Cumberland Island Wild Horses Tour: Exploring National Seashore

Cumberland Island is a 17.5-mile-long barrier island located off the coast of Georgia, USA.

The island is part of the Cumberland Island National Seashore, a protected area that spans over 36,000 acres.

To get to the island, you'll need to take a ferry from the mainland, which is the only way to access the island.

Ferry tickets can be booked in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak season.

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Cumberland Island is home to a remarkable sight: wild horses roaming freely throughout the island. These feral horses can be seen grazing everywhere you go, from the live oak forest to the dunes.

The best place to sit and enjoy the horses is around the Dungeness Ruins area, where you'll find benches and plenty of shade. The surrounding grassy fields are a favorite hangout for much of the herd.

Wild horses grazing in front of crumbling ruins is a pretty incredible sight to see and photograph. If you're not up for a lot of walking, you can usually spot the horses from the ferry to Cumberland Island and right when you get off the boat too.

A small museum near the dock offers a chance to cool off and learn more about the island's history. You'll also find bathrooms and a cooling room, which is literally a small air-conditioned room to prevent visitors from overheating.

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To get to Cumberland Island, you'll need to take the Cumberland Island Ferry, which runs daily during the high season and 5 days a week during winter. The ferry ride from St. Marys to Cumberland Island is 45 minutes long.

Clear your whole day for your visit, as there's a lot to see and do on the island. Cumberland Island National Seashore isn't just a "show up and go" type of National Park site.

Reserve BOTH your passage to and from the island to avoid any last-minute hassles. This is especially important if you're planning to camp on the island like we did.

If you're planning to camp, be mindful of what you pack, as we probably brought more than we needed. Bring sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, to protect yourself from the sun.

Bring any food you'll need, as well as refillable water bottles, to stay hydrated throughout your visit. Plan your sites and time to be able to do everything you want to see and do on the island.

Here are the key things to remember when planning your trip:

Clear your whole day for your visit to Cumberland Island National Seashore. You'll want to make the most of your time on the island.

Reserve both your passage to and from the island in advance. This will ensure you have a spot on the ferry.

Bring plenty of sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. I've seen many visitors forget to pack these essentials and end up with sunburn.

Bring any food you'll need for the day, as well as refillable water bottles. The island has no amenities, so it's best to be self-sufficient.

Plan your sites and time carefully to make the most of your visit. With so much to see and do, it's easy to get overwhelmed.

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Camping on Cumberland Island requires significant planning and gear, so if you're thinking of doing that, you'll need to reserve your camping permit in advance and keep your stay to 7 days or less.

You'll want to make sure you have a clear day to visit, as Cumberland Island National Seashore isn't a "show up and go" type of place. Reserve both your passage to and from the island to avoid any last-minute hassles.

To make the most of your visit, bring sun protection, food, and refillable water bottles. Planning your sites and time will also help you fit in everything you want to do.

Here's a quick rundown of the essentials to bring:

Camping on Cumberland Island requires significant planning and gear. You'll need to reserve your camping permit in advance and can't camp for more than 7 days.

To camp on the island, you'll need to bring a tent, as well as a variety of gear to ensure a comfortable stay. This includes reusable water bottles, camera equipment, sunscreen, bug spray, and toiletries.

You'll also need to pack layers for the changing weather, as well as rechargeable battery-powered lanterns since it gets dark quickly. Sleeping bags with pillows and an extra blanket are a must, and don't forget a garbage bag to collect your trash.

If you're staying at either Sea Camp or Stafford Beach, you'll have access to potable drinking water and bath houses with flush toilets, running water, and showers. However, the other three campgrounds are primitive, so be prepared to bring your own water or treat the existing water.

The island is over 17 miles long, so be prepared to carry and hike with whatever you packed.

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Cumberland Island's weather can be quite hot, especially during the warmer months, so it's essential to dress accordingly. Dress in very light clothes, both in color and in weight.

Protect yourself from the sun and bugs by covering up as much as possible. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, and recent weather conditions may make them even more prevalent.

Bring sunblock and bug spray, like Repel Natural, which is effective and made with essential oils.

Flip flops or sturdy sandals are suitable footwear for the island, as the terrain is fairly level and doesn't require hiking boots or heavy shoes.

If you're planning a trip to Cumberland Island National Seashore, it's essential to pack the right gear. Bring a tent and reusable water bottles to stay hydrated and comfortable.

You'll also want to pack sunscreen, bug spray, and toiletries to stay healthy and clean. Don't forget to bring lots of layers for the changing weather, as it can get cool at night, even in warmer months.

A camera with a tripod is a great idea, especially if you want to capture stunning night photos. And don't forget to bring a rechargeable battery-powered lantern, as it gets dark on the island!

If you're staying at Sea Camp or Stafford Beach, you'll have access to potable drinking water and bath houses with flush toilets and running water. However, the other three campgrounds are primitive, so you'll need to bring your own water or treat the existing water.

Here's a list of essentials to bring to Cumberland Island National Seashore:

Remember to plan your trip carefully and reserve your passage to and from the island in advance. It's also a good idea to bring refillable water bottles and plan your itinerary to make the most of your time on the island.