Love Being on the Water? 

Amelia River boats, (river was flat like a lake) 9/16/09

Autumn has officially arrived, and it's a wonderful season to spend some time on the water around Amelia Island.  The climate is ideal to take a leisurely boat ride on local waterways, whether your ambition is to catch a fish or just absorb coastal nature with a sightseeing cruise.  You can also take a ferry service from historic Fernandina Beach to visit St. Mary's, Georgia, a 45-minute ferry ride, while listening to a narrated history of the area and ferry route. 


While the eastern side of Amelia Island offers miles of Atlantic Ocean beachfront and is the place to witness a magnificent autumn sunrise, the island's west side offers panoramic riverfront views not to be missed, especially at sunset. Earlier this past week, the Amelia River was flat like a lake with barely a ripple. (See additional photos taken of Amelia River scenes on September 16, 2009 in Fernandina Beach by visiting Amelia Island Living's Social Media Network.)

Charter fishing boat, Wahoo II, docked at Fernandina's city marina

The Fernandina Beach harbor marina is host to many charter fishing boats as well as sightseeing tour boats and the Cumberland Sound ferry service. (Further information about charter boats is available from the Amelia Island Charter Boat Association 904-261-2870.) The Fernandina Harbor Marina, the gateway to Florida for mariners, sits at the foot of historic Centre Street, and is walking distance from the historic district, boutiques, and restaurants of downtown Fernandina.

Mariners who arrive at the city of Fernandina's marina can visit the new marina Welcome Center and restroom facilities.  Fernandina Harbor Marina (904-491-2090 dockmaster) is the first stop in Florida for boaters entering the Sunshine State, and is situated on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (mile 716), six miles from the ocean.  Fernandina's city marina amenities include fuel, moorings, dockage, 30 and 50 amp power, showers, and washers and dryers. For those who trailer boats, there's a city public boat ramp at the Fernandina marina, next to the new Welcome Center.

Accommodations in the historic district of downtown Fernandina Beach include the harborfront Hampton Inn & Suites (located on the riverfront, overlooking the Fernandina Harbor marina).  Like quaint inns?  There are several bed and breakfast inns located in   amelia island/fernandina beach,florida,usa (check online room availability now for your travel dates and make reservations at B & Bs).

Or, check Hampton Inn & Suites room rates, make reservations online (and book rooms at other Amelia Island hotels by visiting Amelia Island Living's LODGING SECTION).

AMELIA ISLAND NATURE CRUISES, BOAT TOURS, FERRY SERVICE

Amelia River Cruises (one of the sightseeing cruise boats, Fernandina Harbor)

Amelia River Cruises (904)261-9972 offers nature tour cruises (and operates the ferry service).  See salt marshes, riverbanks, the wilderness beachfront of Cumberland Island, Georgia, and get the chance to glimpse dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, shore birds and the wild horses of Cumberland that often graze along its shoreline. They also have a one hour "Sunset Cruise" from September through February on Mondays through Saturdays.

The Cumberland Sound ferry operates during the fall 2009/winter 2010 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.  Depart Fernandina Beach, Florida on the ferry at 10 am, 1 pm or 4 pm, and depart St. Marys, Georgia at 11 am, 2:30 pm or 5:30 pm.  Ferry rides are $15 round trip and tickets for the ferry and other tour cruise tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth at the Fernandina Beach harbor front (near Brett's restaurant).  Note that you cannot take this ferry directly to Cumberland Island -- it's a connection between Fernandina and St. Marys.  Also, arrive at least 20 minutes prior to departure.  Ferry trips are subject to change, so it's a good idea to call ahead (904)261-9972. 

DEE DEE BARTELS BOAT RAMP ON THE AMELIA RIVER, FERNANDINA BEACH

Amelia River Pavilion at Dee Dee Bartels Boat Ramp, Fernandina

Besides the Fernandina Harbor marina in the city, another wonderful asset on Amelia Island is located toward the island’s northwest, the Dee Dee Bartels public boat ramp on the Amelia River/Intracoastal Waterway.  Also called the North Amelia Island Park/Ramp, it’s a favorite spot of local boaters to launch.  But even if you don’t have a boat, this location is a great spot to enjoy a peaceful setting and spectacular view of the Amelia River. (If you’re a visiting tourist, you’ll need vehicle transportation to reach this spot from the historic district (unless you’re into a long hike or bike ride).

GETTING TO THE DEE DEE BARTELS BOAT RAMP

For those who don’t often venture over the bridge crossing Egans Creek, to reach Dee Dee Bartels boat ramp and pavilion (North Amelia Island Park/Ramp), from Atlantic Avenue in Fernandina Beach, head north on 14th Street and go over the 14th Street bridge, then left. There's an expansive parking lot to accommodate loads of vehicles and boat trailers -- parking a  trailer is a pleasure here, and the ramp is free to the public.

The boat ramp itself is very wide, allowing three boats to be launched at the same time. Two fishing piers/walkways jut out into the water a fair distance, and flank the ramp. Two floating docks, one on each side, are below the elevated walkways. The large pavilion provides a nice gathering spot and a shelter to wait for a rain shower to pass (there is a restroom facility, too).

LOVELY PANORAMIC WATER VIEWS AT THE BOAT RAMP -- GO FOR A SUNSET

Sandy river bank along Amelia River near Bartels boat ramp and Fort Clinch

Facing west, the boat ramp offers a wonderful spot to view autumn sunsets on Amelia Island, overlooking the intracoastal waterway. As far as fishing at the two piers, cooler weather turns the trout on locally, I am told, so the boat ramp is a place to try catching some nice sea trout this fall.

For those looking for some quality time with the family this autumn, make it your destination for a family picnic and fishing trip -- the kids will have fun fishing off the pier. Be sure to watch a sensational sunset sometime during the fall at this Nassau County, Florida public park.  It will be inspiring.

NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA'S NEWEST WATERFRONT PARK WITH BOAT RAMP

In July 2009, a new waterfront park officially opened in Nassau County, Florida near Amelia Island.  Located in Nassauville off CR 107 (Old Nassauville Road), Goffinsville-Nassau River Park is the county's newest free waterfront park offering boat ramp, kayak launch, nature trails, a great kid's playground nicely outfitted (the kids will love it), a fishing pier, picnic pavilions, and restrooms.  Deep water at the boat ramp is approximately 6-8 feet at low tide.  Goffinsville Park is yet another destination to enjoy the waterfront around Amelia Island, Florida, and will likely be a top choice for parents to picnic and fish with kids this fall (the playground wins here).

MORE ABOUT VISITING CUMBERLAND ISLAND, GEORGIA

Another ferry, the "Cumberland Queen" provides round trip service from St. Marys, Georgia to Cumberland Island (get further Cumberland Island ferry info by calling 912-882-4335). According to the National Parks Service, Cumberland Island, GA (located just across the Cumberland Sound from Amelia Island, Florida) is one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands in the world.  Cumberland Island has one of the largest maritime forests remaining in the United States and one of the largest wilderness areas in a National Seashore on the east coast. Daily visitors are limited to 300 per day (this is a 17.5 mile long island -- it's bigger than Amelia Island).

You really have to see Cumberland in person to fully comprehend this island's beauty and serenity.  If you have the time, spending a full day on Cumberland Island is one of the best experiences available to those visiting the area (weather permitting), but most suitable for those physically fit who can easily walk around to explore (or able to ride a bicycle).  When you arrive via the Cumberland Queen Ferry, you will be walking around the island.  Be sure to pack your own food and drinks, as well as sunscreen and insect repellent (no public vehicles, no stores, no restaurants on Cumberland Island). 

Prefer to explore Cumberland by jeep, rather than walk?  It's possible, if you stay at the luxury inn on the island.  There is one public lodging establishment on Cumberland Island, the Greyfield Inn, for those desiring a two-day stay with gourmet dining, guided natural history tours via jeep, and relaxing seclusion beyond your imagination.   (For those who may not know, Cumberland Island is the Georgia barrier isle where the late John F. Kennedy Jr., seeking ultimate privacy, held his wedding to Carolyn Bessette back in 1996.)

Lucy R. Ferguson brings guests to Greyfield Inn from Fernandina Beach

This 1900-era mansion, the Greyfield Inn has been rated in the "top 10 Romantic Island Retreats"  by Coastal Living magazine, and also included in National Geographic Traveler's  "stay list."  This historic home (turned inn in 1962) was initially built for Margaret Ricketson, the daughter of Thomas and Lucy Carnegie. 

A two-night minimum stay is required, and all-inclusive packages that include 3 meals and activities start around $400 per night (but most room packages are higher). The inn sends their private ferry, the "Lucy R. Ferguson," to pick up guests in Fernandina and bring them over to Cumberland Island.  Call the Greyfield Inn at 904-261-6408 for further information.

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About the author: W.B. Lawson of Florida Fine Living Media, Inc., writes lifestyle, tourism, real estate and community articles, published in Amelia Island Living eMagazine and also blogs on the social network AmeliaIslandLiving.NET, “Life in an island town…”. SUBSCRIBE TO AMELIA ISLAND RSS FEEDS. 

Contact W.B. Lawson via eMail at FloridaIsland@gmail.com.