Georgia: Brunswick Golden Isles, Family Vacations with Beach Time, Dolphin Quests, and a Shrimp Boat Adventure. Shrimp boats on the horizon are a common site off Georgia’s coastline at dawn and near sunset. Cruising in random formation their wing-like nets shadowing the waves, they appear slightly mysterious to novice observers on shore. Until recently boarding and sailing on such a vessel was impossible but luckily for parents wishing to share unique seaside experiences, the Golden Isles delivers not just turtle quests and dolphin watching but also a shrimping adventure aboard the Lady Jane.

Here's the scoop. Doing has always being better than simply watching and when shrimp boats dot the horizon counting them often becomes a contest with no reward. However now it is possible to take a two-hour cruise on an authentic shrimp boat. The Lady Jane is a U.S. Coast Guard certified 49-passenger steel shrimping vessel recently retired after years of loyal service to the shrimping industry. She has been painstakingly refurbished to allow passengers to feel comfortable aboard.

During the two-hour eco adventure passengers are invited help the crew sort the shrimp from her catch and maybe spot bonehead, blacktip, sand shark, horseshoe crabs, puffer fish, amberjack, crocker, spot, whiting, bluecrab, and skate. Passengers are treated to a really fresh shrimp boil. The cruise route travels through the scenic Marshes of Glynn south to the Turtle River and St. Simons Sound. Along the way you will see dolphin, seagulls, egrets, pelicans and maybe be able to imagine the life of a fisherman. You will see cargo ships making way to and from port as well as working shrimp boats returning from sea with their daily catches. Need to know. If you’re worried about bad weather, don’t be. The Lady Jane has a large air conditioned cabin, restrooms, big open decks and plenty of room for passengers to walk around. Photo opportunities abound.

Best part. Captain Larry E. Credle explains and demonstrates how shrimpin’ has been conducted for generations. He will order the crew to drop the shrimp net over the stern and you will see firsthand how the harvesting works. You'll learn about the life cycle of shrimp and the depth of waters in which they are caught. The crew will tell you about the types of shrimp being caught and you will hear a few personal sea stories. You can even take a picture with the Captain at helm of a Real Shrimp Trawler.

As they bring in the net you will see many different varieties of fish, crabs, and what shrimpers call the by-catch. The crew often releases rays, squid, jellyfish, and shells. While the net dragging is being conducted dolphins will often follow the net and pickup an easy meal when the net is emptied. Bonus points: The Lady Jane is also available for private celebrations, family reunions and special occasions.

About Georgia’s Golden Isles. Comfortable and friendly, the Golden Isles have always been ideal for families who appreciate nature and want to enjoy an easy paced seaside vacation. It is the home of peanut butter and marshmallow sandwiches and awesome cobbler. Bike paths weave near golden marshes along roadways under the ancient live oaks. The lighthouse on St. Simons has presented annual challenges to siblings. Best part: The mysterious Spanish moss shading Fort Fredericka makes storytelling easy. Sea turtles nest along the shore and dolphins seem to bounce over the waves between the barrier islands.

Make it happen. For the expanded list of family vacation ideas as well as special vacation offerings in the Brunswick and The Golden Isles - St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island call toll-free 1-800-933-COAST (2627) or view the big picture at Brunswick Golden Isles Chamber & VB at www.bgivb.com

Family Vacation Planning Details.
Lady Jane is at Spanky’s Marina 1200 Glynn Ave (Hwy17). Directions to Lady Jane berth: Hwy17 intersection of Gloucester St (downtown) Spanky's is just south of this intersection west of Hwy-17. captain@credlesadventures.com or www.CredlesAdventures.com

 

Content researched by the Family Travel Files and images provided by Captain Credle. Copyright 2011.