Our Story
Because I saw a need at Bonaventure
I saw a void in the tour offerings at Bonaventure Cemetery. The options were walking or other physical activities. As a result, there was a significant number of demographic groups who were unserved, particularly those with physical challenges, time constraints and young children with short attention spans. In February 2018, I bought a golden colored golf cart later to be named "Goldie", because we are clever that way. Goldie and I started conducting golf cart tours through Bonaventure Cemetery as Savannah Cruzers. I was a solo act, doing tours 5 or 6 days a week and allowing myself a day or two of rest. Demand skyrocketed and it was immediately apparent that I needed help so golf cart tours could be present for guests seven days a week. I hired another history guide who was instrumental in helping me cultivate what would become an amazing experience for guests, community and the Savannah Cruzers team. A third guide joined us a short while later, followed by a fourth. Very quickly, the need for another tour vehicle was obvious and in October 2019 I bought a white golf cart, named Blanca, and added more history guides. Today, Savannah Cruzers is available for guests every day and can accommodate large groups.
Because I saw a need in Historic Savannah
After enjoying four years of success in Bonaventure Cemetery, the growing number of requests for us to operate tours in Historic Downtown Savannah prompted me to research options for eco-friendly and intimate tour vehicles that would align with our business model and compliment our golf cart tours at Bonaventure. I decided on the six passenger GEM cars for the smooth ride, eco-friendly battery power, comfortable bucket seats and ample leg room. The size of the GEM cars made them the perfect tour vehicle for the intimate and exclusive feel of a small group. In June 2022, we brought three GEM cars ("Ellie", "Frankie" and "Gracie") to Savannah and started our Historic Savannah electric car tours. We are most excited about the clear roofs. A large part of the beauty of Savannah is the rooflines. We encourage looking up. Our clear roofs and the surrounding glass give an “open-air” feel and unobstructed view while being protected from the elements. Pet owners had no real tour options in Savannah if they wanted to bring their favorite children. Because of our cars and business model, we can happily fill that void. We love dogs and fur babies are very welcome! We are one of, if not the only, motorized tour in which you may bring your pets. Our GEM cars are so roomy that a fully-grown adult male Great Dane shared the back seat with his dad and had enough room to turn around and alternate between the driver side and passenger side windows. Heck, we even had a pet turtle enjoy our tour one day. Guests no longer have to leave Fido, or Leonardo, in the hotel room or forfeit bringing them on the trip. Savannah Cruzers is focused on sharing our experience with the whole family. A major tenet of our company is personal and customized service. We put our guests first. Most tour companies in Savannah require guests come to their meeting and loading locations, sometimes on the other side of town. Because of the size and nature of our GEM cars, Savannah Cruzers offers custom pickups and drop-offs throughout Historic Savannah to meet our guests at or close to where they will be at the chosen tour time.
What drives me (besides an electric car, of course)
My business model is driven by the desire to offer the highest quality, most comfortable and historically accurate tours with availability throughout the day. Savannah is a family and dog-friendly town and it was important to me to design my business model to be welcoming to all family members. Before Savannah Cruzers, I had witnessed visitors to Bonaventure Cemetery with mobility issues stranded at the picnic table inside the gates while their families wandered around the cemetery. We made it possible for everyone to explore this beautiful Victorian Garden with their family and friends without being left behind. For them, a tour of Bonaventure would not have been possible had we not been there for them. Knowing that puts a smile on my heart. Many guests are still concerned about COVID or simply don’t want to be another nameless face among a sea of anonymous people lost in the crowd on a vehicle with a large group of strangers. Many of our guests prefer the personal, intimate experience in which they can ask questions, enjoy conversation with our guides and are called by name. Our GEM cars provide a care-free, comfortable and intimate experience through Savannah and Bonaventure.
I think we’re onto something
I am humbled by the wonderful response we have received from our guests. Our Google and other online reviews reflect our love and passion for Savannah. Our growth and expansion creates more job and adventure opportunities. I am proud of the amazing team we have assembled and the outstanding company we have created, and I look forward to many more wonderful guests and memories. Tess
Stars of the Show
Savannah Cruzers has a fun fleet of work horses. Meet our Fleet.
Smokey
Golf Cart
Bella
Golf Cart
