Directions to Sapelo Ferry at Meridian Dock
Sapelo Island is accessible by a Georgia state run passenger ferry operated by the GA DNR. Located in Meridian, Georgia, just north of Darien, is the mainland dock to board the ferry to Sapelo Island. There are scheduled times for the ferry and prior arrangements are required and strictly enforced.
Also located at the Meridian dock is the Sapelo Island Visitor Center. If you have time to visit the center there are books and exhibits with information about Sapelo and the research organizations located on Sapelo Island.
Directions to Merdian Dock (also known as mainland dock) are located below. Also, other trip tips like grocery shopping, parking at the dock, etc.:
From Atlanta, Macon and areas to the west:
Take 75 South to I-16 East. Travel on I-16 to I-95 South
Take I-95 South to Exit 58 - Eulonia, Ga.
After exiting, turn left onto GA Hwy 99 and drive approximately one mile to the Hwy 99 and 17 intersection and 4-Way stop
Cross Hwy 17 through the four-way stop and continue on GA 99
Drive approximately 9.25 miles to Meridian, GA
You will see brown signs pointing to Sapelo Island placed along the route
The last brown Sapelo sign will point for you to turn left
There is also a large rectangular sign with blue lettering for the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR) next to Elm Grove Baptist Church.
Turn left at the sign onto Landing Road
Landings Road will make a sharp right turn and take you over a small bridge.
Park in the visitors lot, unpack your car and walk down to the ferry for check-in and boarding
(You may also drive down to the ferry to unload and then return to the lot to park your car.)
From Savannah:
Take I-95 South to Exit 58 - Eulonia, Ga.
After exiting, turn left onto GA Hwy 99 and drive approximately one mile to the Hwy 99 and 17 intersection and 4-Way stop
Cross Hwy 17 through the four-way stop and continue on GA 99
Drive approximately 9.25 miles to Meridian, GA
You will see brown signs pointing to Sapelo Island placed along the route
The last brown Sapelo sign will point for you to turn left
There is also a large rectangular sign with blue lettering for the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR) next to Elm Grove Baptist Church.
Turn left at the sign onto Landing Road
Landings Road will make a sharp right turn and take you over a small bridge.
Park in the visitors lot, unpack your car and walk down to the ferry for check-in and boarding
(You may also drive down to the ferry to unload and then return to the lot to park your car.)
From Florida and Georgia towns to the south:
Take I-95 North to Exit 58 - Eulonia, Ga.
After exiting, turn right onto GA Hwy 99 and drive approximately one mile to the Hwy 99 and 17 intersection and 4-Way stop
Cross Hwy 17 through the four-way stop and continue on GA 99
Drive approximately 9.25 miles to Meridian, GA
You will see brown signs pointing to Sapelo Island placed along the route
The last brown Sapelo sign will point for you to turn left
There is also a large rectangular sign with blue lettering for the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR) next to Elm Grove Baptist Church.
Turn left at the sign onto Landing Road
Landings Road will make a sharp right turn and take you over a small bridge.
Park in the visitors lot, unpack your car and walk down to the ferry for check-in and boarding
(You may also drive down to the ferry to unload and then return to the lot to park your car.)
Grocery shopping: There is a small Piggly Wiggly just a few blocks north on U. S. 17. Turn left at the four way stop (Hwy 99 and 17). The Piggly Wiggly will be on your left about a block down.
Gas Stations: There are two gas stations on or near the intersection of Hwy 99 and 17. If you are running low on gas, this is a great time to fill up.
Where to Park
There is ample parking available for visitors. However, if there is a festival or event taking place on Sapelo parking spaces can be limited. We will let you know of any activities which may require you to arrive early to find parking.
You may park in spaces in front of the visitor center or along either side of the road before you reach the resident/commuter area.
DO NOT: block driveways, park permanently on the bulkhead (the loading area at the actual dock), or in the designated resident / commuter area.
You may drive down to the dock area temporarily to unload and load only.
Boarding the ferry
In order to board the ferry you and your party must sign in on the visitors list. Sign your name and mark visitor on the passenger list. Only registered guests who are staying at one of the Sapelo Island Birdhouses will be allowed to board. Additional guests who are not registered guests of Sapelo Island Birdhouses will not be permitted on board.
Transporting luggage, coolers and large bags
We recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes before ferry departure; unload your luggage and have it ready to load on the back of the boat. Check in with the first mate and he will give you permission to board the boat. Because the dock area can be very busy, be courteous and do not block access to the ferry with bags, coolers, etc. There can be many bags, boxes and cargo on the ferry; marking your luggage with a colorful ribbon maybe helpful too.
While traveling on the ferry, your luggage, coolers, etc. will be in the baggage area on the back of the boat. This area is covered, but is open to the weather, so be prepared to leave your luggage out in the weather, even if it is raining. Although not a big problem, sometimes water and rain can blow inside the covered outdoor area. We suggest that you cover your luggage with large plastic bags if you have any concerns about it getting wet; and especially if rain is forecast on your arrival day.
People are very friendly and someone may help you load or unload by grabbing a bag and taking it on/off. It's one of the unique and special characteristics of Sapelo... give a thanks and return the favor with a helping hand.
We ask that you let people without luggage and gear disembark from the ferry first. You can then proceed to gather your luggage and leave the ferry.
The ferry ride
The trip will be about 30 minutes. You may sit inside downstairs or enjoy a view from the top upstairs. Stand outside and watch the birds or if you are lucky, watch a show put on by dolphins traveling right beside the boat. Enjoy the ride, the scenery and a chat with some of the locals.
Dogs on the ferry
A special feature of staying at one of the Sapelo Island Birdhouses is dogs are allowed. When traveling on the ferry, dogs must always be leashed and remain with you. If you have a large dog, please stay outside on the dock. Small dogs can be inside the boat when inside a carrier.
Arrival on Sapelo
An, on-site guests relations manager will meet you at Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo and take you to your luxury cottage, help you get settled, answer any questions and leave you to explore or relax. If you have included tours and/or additional amenities, the guest relations manager will assist you with instructions and answer any questions.
Sapelo Island Visitor Center Hours of operation:
In addition to the ferry to Sapelo, there is a visitors center at Meridian dock which keeps business hours and has a wealth of information and exhibits about Sapelo and the area. There are also very interesting and educational books to purchase.
There are restrooms available at the center.
Please note that the gate to the visitor center area and parking is locked out side of business hours. Business hours are:
Mondays - visitor center is closed but the gates to the ferry are open from 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tues. -Fri. 7:30am-5:30pm
Sat 8:00am -5:30pm
Sun. visitor center is opened from 1:30 - 5pm and the gates to the ferry are open from 7:30am - 5pm
Also located at the Meridian dock is the Sapelo Island Visitor Center. If you have time to visit the center there are books and exhibits with information about Sapelo and the research organizations located on Sapelo Island.
Directions to Merdian Dock (also known as mainland dock) are located below. Also, other trip tips like grocery shopping, parking at the dock, etc.:
From Atlanta, Macon and areas to the west:
Take 75 South to I-16 East. Travel on I-16 to I-95 South
Take I-95 South to Exit 58 - Eulonia, Ga.
After exiting, turn left onto GA Hwy 99 and drive approximately one mile to the Hwy 99 and 17 intersection and 4-Way stop
Cross Hwy 17 through the four-way stop and continue on GA 99
Drive approximately 9.25 miles to Meridian, GA
You will see brown signs pointing to Sapelo Island placed along the route
The last brown Sapelo sign will point for you to turn left
There is also a large rectangular sign with blue lettering for the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR) next to Elm Grove Baptist Church.
Turn left at the sign onto Landing Road
Landings Road will make a sharp right turn and take you over a small bridge.
Park in the visitors lot, unpack your car and walk down to the ferry for check-in and boarding
(You may also drive down to the ferry to unload and then return to the lot to park your car.)
From Savannah:
Take I-95 South to Exit 58 - Eulonia, Ga.
After exiting, turn left onto GA Hwy 99 and drive approximately one mile to the Hwy 99 and 17 intersection and 4-Way stop
Cross Hwy 17 through the four-way stop and continue on GA 99
Drive approximately 9.25 miles to Meridian, GA
You will see brown signs pointing to Sapelo Island placed along the route
The last brown Sapelo sign will point for you to turn left
There is also a large rectangular sign with blue lettering for the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR) next to Elm Grove Baptist Church.
Turn left at the sign onto Landing Road
Landings Road will make a sharp right turn and take you over a small bridge.
Park in the visitors lot, unpack your car and walk down to the ferry for check-in and boarding
(You may also drive down to the ferry to unload and then return to the lot to park your car.)
From Florida and Georgia towns to the south:
Take I-95 North to Exit 58 - Eulonia, Ga.
After exiting, turn right onto GA Hwy 99 and drive approximately one mile to the Hwy 99 and 17 intersection and 4-Way stop
Cross Hwy 17 through the four-way stop and continue on GA 99
Drive approximately 9.25 miles to Meridian, GA
You will see brown signs pointing to Sapelo Island placed along the route
The last brown Sapelo sign will point for you to turn left
There is also a large rectangular sign with blue lettering for the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR) next to Elm Grove Baptist Church.
Turn left at the sign onto Landing Road
Landings Road will make a sharp right turn and take you over a small bridge.
Park in the visitors lot, unpack your car and walk down to the ferry for check-in and boarding
(You may also drive down to the ferry to unload and then return to the lot to park your car.)
Grocery shopping: There is a small Piggly Wiggly just a few blocks north on U. S. 17. Turn left at the four way stop (Hwy 99 and 17). The Piggly Wiggly will be on your left about a block down.
Gas Stations: There are two gas stations on or near the intersection of Hwy 99 and 17. If you are running low on gas, this is a great time to fill up.
Where to Park
There is ample parking available for visitors. However, if there is a festival or event taking place on Sapelo parking spaces can be limited. We will let you know of any activities which may require you to arrive early to find parking.
You may park in spaces in front of the visitor center or along either side of the road before you reach the resident/commuter area.
DO NOT: block driveways, park permanently on the bulkhead (the loading area at the actual dock), or in the designated resident / commuter area.
You may drive down to the dock area temporarily to unload and load only.
Boarding the ferry
In order to board the ferry you and your party must sign in on the visitors list. Sign your name and mark visitor on the passenger list. Only registered guests who are staying at one of the Sapelo Island Birdhouses will be allowed to board. Additional guests who are not registered guests of Sapelo Island Birdhouses will not be permitted on board.
Transporting luggage, coolers and large bags
We recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes before ferry departure; unload your luggage and have it ready to load on the back of the boat. Check in with the first mate and he will give you permission to board the boat. Because the dock area can be very busy, be courteous and do not block access to the ferry with bags, coolers, etc. There can be many bags, boxes and cargo on the ferry; marking your luggage with a colorful ribbon maybe helpful too.
While traveling on the ferry, your luggage, coolers, etc. will be in the baggage area on the back of the boat. This area is covered, but is open to the weather, so be prepared to leave your luggage out in the weather, even if it is raining. Although not a big problem, sometimes water and rain can blow inside the covered outdoor area. We suggest that you cover your luggage with large plastic bags if you have any concerns about it getting wet; and especially if rain is forecast on your arrival day.
People are very friendly and someone may help you load or unload by grabbing a bag and taking it on/off. It's one of the unique and special characteristics of Sapelo... give a thanks and return the favor with a helping hand.
We ask that you let people without luggage and gear disembark from the ferry first. You can then proceed to gather your luggage and leave the ferry.
The ferry ride
The trip will be about 30 minutes. You may sit inside downstairs or enjoy a view from the top upstairs. Stand outside and watch the birds or if you are lucky, watch a show put on by dolphins traveling right beside the boat. Enjoy the ride, the scenery and a chat with some of the locals.
Dogs on the ferry
A special feature of staying at one of the Sapelo Island Birdhouses is dogs are allowed. When traveling on the ferry, dogs must always be leashed and remain with you. If you have a large dog, please stay outside on the dock. Small dogs can be inside the boat when inside a carrier.
Arrival on Sapelo
An, on-site guests relations manager will meet you at Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo and take you to your luxury cottage, help you get settled, answer any questions and leave you to explore or relax. If you have included tours and/or additional amenities, the guest relations manager will assist you with instructions and answer any questions.
Sapelo Island Visitor Center Hours of operation:
In addition to the ferry to Sapelo, there is a visitors center at Meridian dock which keeps business hours and has a wealth of information and exhibits about Sapelo and the area. There are also very interesting and educational books to purchase.
There are restrooms available at the center.
Please note that the gate to the visitor center area and parking is locked out side of business hours. Business hours are:
Mondays - visitor center is closed but the gates to the ferry are open from 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tues. -Fri. 7:30am-5:30pm
Sat 8:00am -5:30pm
Sun. visitor center is opened from 1:30 - 5pm and the gates to the ferry are open from 7:30am - 5pm