Kayaking to Cumberland Island, Georgia, is actually a great adventure! Cumberland Island includes a wealthy and storied history that pulls a large number of visitors every year. But many people come for that abundant marine and wildlife and for the stunning views. As though seeing Cumberland Island wasn’t spectacular enough, it’s better still when viewed in the cockpit of the kayak. Kayaking provides you with an up-close and private reference to the character you’ve come here to savor — an invaluable connection that just paddlers would understand.
Dolphin are rich in the waters between St. Marys and Cumberland Island, much like River Otter. Throughout the warmer several weeks, Manatee and Loggerhead Ocean Turtles can frequently be viewed ft out of your kayak. Whether it appears like they are “playing” along with you, they most likely are. These creatures are curious and social, and will probably show up and appearance you out of trouble or simply “hold off” some time as though escorting you along the right path. Less social, and surely outstanding, would be the giant Manta Sun rays we frequently see FLYING from the water within the Cumberland Seem. These sun rays are huge — spanning several ft across and making tremendous splashes once they land.
Once around the island, you will be welcomed by wild horses simply travelling practically everywhere you appear. Alligators are another island resident that you might see while you approach the area by kayak, but are more inclined to be observed inside a freshwater pond around the island. Raccoons and armadillos are possibly the hawaiian islands most abundant animal residents but, undoubtedly, ticks, no-see-ums and mosquitos would be the most abundant creatures on Cumberland. I would not be worried about the bigger creatures but certainly take insect repellant regardless of how you’re able to the area!
Kayaking to Cumberland Island also provides the adventurous paddler access that others simply do not have. Places like Plum Orchard and Brickhill Bluff are miles North from the northernmost Ferry pier — way too far for that average customer to hike back and forth from before their ferry leaves for that landmass. But kayakers can paddle to Plum Orchard in under 2-hrs. Plum Orchard isn’t in ruins such as the Dungeness mansion closer to the ferry docks. Actually, there’s frequently a volunteer really residing in the mansion and providing tours certain days between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
For campers, the paddle towards the most remote campground on Cumberland Island — Brickhill Bluff — is just about 12-miles (roughly 4- 4 1/2 hrs for most of us). This really is certainly not really a trip for novices but after some training, anybody can perform this trip. The campground is appropriate around the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), so paddlers can camp right from their motorboats without getting to bring along and hike inland for their campground. Tired from the lengthy day’s paddling, you will be delighted to hear the Dolphins blowing within the Brickhill River while you get to sleep to rest.
Overall, Cumberland is really a jewel of nature and also the best setting for your jewel may be the one you develop by putting yourself inside a kayak and heading East to Cumberland. If you are a kayaker — or perhaps nature lover — you have to give a kayak visit to Cumberland Island for your listing of things you can do. This really is one paddling adventure you will want to repeat over and over.
