Cruising the ICW: Savannah, GA to Charleston, SC
Date Posted: May 15, 2023
Source: Waterway Guide Explorer Magazine

A South-to-North Cruise of the ICW from Savannah, GA to Charleston, SC - Collaboration with Coastal Living Magazine

 

This leg of our journey up the Atlantic ICW connects two alluring and historic port cities. After a boozy adventure in the Hostess City, get a good night's sleep and cruise north, taking in the natural gifts of Hilton Head Island, the colorful downtown of Beaufort, and the wilderness of Edisto Island. The end of the trail is the Holy City, with its wealth of historic and culinary charms.

 

Mile 576 (+8 Nautical Miles West)

Pub Crawl

Savannah, GA

Sightsee, exercise, and have a beer (or two) with Savannah Slow Ride on a bicycle built for 15. The two-hour Pub Crawl excursion stops at a string of the city's most fun and historic bars. (Must be 21+ to ride.)

Tie Up: Safe Harbor Bahia Bleu, Thunderbolt Marine, or Isle of Hope Marina

Explore the Savannah, Georgia area in Waterway Guide Explorer.

 

Mile 564 (+4.5 Nautical Miles West)

Aerial Adventures

Hilton Head Island

While the beaches of this barrier island are always perfect for walkin, ZipLine Hilton Head's canopy tour shows you the world from heights of up to 75 feet in the salty air.

Tie Up: Daily dockage at Broad Creek Marina is complimentary for zip-liners. Also check out Windmill Harbour Marina, Safe Harbour Skull Creek, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, Palmetto Bay Marina, or Harbour Town Yacht Basin.

Explore the Hilton Head Island, SC area in Waterway Guide Explorer.

 

Mile 536

Festival Fun

Beaufort, SC (WG Preferred Destination)

Stroll along the Beaufort River at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, which really comes to life during the Beaufort Water Festival in July. 

Tie Up: Safe Harbor Beaufort, Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing, Dataw Island Marina, or Beaufort Day Dock

Explore the Beaufort, SC area in Waterway Guide Explorer.

 

Mile 497

Island Excursion

Edisto Island, SC

Anchor in Steamboat Creek and dinghy in to explore the shoreline. If you have bikes on board, pedal up Highway 174 to King's Farm Market, part of a six-generation family farm offering seasonal produce and baked goods, including outrageous lemon bars.

Explore the Edisto Island, SC area in Waterway Guide Explorer.

 

Mile 467

Holy Waterfront!

Charleston, SC

Stay salty in this sophisticated city with a side trip to the South Carolina Aquarium (check out the sea turtle hospital), and then hit Fleet Landing for shrimp, grits, and the best waterfront view in town.

Tie Up: Safe Harbor Charleston City, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Loggerhead Marina - RiversEdge Marina, or Charleston Maritime Center.

Explore the Charleston, SC area in Waterway Guide Explorer.

 

 

 

 

Get all of the information you need for cruising the Atlantic ICW and the Savannah, GA to Charleston, SC area with a Print Waterway Guide Atlantic ICW 2023 Edition or a Print + Digital Subscription.

 

 

 

 

Explore More News & Articles In Specific Cruising Areas
Recent Videos
Plan Your Boating Adventures with Waterway Guide
Waterway Guide's new Mobile App on iPad Mini with maps, data links, and downloadable guide books
Fuel Prices for Boating at Waterwayguide.com
Purchase a Guide
  • 4,000 Marinas
  • Thousands of anchorages
  • Updated Charts
  • Mile-by-Mile Navigation
  • Highlighted Alerts & Cautions
  • Full-Color Aerial Photographs
Download The App

The Waterway Guide App Makes it easy to leave reviews, use our explorer, and view waterway guide materials all on the go!