A cemetery on a Segway sounds weird—until it works. In Savannah’s Bonaventure Cemetery, you’ll get hands-on training, then ride a smooth loop through a huge historic landscape with river views and famous names along the way.

I really liked how the guide runs a proper safety + skills lesson before you start moving, so even first-timers feel in control quickly. I also loved the storytelling stops—Johnny Mercer, Conrad Aiken, and Gracie Watson—because they turn the walkways into something you can picture instead of just read about.

One thing to keep in mind: the meeting spot is at Bonaventure Cemetery itself (not downtown), and the ride can run a bit longer if the operation is delayed, so don’t stack tight plans right after.

Key things that make this Segway tour worth your time

• A guided “learn fast” Segway training right at the cemetery so you’re not guessing
• Cover more cemetery in less time than walking (this place is big)
• Small group size (max 10) for easier pacing and more questions
• Famous grave stops including Johnny Mercer, Conrad Aiken, and Gracie Watson
• Wilmington River views that make the ride feel like a quiet break, not a chore
• Most people can ride, with staff focused on comfort and safe control

Why Bonaventure Cemetery feels made for a Segway

Bonaventure Cemetery is one of those Savannah places that looks peaceful from the gate… and then you realize it’s massive. If you walk, you spend a lot of energy just moving from one lane to the next—especially on warm days or if your knees get cranky. A Segway changes the math. You still get the emotional weight of the cemetery, but you can actually see more of it without turning it into a full-day hike.

What I like about this format is the pacing. Your guide doesn’t just toss you into a ride. They get you comfortable first, then you glide between notable graves at a speed that lets you look, listen, and absorb details. One reason the feedback score is so high is simple: the “fun” part and the “this is interesting” part happen at the same time.

You’ll also be on the move through areas where you get glimpses toward the Wilmington River. That matters because the cemetery isn’t just tombstones; it’s a setting. When the water shows up between trees and monuments, it helps the whole visit feel less like a stop-and-go tour and more like a calm, guided stroll—powered by technology.

Your 90-minute plan: training, the ride, and key graves

This tour is about 1 hour 30 minutes in total, and the experience starts at the cemetery. You meet at 330 Bonaventure Rd, Thunderbolt, GA 31404, with a start time of 9:30 am. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early so you can get your equipment and be ready for the training portion.

Stop: Bonaventure Cemetery

Once you meet up, the session starts with Segway instructions and safety training. If you’ve never ridden before, you’re not the only one. Many first-timers say it clicks quickly, especially once you watch the safety lesson and the guide helps you get comfortable with turning, stopping, and basic control.

Then you roll out into the cemetery itself.

Along the way, your guide shares the cemetery’s story and points out a few standout graves. The key names you can expect include:

• Johnny Mercer
• Conrad Aiken
• Gracie Watson

These are the kinds of names that help you connect the cemetery to Savannah’s larger cast of characters. It’s one thing to see a grave marker; it’s another to understand why that person is still remembered and how the cemetery fits into the city’s memory.

You’ll also enjoy the scenery during the ride. Bonaventure sits near the Wilmington River, and the water views show up in the route often enough to keep things from feeling repetitive. On top of that, some people have even reported wildlife sightings during the tour—like dolphins in the river—so if the day’s right, you might get a little extra spectacle.

What this timing gets you (and what it doesn’t)

This is not a half-day “wander forever” kind of visit. In about 90 minutes, you should expect to see highlights, learn stories tied to those spots, and feel like you got a real overview of the cemetery layout. If you want to linger at every single monument for a long time, you’ll probably want to do a self-guided return visit afterward.

Still, for most visitors, the value is the balance: enough time to hear the stories, enough movement to cover the cemetery without fatigue, and a group format that keeps the experience from dragging.

Guides who keep first-time riders comfortable (Neil and Carolyn)

In the reviews, the guide names Neil and Carolyn come up again and again, and it’s not just because they’re friendly. The standout theme is how they handle the “new to Segway” moment.

Here’s what matters for you: the training doesn’t feel like a rushed lecture. Guides help you get up and running fast, and they keep checking that everyone is comfortable as the ride starts. That’s especially reassuring if you’re a cautious rider or you don’t love feeling wobbly—even for a few minutes.

Another thing I like is that the better guides tailor the flow to the group. Some riders have limited range of motion and still found the experience workable. One person even mentioned an option to take a bicycle instead of a Segway when it made sense. I can’t promise that will be available for every guest, but it shows the staff mindset: they seem focused on matching the activity to real comfort levels, not just a one-size-fits-all approach.

If you’re choosing a tour based on “who will explain the place,” this one has an advantage. The guides don’t just point and move on. They connect what you’re seeing to Savannah’s people and symbols, and they answer questions rather than shutting them down. That’s why the tour scores feel consistent: the instruction, the riding, and the cemetery stories land together.

Price and value: what $80 buys you in real terms

The cost is $80 per person for about 1 hour 30 minutes. That’s not cheap in the way a basic walking entry ticket is cheap. But the value is in time and energy.

Think about what you’re paying for:

• A Segway (with instruction) rather than a long walk
• A guide who covers specific graves and tells the stories tied to them
• Small group attention, with a maximum of 10 travelers
• Taxes included, and the experience includes the tour itself

Most visitors come to Bonaventure wanting the highlights—Mercer, Aiken, Watson—and they want to do it without spending hours doing leg work in heat. If walking would mean a long slog, the Segway becomes less of a “treat” and more of a practical way to make the visit actually enjoyable. One review compared it directly to the exhaustion of walking and basically said the Segway saved them from turning the cemetery into a long, draining ordeal. That’s exactly the value equation.

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates standing in one place reading while others move on, this fits your style. You get movement plus narration, and that combo helps you feel like you used your time wisely in Savannah.

Safety, gear, and comfort: the small things that change the day

Segway tours are fun, but they’re also mechanical. The good part here is that you don’t have to guess how it works. You get safety instructions and a training session before you ride.

Still, come prepared. Based on what riders recommend:

• Wear comfortable shoes. Smooth surfaces are easier, but you’ll still be standing and moving around the equipment area.
• Bring sunglasses if the light is bright. River-adjacent areas can glare.
• If you have your own helmet, bring it. They also provide one if needed.

Also, if you’re thinking about balance concerns, don’t just assume you’re out. The experience includes riders who are first-timers, and guides have shown they’ll work to keep people safe and comfortable. That said, this is still an active ride, so use good judgment. If you have a serious mobility issue, ask questions before you book so you can match your comfort level with the right equipment.

Finally, service animals are allowed, and the tour operates in a small group, which tends to make the safety flow feel more controlled than big attractions.

Logistics that matter: meeting point, transportation, and timing

The meeting spot is at the cemetery itself: 330 Bonaventure Rd. The start time listed is 9:30 am, and the tour returns you to the same starting point.

A couple practical notes:

• Don’t plan a downtown pickup unless it’s stated clearly for your date. The experience description here emphasizes meeting at the cemetery.
• Build in slack. Some people reported delays due to operational issues (vehicle trouble) and mentioned finishing later than expected. It’s not the norm, but it’s smart to avoid booking a tight next stop right after the tour ends.

On the bright side, the location is described as near public transportation. So if you’re traveling without a car, it’s at least plausible you can get there without a complicated detour.

Who should book this Segway tour (and who might not love it)

I’d book this if you want:

• A first-time-friendly Segway experience with real instruction
• A way to see Bonaventure’s big grounds without a long, exhausting walk
• A guided route that hits major names like Johnny Mercer, Conrad Aiken, and Gracie Watson
• Small-group attention (max 10) so you can ask questions

This is also a solid choice if you’re in Savannah for a short window and want one “high-impact” activity that helps you understand why Bonaventure is so famous.

You might want to think twice if:

• You don’t want to ride anything battery-powered or you dislike the idea of sharing space on a device
• You’re hoping for a totally unhurried, self-directed wandering experience (this tour focuses on highlights in a set timeframe)

Should you book? My honest verdict

If you’re considering how to experience Bonaventure Cemetery without turning it into a long endurance test, I think this is a strong pick. The biggest reasons are practical: the training is built in, the route covers more than walking would in the same time window, and the guide-led storytelling makes the cemetery feel personal rather than just historical signage.

The only real hesitation is timing. If you’re the type who schedules your day down to the minute, leave buffer time. Other than that, the experience is friendly for newcomers and designed so you feel safe while you move.

FAQ

Where is the Segway tour meeting point?

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

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:30 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 1 hour 30 minutes.

How much does it cost?

The price is $80.00 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Do I need prior Segway experience?

No. The tour includes safety and instructional training, and many first-time riders say they get comfortable quickly.

Are helmets provided?

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

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What famous graves will we visit?

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

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.