Cumberland Island: A Quick Getaway From Brunswick

The distance between Brunswick and Cumberland Island is 21 miles. However, travelling between the two takes around 5 hours 37 minutes by bus and ferry, as there is no direct connection. The ferry to Cumberland Island is located in St. Marys, Georgia, and there is no car ferry service. The island is known for its natural beauty, including pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches, marshes, and freshwater lakes.

The distance between Brunswick and Cumberland Island is 21 miles

Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island, is known for its natural beauty and pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches, marshes, and freshwater lakes. The island is only accessible by boat, with the Cumberland Island Visitor Center and ferry located in the town of St. Marys, Georgia.

St. Marys serves as the gateway to Cumberland Island, and it is here that visitors can board the ferry to the island. The ferry ride offers a glimpse into the history and nature of the area, with opportunities to visit the museum and explore the island's designated Wilderness areas, historic sites, cultural ruins, and plant and animal communities.

With its stunning beaches and untouched landscapes, Cumberland Island is a must-see adventure for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature and discover the stories of the people who once walked its paths.

You can take a bus and ferry from Brunswick to reach Cumberland Island

Firstly, take the bus from Brunswick to Jacksonville. From there, you'll need to take another bus from JRTC Bay U to Yulee Park & Ride. Then, make your way to Saint Marys, from where you can take the ferry to Cumberland Island.

The ferry from Saint Marys to Cumberland Island is a 45-minute ride and is the only way to access the island. It's recommended to book your ferry tickets in advance as they sell out quickly and have limited spots. The ferry is a scenic ride through salt marshes, and upon arrival at Cumberland Island, you'll be greeted by a ranger.

Cumberland Island is a pristine natural area with undeveloped beaches, maritime forests, and marshes that showcase the stories of the people who have lived there, from natives to wealthy industrialists. The island offers hiking, biking, camping, and beachcombing opportunities, and you may even spot wild horses, armadillos, and marine life.

Remember to bring food, drinks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes, as there are no shops or amenities on the island.

The ferry to Cumberland Island is located in St. Marys, Georgia

The ferry departs from downtown St. Marys and provides a round-trip service to Cumberland Island. It is a concession-operated passenger ferry, and reservations are highly recommended as spots fill up fast. You can expect to pay $28 for a regular adult fare, $26 for seniors, and $18 for children under 15. The park admissions fee is $7, and it is recommended to purchase your ticket online in advance to save time.

When planning your trip, be sure to arrive at least one hour before your scheduled ferry departure time. The ferry departs promptly, and missed departures will not be refunded. It is also important to note that there are no shops or amenities on Cumberland Island, so be sure to bring all the supplies you need, including food, drinks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes.

The ferry ride to Cumberland Island offers a relaxing and enjoyable start to your island adventure. With its pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches, and rich history, Cumberland Island is a treasured destination accessible from the charming town of St. Marys, Georgia.

The ferry ride takes around 5 hours and 37 minutes

The ferry ride from Brunswick, Georgia, to Cumberland Island takes around 5 hours and 37 minutes. This travel time includes transfers. The distance between the two places is 21 miles. To get from Brunswick to Cumberland Island, you need to take a bus to Jacksonville, another bus to Yulee Park & Ride, and then a ferry from St. Marys to Cumberland Island. The ferry ride takes you to the Cumberland Island National Seashore, where you can explore undeveloped beaches, historic sites, cultural ruins, and nature.

The ferry ride offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the island and its surrounding waters. As you sail towards the island, you'll be treated to stunning views of the pristine maritime forests, wide marshes, and untouched beaches that characterise this protected area.

Cumberland Island is Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island, and it boasts a rich history and diverse natural habitats. The island has been walked by natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans, and wealthy industrialists, each leaving their mark on the land.

When planning your trip to Cumberland Island, it's important to keep in mind that there are no shops, stores, or other amenities on the island. Be sure to bring all the essentials, including food, drinks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It is also recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, as the roads on the island are not paved and can be bumpy.

Additionally, the ferry ride to Cumberland Island is quite popular, so it's advisable to schedule your ferry and camping reservations in advance and arrive at the ferry terminal at least one hour before your scheduled departure time.

The Cumberland Island Ferry costs $28 for adults, $26 for seniors, and $18 for children

The distance between Brunswick and Cumberland Island is 21 miles. However, due to the travel options available, the journey can take upwards of 5 hours. The quickest and most affordable way to get from Brunswick to Cumberland Island is to take a bus to Jacksonville, then to Yulee Park & Ride, and finally take a ferry from Saint Marys to the island. The ferry from Saint Marys to Cumberland Island is called the Cumberland Queen Ferry and is a concession-operated ferry boat.

The Cumberland Island National Seashore is a fee park, and you will pay your entry fees at the mainland visitor centre when you check in for the ferry. There are no shops, stores, or other amenities on the island, so be sure to bring food, drinks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes.

Frequently asked questions