3 Beautiful Bodies Of Water Near Savannah, Georgia For Serene Swims, Fishing, Or Boating

Savannah is Georgia's oldest city and is a walkable gem of lush gardens, Southern food, and picturesque streets. I've loved strolling along the riverfront and through the downtown streets to check out the city's colorful history and unique architecture. However, the last time I visited during the summer, it was scorching hot. The heat can be brutal in Savannah, but I found an easy way to deal with it. I put on my swimsuit, packed up my beach bag, and took a short drive east to take a dip in the ocean. There are multiple bodies of water near Savannah where you can take a swim, but if fishing or boating is more your thing, you'll find places to do that, too. 

My desire to cool off led me to the salty waters of the Atlantic, but there are other beautiful bodies of water near Savannah, Georgia. Of course, the easiest way to counteract the heat is to just jump in the water for a swim, but I also love the feeling of the wind blowing through my hair while boating. When I have my rod and reel with me, I typically feel inclined to do a little fishing, too. No matter your chosen form of recreation, though, you'll be able to find beautiful bodies of water to go swimming, fishing, or boating in or near Savannah. 

The Savannah River is the city's closest — and most obvious — body of water, running along the northern edge of its historic downtown. Popular River Street follows the waterfront, creating a picturesque stretch with charming shops and dining. Just don't be tempted to jump. It's actually illegal to go swimming in the Savannah River within the city limits, but you can still have some fun boating on the river. 

With the historic cityscape as a backdrop, this is a beautiful place to go boating. If you have your own boat, you can bring it along. IGY Savannah Harbor Marina and River Street Landing are both located in the downtown district on the shores of the Savannah River. If you have a boat with a large footprint, that's okay, too. Both have the ability to cater to big yachts.  

Don't feel like you have to have your own vessel to enjoy a day of boating on the Savannah River, though. A riverboat cruise on the Georgia Queen is a serene way to explore this scenic river, with multiple tour options, including narrated sightseeing cruises, Sunday Brunch cruises, and even Gospel cruises that include a Southern meal and live music. A Google reviewer thought it was a beautiful boat ride and shared, "We enjoyed going on the sunset cruise and truly had a wonderful time! The views along the Savannah River were breathtaking, especially as the sun dipped below the city skyline. The atmosphere was peaceful and inviting, the staff was incredibly friendly, and everything was smoothly run. It was a perfect way to wrap up a beautiful day in Savannah, definitely something I would recommend to everyone!"

When I wanted to cool down and take a swim in the salty waters, I went to Tybee Island. The coastal community is only about 30 minutes east of Savannah and is a laid-back beach getaway with casual dining, turtle nesting, and charm. The last time I visited Savannah, I woke up early and made the drive to catch the sunrise on the beach before enjoying the water. It was beautiful, and I found it a serene way to start the day before taking a swim. Splashing in the water with the rising sun on the horizon is definitely beautiful.

While the currents can sometimes be strong at Tybee Island, swimming is allowed there within 50 yards of the shoreline, unless there's a warning flag flying that says otherwise. If you see a double red flag, that means you can't swim at that time. Lifeguards work during peak season, which runs from May 1 through October 31. They are there during the day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Even if you're going to the Atlantic Ocean to swim, it can be tempting to go fishing while you're there, too. Anglers also like making the early-morning trek to the beach to drop a line from the Tybee Pier. There's a bait and tackle shop located right there on the pier in case you didn't bring along any gear (or you're reeling in so many that you need to replenish your bait). A Tripadvisor reviewer shared their experience watching anglers and said, "It was interesting to watch the guys fishing. One guy actually caught a baby hammerhead shark! It had to be 3 – 4 feet long."

Another local swimming hole is Skidaway River, south of Savannah's historic district. If you want to take a dip in the water, you can go to Butter Bean Beach, which is about 25 minutes away. Swimming is allowed there, but be aware there are no lifeguards.

This is a favorite spot for locals to go for a serene swim. A Google reviewer called it "the best quiet get away spot in Savannah," and went on to add, "on the hottest days of the summer, you can always go here and the breeze is always blowing." It's also a beautiful sight when you can view marine life in the wild. According to another reviewer, this Savannah beach delivers on that, too. "I tend to see dolphins a lot which is awesome," they wrote.

You may want to bring a fishing pole, too. Bandy's Bait & Tackle is located at the beach and has live and frozen bait. You can fish from the bank, but if you want to get out on the water, kayakers and boaters will also find a ramp there. If you launch your vessel from Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp, you can get to some cool spots, including the Skidaway Narrows, a part of Georgia's Intracoastal Waterway that borders Skidaway Island State Park. A Tripadvisor reviewer described it: "Gentle flowing waterways run through the park offering beautiful views of all kinds of wildlife." Located along Georgia's coastal edge, this moss-draped island has deer and salt marsh magic. The state park has a campground and a few cabins available for those who want to spend a few days.