Hard to imagine anything more beautiful or inspiring than seeing 14 new foals born into the wild on the beaches of Cumberland Island National Seashore; let alone the rustically beautiful landscape that is northeast Florida and southeast Georgia.

New baby dolphins, more Osprey than we've seen in a while and a few spectacular Bald Eagles that promise that, perhaps, our environment might be "hangin' in"...

Here's to a fantastic summer of 2010 and hopes that winter 2010/2011 will be kinder than the last!

Meals on Wheels for Pets - Rollin on the River #2...

Come join us for a beautiful sunset, good food, wine and lots of great memories as Amelia River Cruises presents the 2nd annual Meals on Wheels for Pets "Rollin' on the River" sail.

This year we're offering a sunset sail on Sunday, September 12, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be offered beginning 6 p.m. on the dock with a narrated history and views of Amelia and Cumberland Islands along the way.

Come share a spectacular sunset, views of the wild horses of Cumberland Island, and the hospitality and humor of our Amelia River Cruises staff.

Email Lori Hoerl, Director of Marketing, at lorbell1@aol.com or call 904-321-7372.

Amelia River Cruises Spots Baby #14 - Casey!

It doesn't get much better than sailing under a bright blue sky with a nice breeze and open space all around you, only to spot just a few feet in front of you...a newborn foal - #14 this year for us at Amelia River Cruises.

Born into absolute freedom, Casey now joins the wild horses of Cumberland Island National Seashore as seen here hangin' with her new mom. Precious!

Kevin McCarthy, Owner, Named Elderhostel Road Scholar

All the crew send congrats to our owner, Kevin, for being named one of Elderhostel Program's Featured Road Scholars.

Designed to highlight extraordinary lecturers and instructors, the Elderhostel Program has recognized Kevin as a specialist in sharing his unique knowledge of wildlife, the shrimping industry, and the rich history and rustic beauty that define southeast Georgia and northeast Florida.

Kevin grew up in Gloucester, Massachusetts and settled in Fernandina Beach in 1968. He has spent 41 years sailing the waters of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. He holds a 100 ton master’s license and developed his knowledge of the wildlife and history of this region exploring the waters that surround Amelia Island, Cumberland Island and St. Marys, Georgia.

Generations of Kevin’s family have been shrimpers, and he shares with participants his knowledge of shrimp farming and the future of the shrimping industry in the U.S.
Kevin considers himself a lifelong learner and thrives on the opportunities each day brings to explore new and familiar territory with passengers who share each respective journey.

Congrats again boss...

Babies Galore!!!

What a great spring and summer we've had on the river....

15 new babies born on Cumberland Island, scores of baby dolphins and some of the most spectacular sunsets you can imagine!

How much better can life get than drinking in sunshine, waves, and new life beginning in the wild??? - life IS good!!!

Amelia River Cruises Sunset Cruise Specials Have Arrived!

Check it out! Starting Monday, June 14, 2010 through year end 2010 Amelia River Cruises will offer a coupon to any passengers purchasing a sunset cruise ticket.

Coupon entitles you to:

Philly Cheese Steak, fries and a soda for $10 ($15 value) at Philly Boyz
Free well drink, beer, or house wine with the purchase of any appetizer or meal at O'Kanes
Free smoked fish dip appetizer with the purchase of any dinner at the Crab Trap

Come join uson the River!

A beautiful thing

Sometimes, it's amazing how spectacular and unique each sunset around Amelia Island can be. Sometimes there is a horse to share the sight, sometimes other things lurking not far off, but always there is such wonderful peace to the end of day on Amelia...

Amelia River Cruises 4th of July Fireworks Sail!

Come out and join us on Sunday, July 4th, at 9 p.m. and see the fireworks off the coast of Fernandina Harbor Marina up close and personal. Three vessels will allow 178 passengers to enjoy the fireworks of both Fernandina Beach and St. Marys, GA. Bring your pets, food and beverage of your choice (alcoholic and non-alcoholic allowed) and make an evening of it.

Reservations are recommended, but not required. Call 904-261-9972. $10 per person plus sales tax.

Spring Has Sprung on the Amelia River!

With warmer temps finally stickin' around, we've seen 9 new foals born on the beaches of Cumberland Island, lots of manatees, and now we're gearing up for new children's shrimping tours and kayaking trips!

Check out our home page for ongoing specials on sunset cruises, extended day trips and more!

www.ameliarivercruises.com / call us at 904-261-9972

Horses, Dolphins and More!

Spring has definitely sprung on Amelia Island. Baby dolphins, five new foals, alligators and a returning Osprey couple have been spotted. We can't wait to see the manatees soon!

Also, much to our delight, we were joined by Lola and Frankie, two stunningly beautiful Golden Retrievers who slept a little, socialized a little and won over everyone aboard.

Next up, Shrimp Fest! Come join us - all day on the hour; every hour ferry service out of St. Marys, Georgia 9-5 p.m. Sat 5/1; 9-4 p.m. Sunday 5/2.

Catch Captain Pajama Dave as he returns in his sporty coconut bra and grass skirt. A sight to be seen for sure.

An Amazing Day of Beauty and Inspiration!

What a day we had...first a new foal, Riley, a stunning all-white new baby horse born on the beaches of Cumberland Island.

Then another and another, a total of probably 12 or more wild horses on Cumberland Island today. Cormorants, great egrets, snowy egrets, a great Blue Heron and dolphins decorated our journey throughout the salt marshes that line Beech Creek on this precious wilderness island.

Then the sunset, burning pinkish orange mirrored by an equally stunning full moon. We greeted a submarine on its way out to the Atlantic and were accompanied by Athena, a 5 month old Pit Bull who slepts as we made our way home.

Check out our website, Facebook page and blogs soon for Frankie and Lola, two canine Golden's who sailed with us the other day, and a few special shots of the tranquility that is Cumberland Island with its dancing dolphins and wild horses in their element.

Follow us folks and come join us someday!

On the Hour; Every Hour Ferry Service to Shrimp Festival 2010...

Save the hassles of traffic, parking, etc.

Ferry over on our boats at $20 roundtrip per person and arrive at the foot of Centre Street in downtown, Fernandina Beach, FL, to enjoy a day of festivities and return to your car in St. Marys, GA.

First boat service is 9 a.m. running all day.

Call for schedule at 904-261-9972.

Amelia River Cruises Opens Up Season to Children's Tours

Check out our new children's tours - Eco/Exploration, History or Shrimping History/Demo Tours Available for Summer Camps, Schools Groups and beyond.

Contact Lori Hoerl, Marketing Director, at 904-491-7617 for more details, schedules and pricing.

Kevin McCarthy Receives 2 Nominations in Chamber Awards!

Congrats, Captain Kevin!

We applaud your tireless dedication to building the business community, fostering the preservation of the rich history of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia, as well as being such a sincere, ethical boss to work for.

Your nominations for Medium Business of the Year and the Inaugural Business Leader of the Year clearly recognize your lifetime of dedication to building a community we can be proud of, preserve and savor.

We love you, boss...you make each and every one of us feel as we are part of the family, cherished, valued and empowered. Hats off to you and Miss Cecilia. You are already a winner to all of us on the crew. We love you Kevin!

Georgia Bikers Enjoy the Cumberland Sound Ferry

What a beautiful day it was last Saturday and what a great group of cyclists we had on our ferry! We really want to thank all the cyclists who hopped aboard the Cumberland Sound Ferry to come visit Fernandina and bike around the island.

Check out the photos! Come see us again soon guys and gals!

Pajama Dave Returns at Cupid!

What a beautiful day we had as the weather cleared and gave us a warm, sunny day to host our first, annual Valentine's Day Champagne and Dessert sails!

Captain "Pajama Dave" was funny and charming as always, but extra adorable in his pink sparkly wings...way to take one for the team, Dave!

Come see Dave as....well, you have to be there - St. Patty's Day!

Sail to White Oak with Captain Kevin McCarthy

Exciting news!

Amelia River Cruises will offer a unique sailing opportunity giving access to White Oak Conservation Center’s “A Celebration of White Oak” fundraising event, scheduled for Sunday, March 7th, from 12-4 p.m.

Amelia River Cruises will depart out of Fernandina Harbor Marina on Sunday, March 7, at 9 a.m., picking up additional passengers at St. Marys, Georgia in 10 a.m., arriving at White Oak approximately 12:30 p.m. Return transportation will be provided by Coastal Georgia Charters and Tours via shuttle bus. All inclusive transportation cost is $50 plus sales tax of 7%.

Seating for this special sail is limited and reservations are required. Interested passengers must reserve seating for the sail directly with the Amelia River Cruises office by calling Lori Hoerl, Director of Marketing and Operations, at 904-491-7617 or via email at lorbell1@aol.com. Tickets for the White Oak Event must be purchased from White Oak Conservation Center directly.

The sail up to White Oak will be hosted by owner, Captain Kevin McCarthy, with views of Amelia Island, Cumberland Island, St. Mary, Georgia and the wildlife seen along the way. An historical narration will be provide by Kevin, a local captain/historian who has lived in the area for over 40 years.

White Oak’s unique experience will offer guests the opportunity to see and learn about some of the magnificent wildlife at White Oak, including the elusive okapi and the Grevy’s zebra.

The Celebration highlighted event will offer specialized tours of the Conservation Center, presentations from staff and a delicious lunch along the St. Marys River. An exciting silent auction will include once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, including behind-the-scenes experiences at White Oak Conservation Center.

Space is limited for the event. Tickets are offered at $150 per person and are available by calling 904-225-3396 or visiting www.wocenter.org/events. Of the $150 ticket price, $75 is tax-deductible.

White Oak Conservation Center is one of the world's premiere wildlife breeding, research, and training facilities. All funds raised at “A Celebration of White Oak” will go directly to funding wildlife conservation programs.

Amelia River Cruises offer three daily tours Monday through Saturday during fall and winter season; seven days a week from March 1 through August 31 of each year. We are pet-friendly, handicap-accessible and bathroom-equipped. Private charters available upon request by calling 904-491-7617 or via email at lorbell1@aol.com.

Celebrate All Weekend Long This Valentine's!

Amelia River Cruises & The Cumberland Sound Ferry invite you to celebrate all Valentine’s weekend as we ferry you to the 16th Annual Mardi Gras Festival & Parade in St. Marys, GA on Saturday, February 13th; followed by a day of Valentine’s Day Champagne and Cupid Cruises.

We’ve added a special 9 a.m. early ferry out of Fernandina Beach, FL on Saturday, February 13th, to allow passengers to catch the parade and full day of festivities lined up for the St. Marys Mardi Gras celebration. Activities include the parade at 10 a.m., arts & crafts, food, amusements and live entertainment on stage all afternoon.

To round out this long holiday weekend, treat yourself and that special someone to our first annual day of Valentine’s Champagne & Dessert sails, hosted by our very own Pajama Dave as Cupid, Sunday, February 14th.

Relax and enjoy breathtaking views as we share the rich history and beautiful landscapes of Amelia Island and Cumberland Island. As we head back, you'll enjoy romantic music, as well as champagne and dessert provided compliments of Cafe Karibo. Three tours sail Sunday, February 14th, at 10:30 a.m.; 2:30 p.m. and at sunset (5 p.m.)

Come see the wildlife and celebrate this romantic day with your favorite someone.


10:30 a.m. $36 plus tax for adults
$34 plus tax for seniors
$30 plus tax for children

2:30 p.m. $33 plus tax for adults
$31 plus tax for adults
$27 plus tax for adults

Sunset $30 plus tax for adults
$28 plus tax for adults
$24 plus tax for adults


Call for reservations: 904-261-9972.

Sail With the Filmmakers Schedule Extended

As an official sponsor of this year's Amelia Island Film Festival, Amelia River Cruises & The Cumberland Sound Ferry have expanded and changed the ferry schedule for Friday, February 26, 2010 and Saturday, February 27, 2010 to allow passengers on both sides (Fernandina and St. Marys) to have access to the full screening schedule and reception in St. Marys.

Updated schedule as of Monday 1/25/10:

Fernandina departures:

2/26/10: 10 a.m. / 2 p.m. / 4 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
2/27/10: 10 a.m. / 1:30 p.m. / 4 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

St. Marys departures:

2/26/10: 9 a.m. / 11 a.m. / 3 p.m. / 5:30 p.m.
2/27/10: 9 a.m. / 11 a.m. / 2:30 p.m. / 5:30 p.m.

Hope to see you on the ferry and at the festival!

Kevin McCarthy Finalist for 2010 ROSE Awards!

All of the crew at Amelia River Cruises are thrilled to find out that owner/captain, Kevin McCarthy, has been chosen as a finalist in this year’s ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Award, a program of the North Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (NFHLA).

The ROSE Award committee met and reviewed 97 nominations before selecting Kevin among the finalists based upon the following criteria:

Ambassador for Jacksonville and the hospitality industry
Dependable
Passionate
Creating a positive impression for the visitor
Serving as a role model to peers
Commitment to great customer service

Congrats to our great boss, Kevin! We find out February 3rd if he wins the award, but in our hearts, he IS already a winner and the best boss around!

Film / Filmmaker Short-Listed for Oscar Come to Amelia Island Film Festival

Documentary, Under Our Skin, short-listed for an Oscar, to be screened as part of the Amelia Island Film Festival on Friday, February 26, 2010! Q & A with filmmaker, Andy Abrahams Wilson, to follow. 11 a.m. at Indigo downtown Fernandina Beach, FL.

Come see the film about the emerging public health epidemic, Lyme disease, then sail with our filmmakers on one of three ferry rides to and from St. Marys, GA! Owner/Capt. Kevin McCarthy will narrate the trip to offer views of Amelia, Cumberland and St. Marys with a special reception upon arrival in St. Marys by The St. Marys Film Society!

Sail With the Filmmakers this February!

Amelia River Cruises is excited to be an official sponsor of the Amelia Island Film Festival this February 2010. As part of the festival, Amelia River Cruises will host a full day of sailing with the filmmakers chosen for this year's event offering the general public the opportunity to see the beautiful waterways surrounding Amelia Island, Cumberland Island, and St. Marys, GA.

Our Cumberland Sound Ferry will take passengers to and from St. Marys, GA all day with a special reception by the St. Marys Film Society. We hope to find lots of wildlife and beautiful views to entice future filmmakers to come back and create movie magic right here in northeast Florida.