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Start Your Next

Adventure with

Lake Hartwell

Boat Tours

404-395-2990

Home: Welcome

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.

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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.

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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.

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Hear the history of the lake

When was the dam completed?
Who is the lake named after?
What city is now under the lake?

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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.

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Shuttle to/from

Tilly's Tiki Bar & Grill 

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Lakefront real estate tours

See Georgia real estate listings in Lavonia, Martin or Toccoa

Or South Carolina listings in Fair Play or Westminster.

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Home: Current Specials

Call for my rates

404-395-2990 (Russell)

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Home: Contact
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Your Captain, Russell

Home: About Us
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View from the boat

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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:

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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.

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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.

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3. Tugaloo State Park Cottages

Any of the docks at the Cottages

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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).

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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.

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6. Poplar Springs Recreation Area

Located in Lavonia, GA at the end of Poplar Springs Road.

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7. Mullins Ford Landing Boat Ramp

Located in Westminster, SC at the end of Mullins Ford Landing Road.

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Testimonials

Satisfied Customers

On a girls trip at our friends' lake house, we wanted to get out and see more of the lake.
Captain Russell was just what we were looking for. He came right on time, pulled up at the dock, and we were off in no time! Even though it was cool and cloudy, we enjoyed our adventure so much. The pontoon was very comfortable and clean. The five of us learned alot about Lake Hartwell and we are looking forward to booking another cruise with Captain Russell!

Wanda D. (Atlanta, GA)
April 2024

We toured with our 2 kids who are 7 and 9. Russell picked us up at Harbor Light Marina, which was very easy to access off 85 and had plenty of parking and a great restaurant. Russell owns the business and does all the tours personally. He has a true love of the water and the lake, and gave us a wonderful tour of his favorite spots during our 4 hours together. We stopped at 2 protected coves so the kids could swim. Will definitely book with him again!

Amanda S. (Greenville, SC)
July 2023

Russell was a great host. We booked two tours with him to see different parts of the lake. He arrived at the appointed times in his very comfortable pontoon. His knowledge about the area is extensive. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to get out on the lake without hauling or renting a boat. We had a very relaxing experience.

Lisa B. (North Carolina)
June 2023

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.

Nathalia B. (Florida)
July 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

"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 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

Home: Testimonials

404-395-2990 (Russell)

©2020 by R Wolfe Enterprises LLC, Peachtree Corners, GA
Licensed & insured

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