The Golden Isles - Georgia Cruising Guide

Post by - Published on 08/09/24 4:00 AM

The Golden Isles, Georgia Cruising Guide

Welcome to Georgia! The Golden Isles—comprised of vibrant Brunswick, beautiful Jekyll Island, and historic St. Simon's Island—are a classic stopover for cruisers transiting the ICW and a beloved homeport for locals (and for good reason!). This harbor is not only a cultural hotspot full of friendly boaters, services, and activities but also home to some of our favorite Dockwa marinas on the eastern seaboard. Whether you're here for a quick stop or an extended stay, this guide will help you make the most of your time both on and off the water.

Quick Facts
For the Vessel (Dockage/Mooring Options)
Provisioning
For the crew 
Essential Services 
Insider's Tips
Community Connections

Quick Facts

Details

location_on 

Coordinates

31° 07' 25.80" N, 81° 24' 32.39" W 

explore 

Charts

11502, 11506 

calendar_month 

Best time to visit
  • Summer: While it's hurricane season (June 1st to November 30th), summer is still a popular time for recreational boating in the Golden Isles. Be mindful of weather patterns, as the peak of hurricane season occurs from mid-August to late October.
  • Fall: Bustling with southbound cruisers, with milder weather and reduced hurricane risk as the season progresses.
  • Winter: Quieter on the water, offering a peaceful experience with cooler temperatures.
  • Spring: Great fishing with predictable patterns for redfish and flounder migration, and favorable weather conditions

water 

Mean tidal range

~7'

local_gas_station 

Gas and diesel fuel

Yes

Contacts
US Coast Guard Sector Charleston Stations - Brunswick 

Ch. 16,(912) 267-7999

SeaTow Brunswick

Ch. 9, 16, (912) 280-9428

Pumpout 

Brunswick Landing Marina, Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles, Jekyll Harbor Marina 

For the Vessel - Dockages & Moorings

Brunswick Landing Marina

https://dockwa.com/explore/destination/3gcxe6-brunswick-landing-marina?form=transient&utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Brunswick_Harbor_Guide

Location

Downtown Brunswick

Facilities

Gas, diesel, pump-out, water, dockage, pet friendly, full service boat yard

Best protected from

All directions

Electric Options

30 AMP, Dual 30 AMP, 50 AMP, Dual 50 AMP, 100 AMP (3 phase), Duel 100 AMP (3 phase)

Max LOA

1,000'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

Jekyll Harbor Marina

Harbor Guide Marina Snipits (7)

Location

Jekyll Island, GA

Facilities

Gas, diesel, pump-out, dockage, onsite restaurant, pool

Best protected from

SE, E, NE 

Electric Options

30 AMP, Dual 30 AMP, 50 AMP, Dual 50 AMP, 100 AMP (single phase)

Max LOA

200'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles

Harbor Guide Marina Snipits (8)

Location

St. Simons Island, GA

Facilities

Gas, diesel, pump-out, dockage, onsite restaurant, pet friendly

Best protected from

NW, N, NE, E

Electric Options

30 AMP, Dual 30 AMP, 50 AMP, Dual 50 AMP, 100 AMP (single phase), Dual 100 AMP (single phase)

Max LOA

180'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

Provisioning

Marine Supplies
Grocery Stores

      • Publix Super Market: 171 Village At Glynn Pl #100, Brunswick, GA 

      • Adams Meat Market: 1700 Norwich St #6449, Brunswick, GA (closer to Brunswick Landing Marina) 

      • Winn-Dixie: 220 Retreat Village, St Simons Island, GA (closer to Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles)
      • Jekyll Market: 11 Main St, Jekyll Island, GA (closer to Jekyll Harbor Marina)
Local Markets
  • Brunswick Farmers Market: 1510 Bay St, Brunswick, GA (open Saturdays and Tuesdays 8AM to 5PM)
  • Schroeder's Market: 203 Gloucester St, Brunswick, GA

Both ~ 5 min walks Brunswick Landing Marina

  • The Market at Sea Island: 351 Sea Island Rd, St Simons Island, GA 

~ 4 miles from Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles

  • Jekyll Market: 11 Main St, Jekyll Island, GA

~ 15 min walk from Jekyll Harbor Marina

For The Crew

Historical Sites

  • St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum: 610 Beachview Dr, St Simons Island, GA

  • Lover's Oak: Less than two miles from Brunswick Landing Marina, the Lover's Oak is over 900 years old and is a popular photo-destination for visitors. 

Harbor Guide Marina Snipits (9)
St. Simons Island Lighthouse

Museums & Galleries

  • Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum (Jekyll Island)

  • Liberty Ship WWII Memorial (Brunswick)

  • World War II Home Front Museum (St. Simons Island)

Parks & Trails

  • Jekyll State Park: Cruisers should visit Jekyll State Park for its pristine beaches, rich history, and abundant wildlife, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure amidst stunning coastal scenery. Enjoy kayaking, biking, and exploring historic landmarks, making it a memorable stop on your journey.

  • Earth Day Nature Trail: This tranquil escape into nature features scenic trails that highlight the region's diverse flora and fauna. It's an ideal spot for hiking, birdwatching, and experiencing the serene beauty of coastal Georgia.

Harbor Guide Marina Snipits (10)Jekyll State Park

Beaches
Entertainment & Events
Dining & Nightlife
Waterfront Restaurants

Brunswick, GA Waterfront Restaurants:

  • Marshside Grill: Enjoy fresh seafood and Southern cuisine with stunning views of the marshlands, offering a relaxed and casual dining experience.
  • Tipsy McSway's: A lively spot with delicious pub fare and frequent live music, providing a fun atmosphere along the waterfront.

Jekyll Island Waterfront Restaurants:

  • The Wharf: Savor fresh, locally-sourced seafood and Southern dishes on a picturesque pier, with breathtaking sunset views over the water.
  • Tortuga Jacks: This beachfront restaurant offers a mix of Mexican and Caribbean flavors in a vibrant setting, perfect for a laid-back meal by the sea.

St. Simons Island Waterfront Restaurants:

  • Coastal Kitchen: Experience gourmet coastal cuisine with panoramic views, perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
  • The Rooftop at Ocean Lodge: Dine on elegant seafood dishes while enjoying stunning rooftop views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding beaches.
Local Breweries & Wineries

  • Craft Cocktails:

    • Dorothy's Cocktail & Oyster Bar (St. Simons Island): Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in a chic atmosphere, paired with fresh oysters.
    • Little Zooks (Brunswick): A cozy spot offering a unique selection of craft cocktails in a charming setting.
    • Reid's Apothecary (Brunswick): A stylish bar known for its creative cocktail menu and vintage vibes.

    Casual Options:

    • Silver Bluff Brewing Company (Brunswick): A local favorite for craft beer lovers, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of brews.
    • Barrier Island Brewing (St. Simons Island): Enjoy locally brewed craft beer in a laid-back setting with great food and a friendly vibe.
    • Tortuga Jacks (Jekyll Island): Along with its vibrant food scene, Tortuga Jacks also serves up refreshing beers and cocktails in a beachfront setting.

    Nightlife

  • Brogens South (St. Simons Island): A popular spot for both locals and visitors, offering lively music, delicious bar food, and a great selection of drinks, making it an ideal place for a fun night out.
  • Tipsy McSway’s (Brunswick, GA): Known for its vibrant atmosphere, this bar features live music, karaoke nights, and a wide variety of craft beers, providing a lively setting for an enjoyable evening.
  • ECHO (St. Simons Island): Located at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, ECHO offers a sophisticated nightlife experience with oceanfront views, signature cocktails, and live entertainment, perfect for a more upscale evening.

Harbor Guide Marina Snipits (11)

Essential Services

Medical Facilities
  • Southeast Georgia Health System - Brunswick Campus - 2415 Parkwood Dr, Brunswick, GA
  • Jekyll Island Medical Center - 11 Pier Rd, Jekyll Island, GA
  • St. Simons Immediate Care Center - 5000 Wellness Way, St. Simons Island, GA

     

Boat Repair & Maintenance

Travel Options

  • Brunswick Golden Isles Airport - roughly 20 minutes from Brunswick Harbor

  • Jacksonville International Airport - roughly 66 miles from Brunswick Harbor

  • Ubers/Lyfts - typically available
  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car - (912) 267-1560

 

Insider's Tips

Hidden Gems
  • Cannon's Point Preserve (St. Simons Island): Explore this pristine, untouched wilderness area offering hiking trails, historic ruins, and scenic marsh views. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
  • Mary Ross Waterfront Park (Brunswick): Explore and indulge in local events, the farmer's market, or simply enjoy a quiet spot by the water with views of the Sidney Lanier Bridge.
Local Legends
  • The Ghost of Eugenia Price: The Golden Isles have been the inspiration for many of the famed historical novelist Eugenia Price’s books. Some locals say her spirit still wanders the moss-draped oaks of St. Simons Island, particularly near Christ Church, where she spent many hours.
  • The Legend of Blackbeard: The infamous pirate Blackbeard is said to have buried treasure on Blackbeard Island, just north of St. Simons Island. While the treasure has never been found, the legend lives on, making it a point of intrigue for adventurous visitors.
  • Fort Frederica's Secret: Founded by James Oglethorpe in 1736, Fort Frederica once protected the southern boundary of the British colony of Georgia from Spanish forces. It’s said that during the Siege of Fort Frederica, British soldiers hid a chest of gold somewhere in the fort’s ruins, which remains undiscovered to this day.

Harbor Guide Marina Snipits (14)

Photography Spots
  • Driftwood Beach (Jekyll Island): Best visited at sunrise, Driftwood Beach offers a surreal landscape of weathered driftwood that makes for stunning photos and unique ambiance.
  • Sidney Lanier Bridge (Brunswick): Capture the sweeping views of the bridge at sunset from Mary Ross Waterfront Park or from the Brunswick Riverwalk. The golden hour light reflecting off the water creates a picturesque scene.
  • St. Simons Island Pier: For those seeking to capture the essence of coastal life, the pier at sunset is a prime spot. With views of the ocean, local anglers, and often dolphins in the distance, it’s a perfect location for evening photography.

Harbor Guide Marina Snipits (12)Sidney Lanier Bridge

Local Knowledge
  • Tides and Currents: The Golden Isles experience significant tidal ranges, with strong currents in channels and rivers. Plan your trips with the tides to avoid strong opposing currents, especially when navigating inlets like St. Simons Sound.
  • Weather Patterns: Prevailing winds in summer typically come from the southeast. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the warmer months, so keep an eye on the sky and weather reports when planning your outings.
  • Hurricane season in Georgia runs from June 1st to November 30th each year. The peak of the season, when the likelihood of hurricanes and tropical storms is highest, typically occurs from mid-August to late October. During this time, it's essential for boaters and coastal residents to stay informed about weather patterns and potential storm developments.
  • Navigating the Sounds: The waterways around the Golden Isles can be shallow in spots, with shifting sandbars. Use updated charts and stay within marked channels, especially when approaching inlets and river mouths.

Community Connections

Local Businesses

  • Kayak Rentals: Southeast Adventure Outfitters is the stop to rent kayaks and explore the scenic marshes and waterways of the Golden Isles! They offer guided tours as well, perfect for discovering hidden creeks and observing local wildlife.

  • Fishing Charters: Golden Isles Fishing Company, based right out of Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles, is known for offering visitors the thrill of fishing. Whether you're targeting redfish, trout, or king mackerel, their experienced guides will help you land the big one.

Harbor Guide Marina Snipits (13)

Local Social Media Accounts

Be the first to access exclusive boater stories by subscribing to our new boater
newsletters, The Running Fix and Dock Talk! 

Subscribe here!

Monthly editorial headers (14)-2

 

Get out there today!

Dockwa's mission is to connect boaters and marinas. Sign up for Dockwa to make the most of being a boat owner. Explore new harbors and book slips and moorings within minutes - all with the tips of your fingers.


Sign Up

'