Get out on the lake!
404-395-2990 (Russell)
Start Your Next
Adventure with
Lake Hartwell
Boat Tours
404-395-2990
About my
boat tours
This is not a rental - I will captain your charter
Lake Hartwell offers vast waters to explore and lots of history to hear.
I am based in the Southwestern part of the lake near Tugaloo State Park in Lavonia, Georgia. My hourly tours can take place at any time of day.
A sunset cruise is the most popular.
I also offer shuttles to/from Tilly's Tiki Bar & Grill.
If you are staying at Tugaloo State Park, I can pick you up at one of the boat ramps or any of the cottage docks - see below for other locations.
What type of cruise?
Talk to your group and decide what you want to see or do
I can take groups of 1 to 6 (max.)
Scroll down for some ideas
Sunset Cruise
Sunset timing is dependent on time of year.
Check your weather app for specific time.
Hear the history of the lake
When was the dam completed?
Who is the lake named after?
What city is now under the lake?
Tour the lake
See Tugaloo State Park from the lakeside.
Travel under I-85 to see what's going on near "Party Island."
Anchor in a cove for a swim (bring your swimsuit & a towel).
Take a turn on a rope swing or jump off a cliff.
Explore Northwest up the Tugaloo River.
Shuttle to/from
Tilly's Tiki Bar & Grill
Lakefront real estate tours
See Georgia real estate listings in Lavonia, Martin or Toccoa
Or South Carolina listings in Fair Play or Westminster.
Call for my rates
404-395-2990 (Russell)
Your Captain, Russell
View from the boat
Pick-up / Drop-off Locations
Other than a private dock at your home (or the one you are renting)
in the Lavonia, Martin, Toccoa, Fair Play or Westminster areas,
I can pick your group up at any of the following locations:
1. Tugaloo State Park Visitor's Center
Park in parking lot behind the building (not the Mega Ramp). Walk down toward the water and the dock will be to the left just past the kayak storage.
2. Tugaloo State Park Boat Ramp
This location is near the RV section of the park and the Amphitheater. Walk or drive to this location.
3. Tugaloo State Park Cottages
Any of the docks at the Cottages
4. Lake Hartwell State Park
I-85 South & North - Exit 1
(border of GA & SC)
This park is easy access from the highway for those traveling down from areas of South Carolina. Park at the boat ramp area (1st left after entering the park).
5. Harbor Light Marina
This marina is accessible from exit 177 on I-85 on the Georgia side. Park near Tilly's Tiki Bar & Grill.
6. Poplar Springs Recreation Area
Located in Lavonia, GA at the end of Poplar Springs Road.
7. Mullins Ford Landing Boat Ramp
Located in Westminster, SC at the end of Mullins Ford Landing Road.
Testimonials
Satisfied Customers
"My four girls and I had an excellent tour of Lake Hartwell. Russell is informative, punctual, and kind! We will definitely ride with him again."
Amber A. (Canon, GA) - May 2020
"My husband and I used Russell in May 2020. We stayed at Tugaloo State Park. It was awesome that he picked us up from the dock at our cottage and took us to Tilly's. He later came back for a sunset cruise. Russell was a delight. Informative when we wanted him to be and relaxing the rest of the time. He knows the spots. We can't wait to be back in Georgia and do it again."
Rich, Trisha, Adrian & Jordan (Gibbstown, NJ) - May 2020
"Booked Lake Hartwell Boat Tours for the Sunset Cruise on my Birthday weekend. It was easy to contact Captain Russell and his rates are very reasonable. His boat was spotless and looked brand new and he even brought us water to drink. His driving skills and lake knowledge were also top notch. Our kids loved hearing about the history of the lake and he took them to some great swimming spots. He goes the extra mile to take care of his guests. We had rented a cottage from the state park and he picked us up and dropped us off right at our dock. This was a great addition to a great weekend and thanks again Russell."
J Steve W. (Alpharetta, GA) -
June 2020
My family of 4 thoroughly enjoyed our sunset tour given by a very friendly "Captain" Russell. It was money well spent for the spectacular views. Russell was also very knowledgeable about Lake Hartwell and the entire area. Cold water bottles were on board. If we so desired, we could have swam, and he even picked us up and dropped us off right at our dock. Highly recommend for those who don't own or rent their own boat.
Marcy G. (Dayton, OH) -
July 2020
Russell did a wonderful job of showing us around Lake Hartwell in a very comfortable and clean pontoon boat. He was very responsive in setting up the adventure and told us wonderful stories about the lake. Lots of fun. Great value. We will definitely be doing this again!
Barbara S. (Atlanta area)
July 2020
My husband and I and a friend did a two hour boat trip with Captain Russell on Saturday, August 1. His pontoon boat is clean and has lots of room. He provides water and tailors the trip to what you want to see. It was a very fun two hours. If you are near Lake Hartwell and want a great boat ride, contact Captain Russell!
Ann R. (Palm Coast, FL)
August 2020
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our sunset cruise on Lake Hartwell chartered by Captain Russell. His boat is large, clean, and well maintained. Russell did a great job catering to our needs – providing history of the lake and region, showing us interesting spots along the way, and finding the perfect location to watch the sunset. He even acted as our photographer capturing great pictures as we enjoyed watching the sun setting for the evening. Thanks, Russell, for a wonderful time!
Karen S. (Peachtree Corners, GA)
September 2020
Amazing value! We took a two hour sunset cruise with four people and had the best time relaxing. Russell was kind, knowledgeable and professional. We will definitely book again once we’re back at Lake Hartwell.
Bella V. (Atlanta, GA)
May 2021
Captain Russell picked us up early at a dock near our campsite in, what appeared to be, a brand new boat. The boat was spotless and felt very plush and comfortable. He was very professional and knowledgeable, giving us much information about Lake Hartwell and the surrounding area. He knew exactly where to go so that we could experience a most beautiful and peaceful sunset. What a relaxing and enjoyable trip!
Sue G. (Virginia)
June 2021
Chartered a afternoon cruise with LHBT for our annual girls weekend. Captain Russell was the perfect host and tour guide. The boat was very nice and sanitized. Captain Russell was very knowledgeable of the lake and surrounding areas he made the cruise the highlight of our weekend. We're already planning our next excursion with LHBT.
Cheryl B. (Atlanta, GA)
June 2022
My family and I can't thank Captain Russell enough for the amazing experience yesterday. It was smooth sailing, making fantastic memories. The Captain is very knowledgeable about the lake, pointing out neat facts and information about the lake. This sailing experience was the hit of our trip! Our 3 young children can't stop talking about it.