If you want Savannah without the slow slog, try this. A Segway tour turns huge Bonaventure Cemetery into a smooth, story-filled ride along the Wilmington River. You get safety training up front, then cover more ground than most walkers.

Two things I especially like: the quick instruction for first-timers, and the way the guide ties stops together with clear cemetery stories. If you’re lucky enough to ride with Neil or Carolyn, you’ll likely get lots of detail, plus a guide who makes sure you’re comfortable before you head out.

One thing to watch: the cemetery meet-up is at Bonaventure itself, and a bit of delay can happen when pickups get mixed in. Plan your day with a small buffer, especially if you have other reservations nearby.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel on this tour

• Segway training that helps new riders get rolling fast (including safety setup before you tour)
• Small group size (max 10) for more attention and fewer traffic issues in the cemetery
• Famous names on the route: Johnny Mercer, Conrad Aiken, and Gracie Watson
• Wilmington River views while you cruise through one of Savannah’s most memorable cemeteries
• Comfort-first guidance, including the option to take a step-off break during the tour (and in at least one case, a bicycle alternative if someone couldn’t comfortably ride)

Why Bonaventure by Segway beats walking

Bonaventure Cemetery is big. That’s the kind of big that makes walking feel like a whole separate day, especially in heat and sun. With a Segway tour, you still get the cemetery experience, but you move at a pace that lets you see more without burning out.

This is also a nicer fit for people who want structure. Instead of wandering and guessing where the important graves are, you get a route with a guide who helps connect what you’re seeing. And since the cemetery sits along the Wilmington River, the ride gives you moments where the view actually registers, not just the next step.

The safety training: the part that makes the whole tour work

The tour starts at Bonaventure Cemetery, where you meet the group and get Segway instruction before you head out. You’ll be taught how to handle the Segway safely, and the guide gives coaching while you practice until you’re comfortable.

The biggest practical win here is speed. Several first-time riders reported feeling up and running quickly—one even noted it took only a couple of minutes to learn. That matters, because you don’t want your tour to turn into a long lesson. You want to get out on the grounds and start seeing what you came for.

Helmets are part of the deal. They’re provided if you need one, but if you already own a helmet, bring it. Also, bring what helps you see clearly: sunglasses are a simple upgrade, and comfortable shoes matter because you’ll still be stepping around before and after your ride.

Your route through Bonaventure Cemetery (what you’ll see, and why it’s special)

You meet at 330 Bonaventure Road and should arrive about 15 minutes early. The tour’s scheduled for 9:30 am and runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, starting and ending back at the same meeting point.

Once the training is done, you’ll glide through the cemetery while your guide shares stories. The tour includes stops for a few famous graves—most notably Johnny Mercer, Conrad Aiken, and Gracie Watson. The value isn’t just the names. It’s that someone walks you through the why: who these people were, and how cemetery symbolism and design show up in the graves and monuments you’re seeing.

You’ll also enjoy the setting itself. Bonaventure’s location along the Wilmington River means there are stretches where the air feels different and the water view becomes part of the experience. One reason I’d pick this over a strictly on-foot visit: the ride keeps you moving so you can actually enjoy the scenery without constantly pausing for fatigue.

Stop points you can plan around

• Beginning at Bonaventure Cemetery: meet, gear up, then practice your Segway control.
• Famous grave stops: the tour specifically calls out Johnny Mercer, Conrad Aiken, and Gracie Watson.
• River-view cruising: expect scenic pauses and easier enjoyment of the grounds because you aren’t walking the entire time.

The guide makes or breaks it: Neil and Carolyn as examples

A lot of tours say the guide is great. This one actually shows you what that looks like through the stories and the coaching. Guides like Neil and Carolyn are repeatedly mentioned for making the information clear and for keeping the group safe and comfortable.

In practical terms, what that means for you is less guesswork. You’ll get explanations as you ride, and the guide keeps an eye on how everyone is handling the Segways. That’s especially important in a cemetery setting where you want to move carefully and quietly.

One small but meaningful detail from experience: guides make space for breaks. At least one rider described being allowed to step off for a moment when needed, which is a relief if your legs or balance need a pause. In that same story, the guide offered a bicycle option when someone had trouble riding. You shouldn’t assume this will happen for everyone, but it’s a good sign that the team thinks about comfort, not just speed.

Small group size: max 10, and you’ll feel it

This tour caps at 10 travelers. That’s not just a number—it affects how the tour feels.

With a smaller group, the guide can check on each rider more easily. It’s also easier to manage the flow through the cemetery paths so you don’t end up following a slow line for long stretches. You get more attention during training, and fewer people means less waiting.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes a bit of interaction—asking questions, hearing the guide answer in context, not just reciting facts—this setup helps.

Price and value: is $80 actually fair?

$80 per person sounds like a splurge until you compare it to the alternative: walking Bonaventure at its real size. One rider put the walking problem bluntly—this cemetery is so large that a walking visit can easily stretch to hours and become exhausting. Segways don’t just add fun. They add efficiency.

Here’s the value math I’d use:

• You’re paying for time saved and energy saved.
• You’re paying for a guided route to key graves rather than roaming.
• You’re paying for instruction and safety management, which matters if you’ve never ridden before.

It also helps that what’s included is straightforward: the Segway tour and taxes are part of the price. So you’re not paying extra once you’re there beyond any personal comfort items like sunglasses or a helmet you bring yourself.

Also, this tends to be booked ahead—on average about 26 days in advance. That’s often a sign that the slots fill up, especially around popular times. If you have a specific day you want, book earlier rather than playing the waiting game.

What to bring (and what to skip)

You don’t need much, but a few choices can make the tour smoother.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll still be moving on foot at key moments)
• Sunglasses if the glare bothers you
• A helmet if you have one, though they provide them if needed

Skip unnecessary stuff:

• Big bags you don’t need for a 90-minute outing
• Anything that limits your movement or balance

One more practical hint: if you want photos, think about timing. The ride gives you access to viewpoints and monuments without you standing in the same spot for long. But you’ll still want to be ready when the guide stops.

Timing and expectations: how the 90 minutes usually feels

The tour is listed at about 1 hour 30 minutes. In real life, you should plan for it to run a bit longer, because there can be delays when coordinating guests. One experience noted a late start due to vehicle issues and pickup timing, and also mentioned the tour finished later than expected.

What to do with this info: schedule nothing tight right after the tour. Aim for a relaxed next stop, or build in time to grab a drink or a snack afterward. In a place like Savannah, where timing can get chaotic fast, that buffer keeps the day from turning into stress.

Who this tour is best for

This Segway tour is a good fit if you:

• Want to see Bonaventure without turning your legs into the main attraction
• Have never ridden a Segway and want real instruction first
• Prefer a guided route that hits specific, meaningful graves
• Like small groups and a bit of interaction with the guide

It may be less ideal if you:

• Need long, frequent stops right away (the tour is designed around a set route and ride flow)
• Don’t feel comfortable riding any kind of motor-assisted device, even with training

If you’re worried about mobility or balance, this is still worth asking about in advance. The team has shown flexibility in at least one case by offering a bicycle option when someone couldn’t ride comfortably.

Final verdict: should you book this Bonaventure Segway tour?

I’d book it if you want Savannah in a smart, fun way. This tour delivers on three big goals: it helps you learn the cemetery without walking the entire grounds, it covers key graves like Johnny Mercer and Gracie Watson, and it gets first-time riders set up with hands-on safety training.

I would hesitate only if your schedule is extremely tight or you can’t handle a possible late start. Otherwise, the small group size, the river-view setting, and the guide-led stories make it a high-value way to experience Bonaventure.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Segway tour?

You meet at 330 Bonaventure Road (Bonaventure Cemetery area).

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time listed is 9:30 am.

How long is the Segway tour?

It runs about 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.).

Do I need prior experience riding a Segway?

No. The guide provides safety and instructional training so new riders can learn.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Helmets are provided if you need one, and you can bring your own if you have it.

How many people are in a group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Which famous graves are included in the tour?

The tour includes stops at graves of Johnny Mercer, Conrad Aiken, and Gracie Watson.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What’s the cancellation policy if plans change?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

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