Cemetery peace beats a sweat-soaked walk. This Segway tour in Bonaventure Cemetery helps you cover a huge area while taking in calm river views.

Two things I like right away are the safety training that gets you comfortable fast, and the way the guide steers you to standout graves such as Johnny Mercer.

One consideration: plan extra buffer in your schedule since timing can run late on some days.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Up to 10 riders for a quieter, more personalized pace
• Segway training first so first-timers can get moving confidently
• Famous grave stops including Johnny Mercer, Conrad Aiken, and Gracie Watson
• Wilmington River views that make the ride feel open and serene
• Break-friendly guidance with moments to step off and rest if you need it
• Helmet guidance: you can bring your own, and one is available if you need it

Why a Segway Tour Fits Bonaventure Cemetery So Well

Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah is beautiful, but it’s also big. That’s the main reason this Segway format works so well: you get around without turning the visit into a long, exhausting slog. Instead of spending all your energy on walking, you can actually enjoy the setting and the stories.

I also like that the ride has a gentle rhythm. It’s not a race through paths. You move at a human pace, and you still get enough time to notice details like names, dates, and cemetery symbolism when your guide points them out.

The river side adds to it too. Even if you’re not deep into cemetery lore, you’ll probably appreciate how often the scenery opens up along the Wilmington River. The whole experience feels calmer than you’d expect from a motorized gadget.

Your 90-Minute Route: Meet, Train, Then Glide Through Time

The tour starts at the cemetery, at 330 Bonaventure Rd, Thunderbolt, GA 31404. You’ll want to arrive about 15 minutes early so you can check in and get ready without feeling rushed.

Right after you meet, you’ll get Segway training. This matters because Bonaventure is not a flat parking lot. You’ll be riding on cemetery paths with turns, slopes, and tight spaces. The guide shows you how to steer and how to slow down or stop smoothly. If you’re new, this early instruction is the difference between enjoying the ride and spending the whole time worried about balance.

Once training is done, you head out on the main loop. As you move through the grounds, the guide shares history and stories tied to the people you’ll see. Think of it as a guided narrative walk, but with wheels—so you stay fresh for more stops.

One practical upside: the format keeps the group together. In a walking tour, people start drifting because some guests walk faster, some stop to photograph, and some need breaks. On a Segway tour, the guide can manage that flow. The small group size helps here too (maximum 10 travelers).

The Best Part: Stop at Graves You Actually Want to See

This is not a random drive-by tour. It’s built around major names and specific sites you’ll recognize—or be glad you learned about.

As you ride, you’ll get to visit the graves of Johnny Mercer, Conrad Aiken, and Gracie Watson. These are the kinds of names that help you connect the cemetery to Savannah as a living place, not just a quiet postcard.

Here’s why these stops are a big deal for your experience:

• You’ll see the sites that most people come for, without hunting them down on your own.
• Your guide can explain what you’re looking at, including the symbolism and tombstone details that you might miss if you just wander.
• You can ask questions in context instead of trying to remember everything later.

If you’re the type who likes a good story with your sightseeing, this part is where the tour tends to feel most rewarding. In multiple experiences, the guides’ storytelling style is what people remember most after the ride.

Wilmington River Views and the Chance of a Little Wildness

One of the underrated bonuses is the setting. Bonaventure sits along the Wilmington River, and the route includes spots where the water views pop out. That matters because cemeteries can feel enclosed, even when they’re beautiful. Here, you often get a sense of open air and distance.

And on some days, you might even see wildlife. One guest described spotting dolphins during the tour. You shouldn’t book your trip expecting dolphins on cue, but it’s a nice reminder that the river can add a little surprise to your ride.

Safety Training That Works for First-Timers (Even When You’re Nervous)

If you’ve never ridden a Segway before, you’re not alone. Several riders came in as total beginners and still felt comfortable quickly.

The key is how the instruction is delivered:

• You get a safety lesson before you ride
• The guide checks that you’re comfortable before moving on
• You’re taught how to handle common moments like turning and slowing

I also like that the guides pay attention to real-life comfort, not just technical basics. One rider mentioned they had mobility challenges and were offered a bicycle option if they weren’t able to ride. Another rider emphasized that even with physical limitations, the Segway felt manageable across the cemetery paths. That doesn’t mean every rider will have the same option, but it does suggest the guides take individual needs seriously.

What to do on your side: wear comfortable shoes and don’t show up planning to wear brand-new soles straight out of the box. Small grippy footing helps you feel confident right away.

What to Wear, Bring, and Pack for a Comfortable Ride

This is a quick tour, so you don’t need to overthink your packing. But a few small items can make it much nicer.

From the practical tips riders shared:

• Bring comfortable shoes (closed-toe helps with comfort on paths)
• If you have one, bring your own helmet; they also provide one if needed
• Sunglasses can be handy since you’ll be outside for the duration

Weather matters in Savannah. Even if it’s not blazing hot, cemeteries can feel cooler near the river and warmer as you move through open stretches. Dress in layers so you’re not overheating during training and the early part of the ride.

Also: bring your phone, but don’t get lost in filming. You’ll have plenty of time to stop and look when your guide brings you to a spot, and the pace is calmer than you might expect.

Price and Value: Is $80 Worth It?

At $80 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. But it can be good value if your goal is to see a lot without spending your whole day walking.

What you’re paying for:

• A Segway experience (Segway access included)
• Guided storytelling focused on major graves
• Training and group management
• A small-group setup (maximum 10 travelers)

The big value point for many people is time and energy. Bonaventure Cemetery is huge, and if you try to walk it all yourself, you can end up with a multi-hour outing that gets tiring fast. One guest specifically said they were glad they didn’t attempt a long walking visit and felt the Segway made it far more doable.

So my take: if you’re visiting Savannah and you want Bonaventure as a high-impact stop, this price can make sense. If you’re traveling on a tight schedule and want to avoid decision fatigue, a guided route can also save mental energy.

If you love slow sightseeing and you’re okay with a long walk, you might prefer self-guided exploring. But for most people, this Segway format is the sweet spot between seeing a lot and staying comfortable.

Getting There From Savannah and Avoiding Timing Headaches

Plan your day around this tour, not the other way around. It begins at 9:30 am, and you meet at the cemetery entrance area in Thunderbolt (not deep in the downtown core). The meeting point is 330 Bonaventure Rd, and the tour ends back at the starting location.

In practice, this means you should sort transportation ahead of time. Some visitors expect a downtown pickup based on how they booked, but the reliable approach is to plan to get yourself to the cemetery without assuming a ride from downtown.

Also, build in extra buffer. One review described a start that was significantly late due to vehicle issues. When that happens, it can push your end time later than the standard about 1 hour 30 minutes.

If you have lunch reservations or another tour right after, give yourself breathing room. This isn’t the kind of activity where you want your next stop scheduled to the minute.

Who Should Book This Tour (And Who Might Skip It)

This Segway tour is a great fit if you:

• Want a fast way to cover a large cemetery without turning it into an all-day walk
• Have never ridden a Segway and want guided training
• Enjoy story-driven stops at specific graves like Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken
• Prefer small groups with time for questions

It may be less ideal if you:

• Strongly prefer self-paced wandering without a route
• Are extremely sensitive to any motorized equipment (even with training)
• Have a super tight schedule with no flexibility if timing runs behind

One more note: this is not a casual side quest. You’re going to learn, ride, and look closely at sites. If you like structured sightseeing with context, you’ll likely feel satisfied when you finish.

Final Call: Should You Book the Bonaventure Segway Tour?

I’d book it if Bonaventure is on your Savannah must-do list and you want to see more without getting wiped out by walking. The combination of Segway training, small-group pacing, and specific grave stops makes it a smart way to experience the cemetery—especially if you’re short on time or visiting in warm weather.

If you’re the type who comes to Savannah to learn a place as much as to photograph it, this tour gives you that. And if you’re new to Segways, the early safety instruction is exactly what you want before you start moving through the paths.

If you want a calm, story-forward way to experience Bonaventure Cemetery, this is one of the best bets in town.

FAQ

How long is the Segway tour at Bonaventure Cemetery?

The tour runs about 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately).

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at 330 Bonaventure Rd, Thunderbolt, GA 31404.

What time does the tour start?

The start time listed is 9:30 am.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Does the tour include a Segway and training?

Yes. The experience includes the Segway tour, and you receive instruction and safety training before riding.

What famous graves will we visit?

You’ll visit several notable graves, including Johnny Mercer, Conrad Aiken, and Gracie Watson.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Do I need to bring a helmet?

You can bring your own if you have one, and a helmet is available if needed.