Boat Tours

Backwater Explorer Boat Excursion

This mid-morning boat excursion, limited to only 10 guests, will explore the tidal creeks and rivers of the estuary. Guided by a professional Marine Naturalist and USCG Captain, this excursion covers over 15 miles of rivers and creeks in search of birdlife, dolphins, sea turtles and whatever pops up. During the course of the trip guests will experience many elements of the ecosystem and a variety of marine life that may include the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin and Florida Manatee. Guests observed Bald Eagles, immature Little Blue Herons, Ruddy Turnstones, Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Least terns, Sandpipers, Brown Pelicans and dozens more in 2019. The vessels utilized for this excursion are custom made for the purpose for wildlife viewing & photography. The boats are safe & dry with comfortable seating. Most photographers are comfortable shooting up to 500mm handheld. There is no room for tripods, monopods are ok, but tend to pick up the micro-vibrations of the boat.

Meeting Location: St. Augustine Ecotours, Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez - ticket booth “B” in the courtyard street side of marina office

Price: $65

Difficulty Level: Undemanding

Min/Max No. People: 4/10

Sunrise Birding & Nature Boat Excursion

Rise and Shine with the animals of the salt marsh. This professionally guided boat trip reserved for 10 guests or less will take guests off the Northern rip of Anastasia State Park to capture the sunrise over the ocean. The group will then explore the narrow creeks of the estuary following the morning light. Clapper Rails, Wood Storks, ‘black Skimmers, American Oyster Catchers, Roseate Spoonbills, Ospreys, Terns, Herons & Egrets are favorites on this excursion. Your USCG Captain and Interpretive Marine Naturalist will introduce premiere photography locations and explain the various elements of the ecosystems. Human early birds will have the experience of a lifetime, as sunrise trips are truly exceptional. The vessels utilized for this excursion are custom made for the purpose for wildlife viewing & photography. The boats are safe & dry with comfortable seating. Most photographers are comfortable shooting up to 500mm handheld. There is no room for tripods, monopods are ok, but tend to pick up the micro-vibrations of the boat.

Meeting Location: St. Augustine Ecotours, Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez - ticket booth “B” in the courtyard street side of marina office

Price: $65

Difficulty Level: Undemanding

Min/Max No. People: 4/10

Sunset Birding & Nature Boat Excursion

There is something very special about sunsets in the estuary. Humans & wildlife both seem to be at ease. Feeding is complete at this time for most birds and we find groups of Roseate Spoonbills, Egrets, Herons, and the rare and elusive White Pelicans congregating on the shell banks. The trip is limited to 10 guests and travels north of the historic city up the Tolomato River to observe birds socializing along the riverbanks. Favorites from 2019 include White Pelicans, Common Loons, Roseate Spoonbills, and Black-bellied Plovers, North of the Guana River we will stop beneath an Osprey nest to look for new additions to the family. Experience the epic light of sunset with a professional guide with 25 years experience. The vessels utilized for this excursion are custom made for the purpose for wildlife viewing & photography. The boats are safe & dry with comfortable seating. Most photographers are comfortable shooting up to 500mm handheld. There is no room for tripods, monopods are ok, but tend to pick up the micro-vibrations of the boat.

Meeting Location: St. Augustine Ecotours, Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez

Price: $65

Difficulty Level: Undemanding

Min/Max No. People: 4/10