Top Tours to Experience in the Golden Isles

Awaken your inner adventurer with a tour of coastal Georgia! There are plenty of ways to uncover the stunning scenery and unique landscapes of the Golden Isles’ four islands and historic port city that make this strip of Georgia’s coast so special. Here’s some of the top Golden Isles tour experiences to help you plan your next island getaway:

1. Nature Tour on Little St. Simons Island

Take a guided island tour of Little St. Simons Island with a day trip led by an experienced naturalist to discover 11,000 acres of pristine landscapes and natural wonders! Enjoy a hearty lunch of low country specialties and an afternoon on seven miles of private beaches. Book a day trip.

Family walking on a beach in St. Simons Island

2. Golden Isles Aerial Tour

Experience the Golden Isles from above! High Tide Aviation offers guided tours including headsets and spectacular bird’s-eye views of the unmistakable Golden Isles landscapes. Choose from a number of custom-guided tour options showcasing different scenery, historic landmarks, and wildlife. Book a scenic air tour.

3. Self-Guided Hunt for Tree Spirits

No trip to St. Simons Island is complete without a day of Tree Spirit hunting! This activity is unique to the Golden Isles, and visitors from all around visit to hunt for the eleven tree spirit carvings of weathered faces in the island’s famous oak trees. Step up your hunting game with Beachside Buggies and cruise the island in style in a customized golf cart.

Tree Spirit wooden carvings at Mallery Street

4. Golden Isles Fishing Tour

Hit the Golden Isles waters with On The Fly and experience fishing in the Golden Isles. Enjoy a guided adventure where you can spend the day fishing with an expert captain. Book a fishing charter.

5. Golden Isles Group Tour

Gather your friends and family for a group tour with Golden Isles Touring Company. No matter the size of your group, Golden Isles Touring Company has been providing group tours for over 33 years and will give you an exceptional tour experience tailored to your group’s preferences and needs.

6. Golden Isles Horseback Riding Tour

View the Golden Isles from an all new perspective with a horseback riding tour from The Stables at Frederica. Take a beach ride and enjoy the beautiful natural setting of Sea Island, take in the natural wonders of barrier island marshland and wildlife on a marsh ride, or experience the maritime forests of St. Simons Island on a wooded ride. Book a horseback riding tour.

People riding horses on Sea Island

7. Jekyll Island Historic Trolley Tour

Hop on a guided trolley tour of the 240-acre National Historic Landmark District on Jekyll Island with a Landmark Historic Trolley Tour. Learn about some of America’s most notable families including the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers as you uncover the 34 historic structures of one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the Southeast. Jekyll Island also offers a variety of other historic tours. Book a trolley tour.

8. Golden Isles Boat Tours

Anchor Excursions offers a variety of boat tours including history and ecology tours that spotlight the wildlife and historical attractions of the Golden Isles, and Sunset tours that showcase the stunning golden views of Georgia's coast. They also offer twilight cruises with live music as well as ferry services between St. Simons and Jekyll Island. Book a boat tour.

You can also take in the incredible views the Golden Isles is known for while relaxing aboard the String of Pearls. Take in the views of the Sidney Lanier Bridge and the Marshes of Glynn, or cruise through the St. Simons Sound. The picturesque Golden Isles scenery is something you won't want to miss. Book a String of Pearls boat tour.

String of Pearls

9. Jekyll Island Dolphin Tour

Enjoy a 90-minute fully narrated dolphin tour, traveling from the Jekyll Wharf through the scenic waterways of Jekyll Island with Jekyll Island Boat Tours. Observe the incredible bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat as they play, feed, and cruise around. Learn about their social behavior, feeding habits, and much more. Book a dolphin tour.

10. Golden Isles Ghost Tour

Take a frightening step back into history with Lighthouse Trolleys when you embark on a trolley tour visiting sites of authentic island history and ghostly stories. Hear the legends of Mary, the Wanderer, the most famous ghost of the island. Learn about those who have lived and died in the Golden Isles, and possibly encounter those who never left. Book a ghost tour.

Tours FAQs

Are there dolphin tours in the Golden Isles?

Yes, dolphin tours are one of the most popular things to do in the Golden Isles. Guided boat tours along the Georgia coast offer opportunities to see bottlenose dolphins swimming in the waterways around St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island, especially during warmer months.

What are the best tours in the Golden Isles, Georgia?

The best tours in the Golden Isles include scenic boat tours, dolphin tours, historic walking tours, kayaking eco tours, and fishing charters on St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and in Brunswick. Visitors can explore coastal wildlife, historic landmarks, tidal marshes, and barrier island beaches through a variety of guided experiences.

What types of boat tours are available in the Golden Isles?

Golden Isles boat tours range from sunset cruises and dolphin tours to shrimping excursions, private charters, and eco tours through the coastal marshes. Many departures are available from marinas on St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Brunswick, offering scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Georgia’s barrier islands.

Are there historic tours in the Golden Isles?

Yes, visitors can enjoy historic walking tours and guided history tours highlighting landmarks, Victorian architecture, and centuries-old coastal heritage in Brunswick and on St. Simons Island. These tours are perfect for travelers interested in Georgia history and cultural experiences.

What are the best eco tours in the Golden Isles?

Eco tours in the Golden Isles include guided kayaking tours, paddleboarding excursions, and boat tours through tidal creeks and maritime forests. These nature tours allow visitors to experience coastal Georgia wildlife, including dolphins, shorebirds, and native marsh ecosystems.

Do I need to book Golden Isles tours in advance?

It’s recommended to book Golden Isles tours in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like spring and summer. Popular activities such as dolphin tours, fishing charters, and guided boat tours can fill up quickly.

Are Golden Isles tours family-friendly?

Most Golden Isles tours are family-friendly and suitable for children, including dolphin cruises, nature tours, and sightseeing boat tours. Always check with the individual tour company for age requirements and safety guidelines.

When is the best time of year to take a tour in the Golden Isles?

Tours in the Golden Isles operate year-round, but spring and fall are especially popular for comfortable weather and active wildlife. Summer is ideal for boat tours and water activities, while cooler months are great for historic and walking tours along the Georgia coast.

Top 10 Island Tours in the Golden Isles