Amelia Island Boat Tours
See Amelia Island from the water
Not every day on the water has to be about fishing. Big Fin Charters also runs sunset cruises and river cruises from downtown Fernandina Beach, so you can sit back, take photos and see Amelia Island the way locals do: from the water.
Cruises leave from 1 South Front Street, Dock E, right on the historic downtown waterfront, with a local captain who knows these rivers and marshes. Captain Michael Foster has 19 years of charter experience here, and Captain Ty has been with Big Fin Charters for 8 years.
Call (904) 753-3848 for current cruise times and rates, or to plan a trip for your group.
Sunset cruises on the Amelia River
Downtown Fernandina Beach faces west across the Amelia River, which makes it one of the best spots in Northeast Florida to watch the sun go down. On a sunset cruise you head out onto the river in the evening and watch the sky change color over the salt marsh.
A sunset cruise is an easy way to end a beach day, celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or show visiting family around the island without anyone needing to bait a hook.
What you might see on a river cruise
Every trip is different, and what you see depends on the route, the tide and the time of day. These are some of the sights the waters around Amelia Island are known for:
- Bottlenose dolphins, which live in the Amelia River and nearby sounds and are often spotted feeding
- The shrimp boats of the downtown harbor; Fernandina Beach is known as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry
- Fort Clinch, the 1800s brick fort at the north end of the island
- Cumberland Island, the national seashore across the sound in Georgia, famous for its wild horses
- Salt marsh birds like pelicans, herons, egrets and ospreys
Ask your captain which route fits the time you have on the water.
Good to know before you go
- Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a light layer, since it can get breezy on the water in the evening.
- Bring a camera or a charged phone for sunset and wildlife photos.
- You are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks.
- Allow a few extra minutes to park downtown and walk to 1 South Front Street, Dock E.
Plan the rest of your visit
Pair your cruise with a morning on the water: our inshore and family fishing trips run as short as 2 hours. Looking for more ideas? Read our local guide to things to do in Fernandina Beach, or meet our crew and boats on the boats and captains page.
Frequently asked questions
Where do cruises leave from?
All cruises leave from 1 South Front Street, Dock E, on the downtown Fernandina Beach waterfront along the Amelia River.
How do I book a sunset or river cruise?
Call (904) 753-3848. Cruises are booked by phone so we can confirm the time, the boat and the size of your group.
How much does a cruise cost?
Call (904) 753-3848 for current cruise rates and available times.
Will we see dolphins?
Bottlenose dolphins live in the Amelia River and nearby sounds and are often spotted, but they are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed.
What should I bring on a cruise?
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a light layer for the evening breeze, a camera, and any snacks and drinks you would like.
Ready to see Amelia Island from the water? Call Captain Michael at (904) 753-3848 to check cruise times and rates. Would rather fish? See our inshore and family trips.