Port of Savannah Tour: An Unexpected Adventure

I recently visited Savannah, Georgia, and as part of the trip, we took a boat tour of the Port of Savannah. Wow, was I surprised! Industrial ports aren’t usually at the top of my must-see list. And while I’ve certainly seen ports – driving through Gary, Indiana (even glimpsing their workings from offshore), and the Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal waaayyyy back in the day (1990s) – it’s hard to grasp the scale and complexity of these massive operations. Getting to see the Port of Savannah up-close was incredibly interesting, and a real eye-opener.

Before this trip, my knowledge of ports was pretty basic – mostly movies and that filmstrip in the fourth grade with the crazy soundtrack! (Anybody else remember that? Dating myself here :/) But I was not prepared to see what I saw. Let me tell you, the Port of Savannah, the largest container terminal in North America, is a behemoth. The sheer scale and the intricacy are a wonder.

A Tour into History and Industry

Our tour started with a scenic view of Savannah’s historic riverfront. From there, we ventured upriver to the Georgia Port Authority, where the magic happened. ✨✨✨ Our guide, Captain Peter, was a retired professional and former high school teacher who is now working as a guide for Outside Savannah, and he was truly in his element. His passion for the port was contagious, and his insights were educational and entertaining. During the tour, we learned about the history of Savannah, from its development to the establishment of the Georgia Ports Authority. It was a comprehensive lesson in the region’s past and present.

Eye-Opening Views

Getting to see the port in action was a highlight. We got up close and personal with gigantic container ships and cranes, witnessing the loading/unloading of 45,000-pound containers with incredible precision. It was like watching a real-life game of Jenga, with the stakes incredibly high!

We observed tugboats guiding container ships in and out of the port, and piles of giant pines at the paper mill. We saw a survey vessel, sweeping back and forth, surveying the floor of the river. It was awe-inspiring to see such massive operations from a small 28-foot skiff.

A Newfound Appreciation

I never imagined that I would find the inner workings of a port so interesting, but I was completely captivated. The experience has sparked my curiosity and a desire to learn more about the maritime industry. Maybe one day we will work in the field, putting our captain’s license and TWIC credentials to good use! (That is the dream!)

If you ever find yourself in Savannah, I highly recommend taking a tour of the port. It’s an unexpected adventure that offers a unique perspective on global commerce and the Lowcountry.

Tour Details:

• Company: Outside Savannah
• Location: 300 W. River Street, Savannah, GA
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Cost: $65 per adult

Packing Recommendations:

• Clothing appropriate for water activities
• Sunscreen
• Snacks and water

Our trip consisted of more than the Port tour. If you’d like to know more, or have questions about visiting Savannah, please hit me up. We loved the vibe and would definitely go back again.