Directions to Sapelo Island, Georgia and the University of Georgia Marine Institute

GETTING TO THE MAINLAND DOCK in Meridian, GA:

1. Coming from the North (from Savannah, GA via I-95.

A. From I-95 South, take the Eulonia Exit (Exit 58) to Georgia State Road  99.

B. From the exit ramp, turn left (east) toward Eulonia and drive about one mile to the intersection (4-way stop) of GA 99 and US 17; continue through this intersection 9.25 miles to Meridian GA.

NOTE: Other than convenience stores and a few cafes, there is only a small Piggly Wiggly (groceries) just a few blocks north on U. S. 17 (turn left). 

C. Shortly after a small sign marking the edge of Meridian turn left to the dock and the Sapelo Island Visitor Center.

NOTE:  Small brown or blue signs clearly marked with "Sapelo Island" are placed all along this route.

2. Coming from the South (from Jacksonville FL or Brunswick GA via I-95)

 A.   From I-95 North, take the Darien Exit (Exit 49) to East 251 (a right turn onto 251 toward Darien).

 B.   From East 251 (turn right), take U. S. 17 South (into Darien).

NOTE:  Small brown or blue signs clearly marked with "Sapelo Island" are placed all along this route.

 C.  Turn left on to Georgia State Road 99. 

 NOTE:  the extra stop sign immediately after the left turn; 99 is just before the county courthouse and this is more or less down town Darien.  Historic buildings are about 0.25 miles past 99 on the Altamaha River.  You will also have driven past nearly all of your "shopping opportunities" that are near Sapelo Island (Groceries, fuel, and other supplies).

 D.  From U. S. 17 take Georgia 99 North for 8.25 miles to Meridian, GA, and a right turn to the Sapelo Island Visitor Center and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Meridian Dock.

3.   The turn to the mainland DNR Meridian Dock

A large rectangular sign with blue lettering indicates the turn to the SAPELO ISLAND NATIONAL ESTUARINE  RESEARCH RESERVE (SINERR).  This sign is on the East side of 99 and is in a church yard.

AT THE  MAINLAND DOCK in Meridian, GA:

The dock area and the Ferry (either the Anne Marie or the Sapelo Queen) are run by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Marine Institute has no control over this facility or any of the DNR rules.  MOST SIGNIFICANT RULES INCLUDE:  to use the ferry you must sign in and be on a pre-approved passenger list, no bicycles are allowed without advance permission (this includes other bulky items as well), no open alcoholic beverages are allowed on the ferry, no flammable liquids are allowed on the ferry (gas tanks must be empty on power tools etc.), all dogs and cats must always be leashed, or in pet boxes on the boat and the dock area.  If in doubt please ask the Captain or Striker before you load the item.

The gate to the visitor center area and parking is locked out side of business hours.

1. Park before the sign which indicates resident and commuter parking.

You may park along either side of the road as long as you 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 stop at the bulkhead area or dock temporarily, to load and unload only.

2. Loading gear and yourselves on to the DNR passenger ferry:

A. IT IS BEST to arrive at least 30 minutes before the ferry departure; unload your gear and have it waiting near the dock.  (the dock area can be very busy, be courteous and do not block access to the ferry, etc.) Do not stand on the floating dock as the ferry arrives.

Depending on the time of day the ferry may be at the Meridian Dock several hours prior to departure or just a few minutes; this is generally obvious from the ferry schedule.  PLAN ACCORDINGLY!

B. Ask the First Mate or Captain if you can load and place gear where directed. Do not load gear without permission.
(excepting Sundays you will usually have up to 30 minutes before departure to load)

C. You and all of your party must sign in and pay $1 each way / person; mark visitor on the passenger list.

D. The trip will be about 30 minutes - ENJOY; and someone will meet you at the Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island.

E. The Marsh Landing dock on Sapelo Island can also be very congested; please use the same courtesy in unloading.

Be prepared to leave your gear out in the weather, even if it is raining.  Use large plastic tubs to store loose or water sensitive gear, etc.  The cargo areas on the ferry and our trucks are not enclosed. Assume your gear will get wet!

Note the visitor center hours below, these are roughly the gate hours and are subject to change.