Savannah Yacht Club Dock

Georgia Code Section 52-7-8.3 sets 16 as the minimum age to rent a vessel of 10 horsepower or more; the PWC rental minimum is 16. Unsupervised operation starts at 12, only on vessels under 16 feet, including PWCs, after passing a DNR-approved boating education course.

Under 12, a person may operate only a vessel under 16 feet that is nonmotorized or powered by 30 horsepower or less, with a competent adult age 18 or older who is not under the influence and carries proper identification; PWC operation is prohibited. Operators 16 or older born after January 1, 1998, must pass an approved course to operate any vessel and carry the card. Rental operators set their own minimum; confirm when booking.

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (georgiawildlife.com)

Georgia does not require a boating license, but people born on or after January 1, 1998, must complete Georgia Department of Natural Resources approved boater education and carry the card when operating a motorized vessel, including a personal watercraft. Children under 12 cannot operate a PWC or boat 16 feet or longer; those 12 to 15 may operate boats under 16 feet, including PWCs, with approved education or a competent adult.

Rentals of 10 horsepower or more require operators to be at least 16. The rental’s approved course issues a certificate valid statewide for six months. Rental course exemptions include Coast Guard masters, valid DNR approved cardholders, and qualifying nonresidents with NASBLA approved proof; the general rule also exempts private lake or pond operation.

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources (georgiawildlife.com)

From Savannah, you can boat the Savannah River, follow the Intracoastal Waterway through the Wilmington and Skidaway rivers, or explore the South Channel and Oyster Creek near Fort Pulaski. The Savannah River is the cityfront deepwater commercial harbor, so expect large ship traffic. Wilmington River carries the Intracoastal route past Thunderbolt; public launches include Thunderbolt and Turner Creek.

Farther along, the route enters Skidaway River and Skidaway Narrows, where sharp turns call for reduced speed; Rodney J. Hall at Butterbean Beach is another public ramp. Lazaretto Creek gives smaller boats access to the South Channel and sheltered Oyster Creek, parts of which are inaccessible at low tide.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

From Savannah, boaters make day trips to Little Tybee Island, Wassaw Island and the Cockspur Island Lighthouse. Little Tybee draws beach landings and fossil hunting trips from Thunderbolt. Wassaw offers undeveloped beaches, fishing and wildlife watching; visitors arrive by boat, commonly anchoring off the island’s ends or briefly using the refuge dock. The Cockspur Island Lighthouse is a historic Savannah River landmark to view from the water, but boaters may not beach on or otherwise enter Lighthouse Island.

Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)