Florida

History & Ecology: Okefenokee Swamp, Amelia & Cumberland Islands

Program No. 11603RJ
Alongside naturalists, discover the idyllic landscapes and unique wildlife of the Barrier Islands and Okefenokee Swamp. Plus, visit historic towns and learn about Civil War history.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
1,799
Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
1,799
Oct 20 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
1,799
Jan 19 - Jan 24, 2025
Starting at
1,949
Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2025
Starting at
1,949
Feb 23 - Feb 28, 2025
Starting at
1,949
Mar 9 - Mar 14, 2025
Starting at
1,949
Apr 6 - Apr 11, 2025
Starting at
1,949
Sep 7 - Sep 12, 2025
Starting at
1,949
Oct 19 - Oct 24, 2025
Starting at
1,949
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Filling Fast!
Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Filling Fast!
Oct 20 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Jan 19 - Jan 24, 2025
Starting at
2,399
Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2025
Starting at
2,399
Feb 23 - Feb 28, 2025
Starting at
2,399
Mar 9 - Mar 14, 2025
Starting at
2,399
Apr 6 - Apr 11, 2025
Starting at
2,399
Sep 7 - Sep 12, 2025
Starting at
2,399
Oct 19 - Oct 24, 2025
Starting at
2,399
6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Deep in the tangled swamplands of Okefenokee, prehistoric alligators wade through black water lakes in the shade of the cypress trees. Along the backwaters and beaches of Amelia and Cumberland Islands, terns and plovers nest, and storks and egrets dry their feathers in the Georgia sun. Encounter the vivid natural and human history on two beautiful barrier islands and the amazing Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge as you spot rare birds, dolphins, manatees and other wildlife in the marshes, forests, beaches and rivers with a local expert. Take a field trip to Cumberland Island to learn the history of the natives, missionaries, plantation owners, enslaved people and wealthy industrialists who lived there. And journey by trolley through historic Amelia Island to observe the uniquely gracious homes of another century.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Frequent getting on/off boats, trolleys, vans and buses. Walking up to 1.5-2 miles on two days. Standing and stairs, uneven walkways. The Cumberland Island visit will be a 4 mile hike or opt for a 2 mile hike on the island. No transportation on Cumberland.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Spend a full day exploring the wildlife, landmarks and landscapes of Cumberland Island National Seashore with a local expert.
  • Venture deep into the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp on a two-hour boat ride and 1.5-mile boardwalk exploration to learn about black water lakes, pond cypress and the American alligator.
  • During a self exploration learn the fascinating history of Fort Clinch, an important 1800s fortress for both Confederate and Union forces.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Kevin McCarthy
Kevin grew up in Gloucester, Mass. and settled in Fernandina Beach in 1968. He spent 41 years sailing the waters of northeast Fla. and southeast Georgia. He holds a 100 ton master’s license and developed his knowledge of the wildlife and history exploring the waters that surround Amelia Island, Cumberland Island and St. Mary's, Ga. Generations of Kevin’s family have been shrimpers, and he shares with participants his knowledge of shrimp farming and the future of the shrimp industry in the U.S.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Kevin McCarthy
Kevin McCarthy View biography
Kevin grew up in Gloucester, Mass. and settled in Fernandina Beach in 1968. He spent 41 years sailing the waters of northeast Fla. and southeast Georgia. He holds a 100 ton master’s license and developed his knowledge of the wildlife and history exploring the waters that surround Amelia Island, Cumberland Island and St. Mary's, Ga. Generations of Kevin’s family have been shrimpers, and he shares with participants his knowledge of shrimp farming and the future of the shrimp industry in the U.S.
Profile Image of Ron Kurtz
Ron Kurtz View biography
Ron has been an Amelia Island resident for more than 30 years. After attending Hiram College, he graduated from New York University with a degree in educational theater. He served as the director of the Amelia Island Museum of History and wrote a highly regarded history of the island, now in its sixth printing, as well as a series of children's books. Ron has lectured on the history and architecture of the first coast for the Historic Preservation Trust as well as the Smithsonian Institution.
Profile Image of Anne Peery
Anne Peery View biography
Anne Peery has traveled extensively in the Southeastern United States. She has served in various leadership roles including the Executive Director of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. Anne holds a B.S. in education from Mississippi State University. She has worked with a volunteer group making medical-grade PPE for first responders in the Big Bend region of Florida.
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