Reserve ferry travel and check current departure times
Schedules vary by season. The NPS asks reservation holders to check in before departure; plan enough time rather than assuming you can arrive at the last minute.
Local information from Woodlands Pet Retreat
One of the most important things to know before planning a Cumberland Island trip is the passenger ferry pet policy. According to the National Park Service, regular pets are not allowed on the concession-operated ferry. That makes planning a safe, comfortable stay for your dog an essential part of an island day trip.
Woodlands Pet Retreat offers dog boarding and day stays in St. Marys, the mainland gateway to Cumberland Island. Here is how to plan your day without rushing your dog's care or your ferry check-in.
Know before you go
Can dogs go to Cumberland Island?
There is an important distinction between visiting the island and riding the public passenger ferry. The NPS allows some pets on the island if transported by private boat, kept leashed and limited to permitted day-use areas. Pets are not allowed in the campgrounds or the designated wilderness area. Rules for trained service animals differ.
For travelers using the usual Cumberland Island passenger ferry from St. Marys, the practical answer is simple: arrange mainland care for your pet. Do not arrive at check-in expecting your dog to ride.
Always read the official NPS pet policy and current visitor information before travel.
Timing matters
How to coordinate your day
Confirm dog boarding and drop-off arrangements
Compare Woodlands day stays and overnight boarding. Standard drop-off/pickup windows may not match every ferry schedule, so arrange timing directly before paying for travel.
Bring the right travel and pet essentials
Prepare your own water, food and sun protection for the island. For your dog, share feeding instructions and required health records with the boarding facility.
Enjoy the island without pet-care uncertainty
After you confirm your reservation and pickup plan, you can focus on the island's beaches, history and maritime forest.
More visitor resources
Find your way in St. Marys
The Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center is located at 113 West St. Marys Street and serves as the passenger ferry check-in location. The St. Marys Welcome Center at 400 Osborne Street is a separate community tourism resource for maps, local attractions and the historic district.
These two centers have different purposes. If you are checking in for the ferry, follow the NPS instructions for the Cumberland Island visitor facility, not the general Welcome Center.
See our boarding checklist and St. Marys pet-travel hub for other trip-planning guidance.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my dog on the Cumberland Island ferry?
Regular pet dogs are not permitted on the concession-operated ferry; the National Park Service provides a separate policy for qualifying service animals.
Are dogs ever allowed on Cumberland Island?
The NPS permits certain day visits with leashed pets arriving by private boat, subject to area restrictions. Check its current pet policy.
Should I choose day care or overnight boarding?
That depends on the excursion and the facility’s pickup windows. Compare both options and confirm timing before reserving your ferry trip.
Sources & further planning
Check the official information
Visitor policies and hours can change. We link to official resources instead of implying we manage these attractions.
Make space for a great stay
Explore St. Marys on your schedule while arranging care that works for your dog. View current rates and confirm your dates with Woodlands.
Questions? Call (912) 674-4709