Weddings

String of pearls is a fabulous platform for your small wedding. Invite up to 35 guests and have an intimate wedding overlooking the marshes of Glynn. Wedding times can be custom and we make the boat available for your decorator and catering so everything is just perfect. weddings on the water are fabulous!!!

Weddings are available any time of year.

Price: $3,500.00. Please email or call for details and to book your special day!!!

(price does not include fees or crew service charge)

sunset/Eco cruise

Start your evening with a leisurely harbor cruise aboard String of Pearls through the St. Simons Sound. Bring your own cooler and snacks and enjoy a spectacular sunset aboard the classic 71 ft. yacht. BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS, ROSEATE SPOONBILLS, BROWN PELICANS, White pelicans, AND WOODSTORKS OFTEN ACCOMPANY US. We prioritize covering a large area and seeing the sights of the Golden Isles and a great sunset. IT NEVER GETS OLD!

Daily

We leave the dock about 1 1/5 hours before sunset. Please check your reservation or press Book Now to check the specific time on your date.

$120.00

(price does not include fees or crew service charge)

PRIVATE CHARTERS

What better way to commemorate a special occasion or host a party than aboard the classic 71 ft. yacht, String of Pearls.  We would love to host your Girls ’Night, private dolphin tour, wedding weekend celebration, corporate event. or private party.

Offered every day

You choose the time of day

$2,000 for a 2 hour charter

$1,000 each additional hour

(price does not include fees or crew service charge)

Sunset Cruise

Enhance your evening by taking in the spectacular sunsets the Golden Isles are known for while relaxing aboard String of Pearls.  With views of the Sidney Lanier Bridge and the Marshes of Glynn, you are sure to have an experience of the picturesque scenery you won't soon forget. Be sure to look for the many Bottle Nose Dolphins, Spoonbills, and all kinds of wildlife along the way on this Sunset/Dolphin Cruise!!! Cruises depart from Morningstar Marina. Bring your own cooler and start your evening off by creating memories that will last a lifetime. Bring your group or just have a nice date night… this is a great way to see what life on the water is all about!!!

The Sunset Cruise is available most days and the cost is $120.00 per person.

Reservations are required.  Please click the 'book now' button for cruise times and availability.   

*times are adjusted to daylight savings time and sunset times.

We are so thankful for TurtleBox Audio’s support!!! These things sound amazing!!! Have you tried out the TurtleBox Yet???

Adventure Cruise

This is not your regular dolphin cruise. Georgia is home to one of the most fabulous stretches of the Intracoastal Waterway for those people looking for incredible views, abundant wildlife, and peaceful surroundings as opposed to speed. Adventure awaits your group as you plan on a day trip to restaurants in Darien, GA, or Jekyll Island. Imagine casting off for a cruise behind Georgia’s Barrier Islands to have a fabulous meal then heading back home watching a glorious sunset!!! Better yet, let’s plan a true River Cruise to Savannah, Charleston, or Jacksonville with overnight Accommodations so you can experience all the Georgia Coast has to offer. We will help make all of the arrangements so you and your group can relax, take in the scenery, and have an experience few others have ever had.

Depending on what you want to do, we can help create this adventure for 6 to 30 brave souls. What will we see along the way? Shipwrecks? Dolphins? Shrimpboats or maybe some Pirates? If you want to know you have to go.

Reservations are required.  Please contact us directly and we can help you create a one-of-a-kind adventure and create an incredible experience.

Pricing is completely custom based on just how far you want to go. Email us at classicyachts57@gmail.com or call 912-357-3624 and let us know you are interested in an Adventure Cruise.  

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Cancelation Policy

Public Cruises

Customers may cancel a Public Cruise reservation for a refund or credit only if cancellation notice is received by String of Pearls at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Cancellations requested less than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time are not eligible for a customer-requested refund or credit. Within 48 hours of departure, the cruise will proceed unless String of Pearls determines, in its sole discretion, that the cruise should be canceled, postponed, rescheduled, modified, or delayed.

Weather, sea conditions, mechanical issues, safety concerns, operational concerns, and all other conditions affecting the cruise are evaluated solely by String of Pearls and the captain. Customers may not cancel within 48 hours based on their own weather judgment, travel plans, illness, transportation issues, change of plans, or personal preference and receive a refund or credit unless String of Pearls agrees in writing.

If String of Pearls cancels a Public Cruise before departure due to weather, mechanical issues, safety concerns, insufficient participation, or any other operational reason, customers may receive a refund or credit for the cruise fare paid, at String of Pearls’ discretion.

Booking fees, service fees, credit card processing fees, platform fees, convenience fees, and administrative fees are non-refundable. If a refund is issued, those non-refundable fees may be deducted from the refund amount.

No-shows, late arrivals, missed departures, and customers who choose not to board a Public Cruise that is operating as scheduled are not eligible for a refund or credit.

Private Charters

For Private Charters, a 50% non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking. This deposit secures your private charter date and time and removes that charter block from our availability.

Once paid, the private-charter deposit is non-refundable for any reason. This includes, but is not limited to, customer cancellation, change of plans, illness, travel delays, transportation issues, weather, mechanical issues, safety concerns, acts of God, or any other circumstance that prevents, delays, cancels, or reschedules the charter.

If String of Pearls determines that weather, mechanical conditions, safety concerns, or any other circumstance make it unsafe, impractical, or inappropriate to operate the charter, String of Pearls may cancel, postpone, reschedule, modify, or delay the charter at its sole discretion. In that event, the customer’s non-refundable deposit will remain available as a credit toward a future private charter, but the deposit will not be refunded.

The remaining balance is due two weeks prior to the charter unless otherwise agreed in writing. String of Pearls reserves the right to charge the remaining balance to the card on file two weeks prior to the charter or on the day of the charter. Cancellation by the customer within two weeks of the charter does not relieve the customer of the obligation to pay the remaining balance.

Booking fees, service fees, credit card processing fees, platform fees, convenience fees, and administrative fees are non-refundable.

No-shows, late arrivals, missed departures, and customers who choose not to board a Private Charter that is operating as scheduled will be charged the full charter price.

Trip Insurance

Trip insurance is strongly recommended, especially for Private Charters. Weather, mechanical issues, illness, flight delays, transportation problems, family emergencies, and other unexpected events can affect travel plans.

Customers are responsible for purchasing any travel, trip, event, or cancellation insurance they may want. Insurance may be available from many independent providers. Customers should obtain coverage before booking if they want protection against cancellation, weather, illness, travel interruption, or other unexpected events.

By booking with String of Pearls, the customer acknowledges and agrees to this cancellation policy. Please do not book a Public Cruise or Private Charter unless you understand and agree to these terms.

Fees

We charge Booking Fees for guests who pay by credit card. These fees cover charges assessed by credit card companies, payment processors, and the website/platform that processes our bookings. These fees do not go to String of Pearls Charter Company as charter revenue.

Guests who pay by cash, Venmo, or check do not pay credit card Booking Fees. If you would like to pay by cash, Venmo, or check, please contact Captain Matt at 912-357-3624 before booking.

Booking Fees, credit card processing fees, service fees, platform fees, convenience fees, and any other third-party or administrative fees are non-refundable. If a cruise or charter is canceled, postponed, rescheduled, modified, or refunded for any reason, these fees will not be refunded or credited. Any refund or credit issued by String of Pearls will apply only to the eligible cruise fare or charter amount and will exclude non-refundable fees.

A mandatory Crew Service Charge applies to all private charters and is included as part of the overall charter cost. This charge helps cover crew compensation, onboard service, vessel preparation, equipment use, and other operational expenses associated with delivering a private charter experience.

All fees and charges will be disclosed at the time of booking. By booking with String of Pearls, the customer acknowledges and agrees that Booking Fees, credit card processing fees, service fees, platform fees, convenience fees, and other third-party or administrative fees are non-refundable.

Pricing

Sunset Cruise: $120.00 per person

Noon Cruise $120.00 per person

Private Charters:  Begin at $2000.  Click the “book private charter” button on the home page for more information.  Maximum of 35 guests.

Please note that all cruises are tentative due to weather conditions.  Guests will be notified if a change occurs. 

  THE CREW

String of Pearls is a Local Family Business

String of Pearls is a Local Family Business. Captain Matt drives the boat and oversees the restoration. All of the Sligh Children have helped on the boat in some capacity, with Charles, Duncan, and Matthew having all served as First Mate and Betsy as a Steward. Everyone is involved from time to time, and like all Small Family Businesses, this one is very exciting!!! Our current First Mate, Clint, grew up in the area.

We support local charities through donations and patronize local businesses. We buy our supplies in the Saint Simons and Brunswick area. We hire local people to do projects.

When you support String of Pearls, you are supporting this great community and all of the Small Businesses in and around the island. We truly appreciate your business and support!!!

Pictured below are Matthew, Betsy & Duncan.

History

STRING OF PEARLS, a 71-foot yacht designed by Geerd Hendel, was crafted in 1957 by Malcolm Brewer, a renowned wooden boat builder, in Camden, Maine. Originally named PEARL NECKLACE, the vessel was a lavish birthday gift from the origional owner to his wife, who had modestly requested a simple necklace as a gift. The owner, a World War II PT boat Captain, equipped the yacht with four powerful engines. Built for speed, she outraced Jack Kennedy’s sportfishing boat Marlin on Cape Cod Bay and even the Nantucket Ferry, earning a reputation as New England’s fastest boat at that time.

Constructed from mahogany over cedar with teak decks and accents, STRING OF PEARLS boasts a 16-foot beam and a 49-ton displacement, yet achieves an impressive 24 knots through the water. She is now powered by two Man D2466LE405 marine diesel engines. As a Coast Guard Inspected Vessel, she’s certified to carry 42 guests and crew and undergoes rigorous annual safety checks.

After the original owner sold her, the yacht was restored in Newport, Rhode Island, and spent 21 years chartering across New England. Celebrities like Bruce Springsteen, Brad Pitt, Pierce Brosnan, Harrison Ford, many statesmen, and a few princesses, have graced her decks. In 2004, a five-star resort on Georgia’s coast secured her for an exclusive charter engagement. Fourteen years later, she relocated to Morningstar Marina, offering charters through the inland waters of St. Simons Island and the Golden Isles.

In 2019, Captain Matthew Sligh purchased the yacht, finalizing the transaction by early summer. He and his family began charter operations and committed to restoring the boat while cruising her around St. Simons and enjoying all that the Golden Isles has to offer. During the winter of 2021-2022, STRING OF PEARLS underwent extensive renovations at Huckins Yacht Corporation in Jacksonville, Florida. The expert craftsmanship above and below the waterline ensured her longevity, and she returned to St. Simons in April 2022, stronger than ever.

In 2023-2024, master shipwright and wooden yacht expert Paul Rogers joined the team. His skillful work on the salon, brightwork, hatches, and critical technical repairs has significantly advanced the restoration, complementing the efforts of Captain Matthew (Son) and keeping STRING OF PEARLS in top form. This work continued into early 2025 with Captain Clint Walden on the team. Projects completed by March 2025 included new planks in the starboard and port hulls, two new radios on the bridge, removing and polishing all the stainless steel rub rail, getting a good coat of paint on the hull, and we have installed new canvas from Top Stitch in Jacksonville. During the winter of 2026-2026, more restoration was undertaken with 35 feet of planking replaced on the starboard side aft above the rub rail. We also painted the hull and many other small projects while being hauled out of the water in Valona, Ga. and again at the City Market Marine Railway in Brunswick, Ga.

Varnish work continues every day so if we look a little dusty when you come on board you can understand why!!! We also hope to be able to open up one of the Staterooms this year so be on the lookout for that.

All of the restoration work is supported by our passengers and we are so grateful for everyone that comes on board. Thank you all so much for your support!!!

contact us

String of Pearls, the Golden Isles' only yacht charter, is located at Morningstar Marina in St. Simons Island, Georgia.  Along with scheduled weekend sunset cruises and historical cruises, the classic 71 ft. yacht is available for private boat charters.  Contact us now for your wedding weekend events, corporate group outings, or a large group of your closest friends.  

Note… String of Pearls is a vessel that can be challenging for people with limited mobility. The walk from the parking lot to the boat is about 300 yards. Wheelchairs are available for people that have a hard time walking that far. Once you arrive at the boat there is a small staircase to climb and a small gap to negotiate with a large step up once you are on the boat. If mobility is an issue please give us a call to discuss.

Morningstar Marina

206 Marina Dr.
St. Simons Island, GA 3152

912-357-3624

classicyachts57@gmail.com

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