Kayak Adventures

St. Augustine Eco Tours offers one of the most unique and user friendly kayak tours in the Southeast. Our permanent location puts us in the heart of Historic Downtown St. Augustine. What better spot to experience the water in the way people did centuries ago. We have a dedicated slip at the city marina where a specialized kayak dock makes getting in and out of the kayaks the easiest part of the trip. Extremely stable tandem kayaks with rudders make steering a breeze for beginners or the more experienced paddler.

No experience is necessary for our 2 hour guided nature tour. This is the perfect combination of instruction and nature! A brief paddling clinic will get you comfortable with your paddle and kayak. Before getting into the boats, your guide will instruct you on the basics of how to hold and use your paddle in the most efficient way. You'll do a little kayak-specific stretching while you get comfortable with the equipment on land and learn our safety protocol. Then, your guide will take you on a paddle under the Bridge of Lions, past the Spanish fort and into the saltwater marshes of the historic mission grounds.

FEARLESS GUIDE RYAN

Our kayaks are Necky Manatou II's. After test driving hundreds of kayaks, we chose these because of their absolute stability and performance. The first boat made that successfully converts from a tandem to solo kayak without losing it's efficiency, this boat allows experienced paddlers--and guides--to man it alone. The majority of our guests enjoy having a partner do some of the work so that they can take turns snapping photos and stopping to observe sea turtles or shore birds as they glide along. Equipped with adjustable seats, foot pegs and rudders, these are comfortable for even the elderly or large paddlers.

To get paddlers from the dock into the kayaks we have a state of the art kayak launcher. This allows guides to help get you fitted into your boat and then literally lower you right into the water. If you've ever tried getting into a kayak from a dock, or even the shore for that matter, then you know why we found this a worthwhile investment.

The only thing better than our equipment is our guides! Everyone of our kayak guides is a certified interpretive naturalist who will bring the surroundings to life for you. As you paddle North on the Matanzas River, they will teach you about the ecology of our fabulous estuary system. From the micro-organisms in the water to the enormous Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin, from the baby sea turtles to the Osprey diving above you, our guides will explain WHY these creatures are here and how they are all interacting in the salt marsh.

If you have kayaked all over the world, come see what we have to protect right here in St. Augustine---or, if you've never even tried it, we'll give you an experience you'll want to come back for.

CASTILLO de SAN MARCO & HOSPITAL CREEK BELOW

THE BEST CONTACT WITH ANY WILDLIFE IS EYE CONTACT.

How to Book: Please call for trip times and rates. Reservations are required and St. Augustine Eco Tours will take a Visa or Mastercard number to reserve your spot. We have a twenty-four hour cancelation policy. As far as weather goes--trust us! We're never going to take you out in the rain or unsafe conditions, but please leave that up to your Guide. Tropical showers are common here in season so we just ask that you show up unless you hear from us. If we see a problem we'll try to give you some advance notice in the hours before your trip.

What to Wear/Bring: SHOES that will stay on your feet. No flip flops or slides if possible. Tennis shoes, Crocs, and sandals with a back strap all work well. Comfortable clothes--the only water you'll get is from the drip of your paddle. Some passengers stay dry and others, well, it just depends if you're a wet paddler. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. We encourage you to bring a camera if you like. Most paddlers find that storing it in a ziplock bag or small camera case will keep the paddle spray off.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is a fairly recent addition to the state park system. The tour begins at 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd, Palmcoast, Florida. The parks former owner was a chairman of the board at GE and RCA. In 1965 the 425 acre parcel was given to the state with the stipulation that the gardens be “maintained in their present form ” and expanded as funds become available. There is an ancient native american (Timucuan) shell mound on the grounds. More than 100 species of birds have been identified at the park, some being birds of prey such as: Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Swallow-tailed Kite and several hawk species. The paddle though the Matanzas River may also bring us close to Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin, Florida Manatee and Green Sea Turtle along with many other species.

Guana River GTM NERR

The Guana River is an excellent venue for examining untouched Florida. It is protected as part of the 7th largest (55,000 acres) national estuarine research reserve. The earliest settlers known to this area, over 5000 years ago, have left testament of their use of this estuarine environment. The Timucuan, those ancient settlers, may have been discovered here by famous Spanish Explorer, Juan Ponce De Leon, who “found the Fountain of Youth”. The tour starts at the reserve on 2690 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd. Today, many indigenous animals still inhabit this alcove of beauty, such as: Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin, Bald Eagle, Brown Pelican, Florida Manatee, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, and many more…

Moses Creek Conservation Area

Faver-Dykes State Park

Pellicer Creek is full of native wildlife to view on a kayak trip. The tour begins at Faver Dykes State Park at 1000 Faver Dykes Rd. There have been over 100 species of birds identified in the park, including: Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron and Peregrine Falcon, to name a few. While paddling in the creek it is possible to see Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin and on rare occasions the elusive, cold blooded American Alligator. The tidal flats of Pellicer Creek attract many species of fish and birds, at lower tides. Whatever the tide, Pellicer Creek offers an optimum view of the areas native species.

Moultrie Creek

Moultrie Creek is an excellent site to paddle in the immediate, native St. Augustine area. The oyster beds and tidal beaches along the creek attract many indigenous fish and bird species. The creek empties into the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, where Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin are often seen. Florida Manatees are also occasionally sighted. The Osprey is ever present, looking to dive for it’s next fish from heights up to several stories high. Enjoy a view of native St. Augustine with minimal impact to the ecosystem.

Guana Lake GTM NERR

Guana Lake is a great place to view many of over 230 species of birds, including Bald Eagle. It is protected as part of the 7th largest (55,000 acres) national estuarine research reserve. The earliest settlers known to this area, over 5000 years ago, left testament of their use of this estuarine environment. The Timucuan, those ancient settlers, may have been discovered here by famous Spanish Explorer, Juan Ponce De Leon, who “found the Fountain of Youth”. The tour starts at the reserve on 2690 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd. Today, many other native animals inhabit the reserve. One of those animals may be the cold-blooded, elusive and mostly nocturnal American Alligator.

Six Mile Landing Guana Lake GTM NERR

Guana Lake is part of an example of a wildlife refuge with over 230 identified bird species. Guana Island will be very close on this tour, with at least 25 known archaeological sites. From the launch area the channel becomes narrow, and all sorts of otherwise rarely viewed species will be seen closer. The ever-present Brown Pelican will dive, as it’s not so often observed relative, the American White Pelican, will swim in groups to fish. The elusive Roseate Spoonbill, with distinct pink plumage, will strain for food as the Great Blue Heron waits to spear a meal next to the sleeping American Alligator. This and much more can all be experienced almost upon arrival at Guana Reserve’s 6 Mile Boat Landing, just off A1A in South Ponte Vedra Beach (6 miles north of Guana Dam and environmental education center or 0.3 mile south of the North Beach Access parking).

3 hour Moses Creek Conservation Area

Moses Creek Conservation Area is as untouched as St. Augustine gets. Protected by the St. John’s River Water Management District it is undeveloped and inaccessible by motor. The creek has a few sites for camping and observation, as well as, several miles of hiking trails. We will be able to get out and stretch legs and backs at one of these points. The trip begins at the Frank Butler Park West on 399 Riverside Blvd. We will paddle the Matanzas River -which is home to Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin, Bald Eagle, Belted Kingfisher, Florida Manatee, Osprey- to get to Moses Creek. The salt marsh and rain shed surrounding Moses Creek may hide many diving and wading birds, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, and at the far end of the creek the very docile, elusive, American Alligator may be seen.

3 hour Faver-Dykes State Park

Pellicer Creek is full of native wildlife to view on a kayak trip. The tour begins at Faver Dykes State Park at 1000 Faver Dykes Rd. There have been over 100 species of birds identified in the park, including: Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron and Peregrine Falcon, to name a few. While paddling in the creek it is possible to see Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin and on rare occasions the elusive, cold blooded American Alligator. We will paddle into the canals surrounding Princess Place Preserve, last owned by a local widow who went on to marry a exiled Russian Prince. The Preserve is about 1500 acres in total and a large part of the 7th largest national estuarine research reserve. Enjoy all that this 3 hour tour has to offer in the way of pristine native habitat and species.

Backcountry Kayak Excursions
9 new kayak experiences in 7 locations

St. Augustine Eco Tours is excited to announce the addition of seven new kayaking locations. The decision to branch out was driven by the requests of our returning customers looking for new environments to experience via kayak. Instructors responsible for these trips know each location like the back of their hand. Each location offers something different and we are looking forward to introducing guests to these remote kayak locations. We call these experiences "Backcountry Kayak Excursions". They are available for all levels of kayaker from the first timer to experienced paddler.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY ON THE RIVER

Rates:
2 hour Salt Marsh Kayak Trip $45 Adults/ $35 kids 6-12
these trips leave from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina
2 hour Backcountry Kayak Trip $55 Adults/ $45 kids 6-12
these trips leave from 7 different river access locations
3 hour Backcountry Kayak Trip $75 Adults/ $55 kids 6-12
Please ask about weekly specials!