Moon River Kayak Tours

"What’s the big picture here? About a third of all salt marshes left on the Atlantic coast are located in Georgia, which instituted robust protections for these vital ecosystems in the 1970s: Salt marshes buffer hurricanes, reduce flooding, and nurture species that will grow up to become—well—seafood. These waving seas of grass, along with the tidal creeks that feed them, dominate the landscape between Savannah and the coast, a stunning scene to take in if you’re driving across a causeway but even lovelier at eye level; say, from a kayak. Weather permitting, Moon River Kayak Tours offers daily launches from Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp, a peaceful site about 20 minutes out of town that’s better known to locals as Butterbean Beach. Plying the Moon River and Skidaway Narrows, the tours are exceptionally well-situated, with a state park in one direction and a historic preserve in the other. They provide kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and someone to show you where to go; you bring the binoculars. Dolphins are common out here, as are bald eagles. Where exactly do you go? This would be a fun option for the whole family. The specific route depends slightly on what the tides are doing, but if conditions are favorable the guides take requests: Head in one direction to get a glimpse of gorgeous Skidaway Island State Park from the water, and head the other way for the chance to step out onto Pigeon Island, an undeveloped island where bald eagles like to nest. If you prefer a more intimate adventure and feel confident showing yourself around, Moon River also provides kayaks for rent—no guide included. How are the guides? The business has been operated by Mike Neal and Cathy Ey since they founded it in 1995. The pair also operate Bull River Cruises, an alternate option if you prefer to sit on a boat and let somebody else do the steering. Operating from nearby Wilmington Island, Bull River takes passengers on a variety of eco and historical tours concerning the Georgia coast, with visits to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge and Daufuskie Island. Anything you’ll be remembering weeks or months or years from now? Despite those marsh protections, you’ll notice that most patches of dry land out in these parts have a house on them, and probably a dock out front too: The housing developments on the islands east of town are sort of Savannah’s answers to suburbs. It’s a vanishingly rare treat, then, to step out of your kayak and walk around pristine Pigeon Island, with its sandy soil, tall pines, low palmettos, and deep solitude. So: Who is this best for? This is a natural fit for outdoors types, as well as anyone who's been doing the rounds of Savannah restaurants and feels the need for a little fresh air and exercise." - Sam Worley