You don’t have to be a sailor to appreciate the beauty and legend of Savannah’s scenic waterways. Since the city’s founding, the sea has lured locals to explore its watery depths and picturesque coastlines while affording the area’s people ample business opportunities. Today, the Hostess City’s aquatic legacy lives on through the individuals thriving off our watery surroundings. Be it boating, paddling or just hanging out by the river, there are dozens of ways to keep life flowing towards adventure and fun on the coast.

With spring’s sweet days upon us, there is no better time to kick your land loving to the curb in lieu of a new, seaside perspective that will have you swaying to the tide of happiness. To help you along to nautical nirvana, The South presents six simple ways to reawaken your love for the coast.

Waterfront Recreation

Standing as a picturesque reminder of the city’s seafaring days of yore, historic River Street now plays host to restaurants, bars, gift shops—and nearly 25 free events and festivals a year, produced by the folks at the Savannah Waterfront Association. With gently cruising barges as a backdrop, the SWA’s complimentary events often boast music and food, and keep locals and tourists alike returning to the banks of the Savannah River for varied entertainment.

Don’t miss the Fine Arts on the River Festival: Mercer on the River. Held April 24–26, the fest pays tribute to Johnny Mercer’s centennial down by the water with plenty of music and a plethora of fine art for sale. For Memorial Day weekend May 22–24, enjoy a slice of patriotic fun by attending the Armed Forces Festival, which benefits the Georgia National Guard. And don’t forget to attend the First Saturday on the River and Savannah Safe Boating Day on June 6 to pick up tips on water safety from the Coastguard Auxiliary.

According to Kenny Hill, executive director of the SWA, the organization’s mission is “the promotion and preservation of historic River Street.” And there are many methods the SWA employs to reach their objective. They even helped to change the Savannah River landscape when, along with the city and county, they created the public boat docks on River Street in the mid ‘90s.  The initiative ensures that boaters—along with boat loving rubbernecks—can come to the area to enjoy shopping and dining.

And good news for fans of the tall ship Peacemaker that resided on River Street for five months: more big and beautiful boats may be on the waterfront’s horizon. “We are [currently] working with the city on a visioning process that would position our waterfront as an appealing destination for other tall ships sailing along the eastern seaboard,” says Hill. Savannah Waterfront Association, 404 East Bay Street, 912.234.0295, www.riverstreetsavannah.com

Maritime Memoirs

Some might argue that Savannah’s maritime boom time was kicked off in 1819 by the historic passage of SS Savannah, the first steamship in the world to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Yet, take one look inside the right local museum and you’ll learn that the city’s entire history is indelibly linked to the sea.

“Prior to the SS Savannah, the city was a major port for exporting cotton, resin and timber and importing refined goods from England,” explains Karl DeVries. He would know. As assistant director of Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, DeVries and his colleagues work to keep the Hostess City’s nautical history alive.

Founded by Savannah resident Mills Lane Jr. in 1966, the museum is located within the former home of William Scarbrough, who was one of the owners of the steamship Savannah and president of the Savannah Steamship Company. The museum’s extensive collection is dedicated to important milestones in nautical history, with a special emphasis on Savannah, and includes intricate models of ships, antiques and artwork. History buffs are enchanted by the models of Union and Confederate ships, along with artwork that brings Savannah’s nautical involvement in the Civil War to life.

A visit to the museum is a perfect way for to get in touch with Savannah’s watery past without getting your feet wet. Need more convincing? Stop by on May 22 to celebrate National Maritime Day and to pay tribute to the 190th anniversary of the launch of the SS Savannah—both occurring on the same day. Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. 41 Martin Luther King Boulevard, 912.232.1511, www.shipsofthesea.org

Yachts of Options

If you’ve ever sat under the harsh glare of a conference room’s fluorescent lights in an early morning meeting, the prospect of conducting business on the swaying tides of the Savannah River may appeal to you. Change the scenery for your clients and yourself with Savannah Port Tours. Owner Mikell Cates began the company in 2007 to give executives the ability to hold meetings or entertain clients and family members on a variety of vessels with the payment of an initiation fee.

“This is a high-end way you can do something for your wife or business partner or company,” Cates explains. His company has hosted anniversary parties and party cruises for up to 49 people, taken people fishing on Daufuskie Island, held meetings, and hosted overnight cruises. Cates also has taken travelers who just enjoy touring the nearby Savannah National Wildlife Refuge or the port.

“All of the captains are Savannahians. When they go out they know the port, terminals, business section of it, and provide personal tours about what happens in the port,” he says. The tours depart from the Westin Savannah on Hutchinson Island, and the Westin’s Aqua Star restaurant provides delicious catering. So the next time your company is planning a special event, consider the water as a voyaging venue. Savannah Port Tours, 912.704.0709, www.savannahporttours.com

Sailing, No Strings Attached

Did you know you could enjoy boating without actually owning a boat? That might sound too good to be true for former boat owners all too familiar with the ever-mounting costs and unexpected hindrances inherent in having a vessel. Steve Sherman, membership executive director with Freedom Boat Club in Savannah and Hilton Head, had that dilemma. “I owned a boat for several years and had sworn off boating. I’d look at my investment thinking I should be out on the boat, but it’s too much of a hassle and too time consuming.”

His perspective changed with the Freedom Boat Club. “We’re the country club for the boater. You join the club and instead of unlimited golf, you have unlimited boating,” Sherman explains. Members pay an initiation fee to join and monthly dues that run about $200, giving them access to 20 boats that support a range of oceanic (or river) activities.

“The majority of people spend time inland in the Intracoastal waterway,” says Sherman. “A lot of people go to Wassaw Sound, Wassaw Beach, and Williamson Island.” And with 45 Freedom Boat Club locations across the country, the club has a reciprocal membership that gives due-paying members the ability to boat on their vacations. As the company’s tagline says, “own the water, not the boat.” The Freedom Boat Club, 912.691.2628, www.freedomboatclub.com.

First-Class Marina

Lucky local boat owners may already know that the Lowcountry plays host to an exceptional establishment dedicated to personalized and professional seaside care. Situated on the scenic Wilmington River at Intracoastal Waterway Marker 35, Thunderbolt Marina has been a must-stop for transient mariners heading both north and south since 1965. “We’re well known for hospitality and the fact that we give donuts and a paper every day,” says dockmaster Hal Parsons.

Between 600–700 boats dock at the marina per year with a typical stay of two nights. “We have new concrete docks that are only a couple of years old, and facilities with showers and laundry that are well-maintained in a pretty location,” states Parsons. The marina is equipped to play host to large boats and their electrical requirements, and the well-known maintenance and refit shop specializes in cabinetry, canvas and upholstery, electrical, joinery, and outfitting for yachts.

And if you don’t have a yacht to call your own, consider Thunderbolt Marina a perfect place for window-shopping. The beautiful boats docking at this tie-up are stunning enough to admire from afar. For reservations at Thunderbolt Marina or for more information, call 912.356.3875, or visit www.thunderboltmarine.us

Kicking it in a Kayak

Nigel and Kristin Law have co-owned Savannah Canoe & Kayak for the past six years. Their company specializes in tours that have fun-seekers hitting the water in a variety of paddle-propelled vessels. “Kayaking is the most popular paddle sport in this area, and most suited to our tidal and open marsh environment,” Nigel explains. “This area has also become nationally recognized as a great place to sea kayak, which is just like regular surfing, but on your butt and you have a paddle.”

Adventurous individuals or groups may arrange for half-day or full-day trips to just about anywhere. There are plenty of options to choose from including excursions to Little Tybee, Skidaway Narrows, Wassaw Island and Ebenezer Creek. Sunset or full-moon paddles are also available to add a little romance to the rowing. “The guides we use have been paddling the Georgia coast for many years and have a great deal of experience from it,” Nigel adds.

And you never know what you might see up close on a trip. “We once had a big dolphin leap up into air and come down on the bow of a kayak, kicking it up on end,” Nigel recalls. “It was quite a ride for the 13-year-old paddler who now has a great story that no one will ever believe.” Savannah Canoe & Kayak, 912.341.9502, www.savannahcanoeandkayak.com

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No matter what your level your boating experience might be, Savannah is the perfect destination for maritime exploration. So what are you waiting for?