Boating at Fort Pulaski

The South Channel of the Savannah River is reserved for smaller craft.

NPS/J. Cadoff

Fort Pulaski National Monument offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Boating allows visitors to see Fort Pulaski from another perspective. The South Channel of the Savannah River is perfect for small boats, including kayaks and personal watercraft. Oyster Creek winds its way through the marshland of the park, offering a sheltered place to kayak at high tide. Both the South Channel of the Savannah River and Oyster Creek are accessible from the Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp, via Lazaretto Creek.
  

Water Access

Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp is the only boat ramp in the park. Boats and kayaks can only be launched from this boat ramp. No air boats or personal watercraft (also known as jet skis, wave runners, and Seadoos) can be launched in the park. Boats are required to maintain idle speed (no wake) within 100 ft. of existing dock structures.

Regulations

• Must follow Georgia state guidelines regarding boating and fishing. Within the Fort Pulaski National Monuments park boundaries, federal regulations also apply. Location of park boundaries.
• Air boats and personal watercraft (also known as jet skis, wave runners, and Seadoos) may not be launched inside the boundary of Fort Pulaski. This includes Lazaretto Creek boat ramp. Air boats and personal watercraft are prohibited in Oyster Creek. For more details see the Superintendent's Compendium section 1.5 and 36 CFR 3.9
• Boats are prohibited from anchoring or beaching on the shoreline of Cockspur Island.
• Attaching of any items to trees or park structures is prohibited, including the Cockspur Island Bridge.
• It is prohibited to enter the marshlands of the park on both Cockspur Island and McQueen Island.
• Boats of all types are prohibited in the fort moat, feeder canals, and the historic dike system.
• Lighthouse Island and the Cockspur Island Lighthouse are closed to the public, including beaching watercraft of any size or traversing the island in any way.
• Commercial boating, launching or activity of any kind at the Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp and in Oyster Creek is prohibited except with a permit.

Safety

• Check weather and tide predictions before leaving shore and always be prepared for mosquitoes.Local weather for Fort Pulsaki. 
• Storms with high winds are common year round. 
• All the waters around Fort Pulaski National Monument are tidal. At low tide, some areas of Oyster Creek are inaccessible. Low or high tide may also affect launching boats at the Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp.
• Marsh areas are very shallow at high tide. Boats can get stranded when the tide recedes. Entering marshlands within Fort Pulaski National Monument borders is prohibited, including high tide.
• Sandbars and oyster beds may be present between Lighthouse Island and Cockspur Island. Water is shallow in this area.
• Due to swift currents and large commercial ship traffic, including cargo ships, do not take a small boat/kayak into the North Channel of the Savannah River.

Details

Activity

Boating

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

There is a floating pier with a ramp at the Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp. Due to tides, the grade of the pier ramp will be outside of ADA regulations. The ramp is the steepest at low tide. Image of the boat ramp from above near low tide.