treat particular ship sightings or a Fort Jackson cannon firing as possibilities rather than reasons a sailing must follow one exact itinerary.

Visit Savannah identifies two elevator locations for reaching the waterfront: between the Hyatt Regency and City Hall, and at the Alida Hotel. Its guide also describes cobblestone ramps and historic stone stairs. If you use a wheelchair, push a stroller or prefer to avoid steps, choose your approach before setting off for the dock.

An elevator location does not guarantee that it will be operating when you arrive. The route down to River Street and the facilities aboard your boat are separate parts of the plan.

The cruise operator reports wheelchair access to the boarding ramps and main decks of both vessels. Georgia Queen has a passenger elevator and accessible restrooms. Savannah River Queen has an accessible main deck, but its restrooms are not accessible. If those facilities affect your visit, confirm the assigned vessel and your specific needs with the ticket office before booking.

Keep the practical checks in one place so everyone in your group knows the plan. The cruise operator recommends reservations and leaves cancellation decisions for severe weather or dangerous river conditions to the captain.

Hyatus Savannah Two-Bedroom has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and capacity for five guests, with a kitchen, washer and dryer. It suits families or other small groups who value preparing meals and doing laundry between outings. Those everyday features can be especially useful when a Savannah visit lasts longer than a weekend.

Before choosing the stay, ask Hyatus about the route to your preferred landing or cruise dock alongside any household access needs.

If you're planning a longer Savannah visit, share your dates and household needs with Hyatus to discuss this two-bedroom stay.