Cumberland Island - Fernandina Beach to Dungeness Dock

Join us as we do a round-trip paddle from Fernandina Beach to Dungeness Dock on Cumberland Island.

Note: I originally posted we'd paddle to the Seacamp Dock but have now changed it to the Dungeness Dock, which is the preferred spot to disembark for kayakers. Not to confuse any future, this preferred spot was formerly referred to as the Ice House Dock, as it was where ice was unloaded back in the early days, after being shipped from the northeast. The Ice House Museum, located next to the dock, explains it all!

Here is a link to several maps of the entire island (you'll need to copy & paste to make it work):
**nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/maps.htm**

We'll launch from Dee Dee Bartels boat ramp, paddle past the first two sets of jetties then shoot across the St. Mary's Inlet to the southern end of Cumberland Island. With an incoming tide until 11:24 am, we'll paddle against it until we hit the jetties (15 minutes), then ferry glide across to CI. We hope to see some of the wild horses in this area. Once we get across we'll turn and head to Dungeness Dock, approximately 6 miles away. After landing we'll have approximately 3 hours to tour the area, including Ice House history, the Dungeness Ruins, Seacamp campground, etc. and we can also walk across to the ocean side of the island. Everyone will need to purchase a day pass or already have a National Park pass to visit the island, and these passes must be purchased ahead of time (no way to pay with cash). Here is a link to purchase tickets (you'll need to copy & paste to make it work):
**nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/index.htm**

Bring a good hat for sunshade, lunch and plenty to drink. We'll lunch somewhere under a shady oak, with many to choose from.

I expect us to land on the island after 2 hours of paddling, then a 3 hour window of touring the island, followed by a 2 pm departure to head back to Dee Dee Bartels. We'll follow a slightly different route back, as we'll paddle toward the west side of the Sound, crossing St Marys River (and it's outgoing current), hugging Tiger island as we make our way back.

In the water target time of 9:00 am. High tide at Dungeness Dock near 11:24 am.

Note: Spray skirts will be required as are PFDs, as always. We'll be paddling in open water with the possibility of choppy waves in windy conditions.

Trip Difficulty: moderate
Total Time on the Water: 4-5 hours
Total paddling distance: 12 miles