Ferry linking Georgia, Florida cities for first time in nearly a century

Associated Press
Published: Friday, Oct. 10, 2008 12:31 a.m. MDT
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ST. MARYS, Ga. — Two neighboring cities on either side of the Georgia-Florida line are looking for a tourism boost now that a ferryboat is shuttling passengers between them for the first time in nearly a century.

The Cumberland Sound Ferry Service opened several weeks ago, offering tourists round trips three days a week between St. Marys in Georgia's southeastern corner and Fernandina Beach, Fla., less than 8 miles away.

A passenger steamer called The Hildegarde was the last passenger ferry to travel the Cumberland Sound between the cities. It made its final trip in 1916.

The ferry runs Thursday through Saturday and can carry 49 passengers. Round-trip tickets cost $15.

Chugging along at 11 mph, the ferry makes the trip between the cities in about 45 minutes to an hour — just a little longer than it takes to drive the meandering 29-mile highway route between them.

The trip passes by Cumberland Island and passengers may see dolphins playing in the coastal waters.

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