Boat Tours
Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and shutterbugs will find much to appreciate on Florida’s Historic Coast. Get an up-close view of dolphins, wildlife and birds while exploring the water.
Boating Image Gallery
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Boating Adventures
WED 6:30 - 8:15 A.M.
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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
WED 9 - 10:45 A.M.
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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
WED 4 - 5:45 P.M.
Animals of the Estuary Boat Excursion
This late-afternoon 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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
WED 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Sunset Birding Eco-Boat Tour from Marineland
Explore the far reaches of some of the best birding habitats in the Northeast Florida on the “Ripple Effect 1”. This unique vessel has no propeller as you glide across the water with an ease of mind knowing wildlife is safe from propeller strikes.
Meeting Location: Ripple Effect Ecotours, 101 Tolstoy Lane
Price: $60
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 3/5
WED 6:15 - 8 P.M.
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
THURS 6:30 - 8:15 A.M.
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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
THURS 9 - 10:45 A.M.
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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
THURS 9 - 11 A.M.
Matanzas Inlet Explorer Boat Ecotour from Marineland
Explore the dynamic habitats of the Matanzas Basin. Your Florida Master Naturalists guide and US Coast Guard licensed captain will introduce you to the only natural inlet on the east coast of Florida, the Matanzas Inlet. Get your cameras ready: this one is a crowd pleaser.
Meeting Location: Ripple Effect Ecotours, 101 Tolstoy Lane
Price: $60
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 3/5
THURS 12 - 2 P.M.
High Noon Wings Over Florida Eco- Boat Tour from Marineland
This ecological trip explores birds and the biodiversity of the National Estuarine Research Reserve and the 40,000 acres of pristine coastal habitat in the Matanzas Basin south of St. Augustine. Traverse otherwise unreachable areas like the tidal creeks of the Pellicer Flats, the natural coquina rock outcroppings and the very shallow Matanzas Inlet, a stopover for migratory birds, sea turtles, the Florida Manatee and the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin.
Meeting Location: Ripple Effect Ecotours, 101 Tolstoy Lane
Price: $60
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 3/5
THURS 4 - 5:45 P.M.
Animals of the Estuary Boat Excursion
This late-afternoon 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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
THURS 5 - 7 P.M.
Birders Evening Eco- Explorer Boat Tours from Marineland
The ambient twilight as the sun begins to approach the horizon unveils a natural landscape void of human development. Point your cameras at the wonders of nature under best natural lighting of the festival or just enjoy some of the most natural landscapes in coastal Florida aboard the “Ripple Effect One”. This unique vessel has n no propeller as you glide across the water with an ease of mind knowing wildlife is safe from injury by propeller strikes.
Meeting Location: Ripple Effect Ecotours, 101 Tolstoy Lane
Price: $60
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 3/5
THURS 6:15 - 8 P.M.
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
FRI 6:30 - 8:15 A.M.
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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
FRI 9 - 11 A.M.
Matanzas Inlet Explorer Boat Ecotour from Marineland
Explore the dynamic habitats of the Matanzas Basin. Your Florida Master Naturalists guide and US Coast Guard licensed captain will introduce you to the only natural inlet on the east coast of Florida, the Matanzas Inlet. Get your cameras ready: this one is a crowd pleaser.
Meeting Location: Ripple Effect Ecotours, 101 Tolstoy Lane
Price: $60
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 3/5
FRI 9 - 10:45 A.M.
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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
FRI 12 - 2 P.M.
High Noon Wings Over Florida Eco- Boat Tour from Marineland
This ecological trip explores birds and the biodiversity of the National Estuarine Research Reserve and the 40,000 acres of pristine coastal habitat in the Matanzas Basin south of St. Augustine. Traverse otherwise unreachable areas like the tidal creeks of the Pellicer Flats, the natural coquina rock outcroppings and the very shallow Matanzas Inlet, a stopover for migratory birds, sea turtles, the Florida Manatee and the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin.
Meeting Location: Ripple Effect Ecotours, 101 Tolstoy Lane
Price: $60
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 3/5
FRI 3 - 5 P.M.
Late Afternoon Birding Delight Eco-Boat Tour from Marineland
This ecological trip explores birds and the biodiversity of the National Estuarine Research Reserve and the 40,000 acres of pristine coastal habitat in the Matanzas Basin south of St. Augustine. Traverse otherwise unreachable areas like the tidal creeks of the Pellicer Flats, the natural coquina rock outcroppings and the very shallow Matanzas Inlet, a stopover for migratory birds, sea turtles, the Florida Manatee and the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin.
Meeting Location: Ripple Effect Ecotours, 101 Tolstoy Lane
Price: $60
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 3/5
FRI 4 - 5:45 P.M.
Animals of the Estuary Boat Excursion
This late-afternoon 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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
FRI 6:15 - 8 P.M.
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
SAT 6:30 - 8:15 A.M.
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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
SAT 9 - 10:45 A.M.
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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
SAT 10 - 12 P.M.
Good Morning Birding by Boat Ecotour from Marineland
Explore the far reaches of the best birding habitats in the Northeast Florida on the “Ripple Effect 1”, an alternative “super yacht tender”. This unique vessel has no propeller as you glide across the water with an ease of mind knowing wildlife is safe from injury by propeller strikes. Bring your tripod and set up for the morning glory and birding paradise.
Meeting Location: Ripple Effect Ecotours, 101 Tolstoy Lane
Price: $60
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 3/5
SAT 2 - 4 P.M.
Mid Afternoon Birding Delight Eco- Boat Tour from Marineland
This ecological trip explores birds and the biodiversity of the National Estuarine Research Reserve and the 40,000 acres of pristine coastal habitat in the Matanzas Basin south of St. Augustine. Traverse otherwise unreachable areas like the tidal creeks of the Pellicer Flats, the natural coquina rock outcroppings and the very shallow Matanzas Inlet, a stopover for migratory birds, sea turtles, the Florida Manatee and the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin.
Meeting Location: Ripple Effect Ecotours, 101 Tolstoy Lane
Price: $60
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 3/5
SAT 4 - 5:45 P.M.
Animals of the Estuary Boat Excursion
This late-afternoon 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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
SAT 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Twilight Birding Ecotour from Marineland
The ambient twilight as the sunsets unveils a natural landscape void of human development. Point your cameras at the wonders of nature under best natural lighting of the festival or just enjoy some of the most natural landscapes in coastal Florida aboard the “Ripple Effect One”. Potential to view lots of great birds when paddling including Black-crowned Night Herons, Northern Harriers, Owls and Clapper Rails in the marsh as the sunsets.
Meeting Location: Ripple Effect Ecotours, 101 Tolstoy Lane
Price: $60
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 3/5
SAT 6:15 - 8 P.M.
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
SUN 6:30 - 8:15 A.M.
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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
SUN 9 - 11 A.M.
Mid-Morning Birds in Flight Boat Eco-tour
This ecological trip explores birds and the biodiversity of the National Estuarine Research Reserve: 14 miles of pristine coastal habitat in the Matanzas Basin south of St. Augustine: Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers, Great Horned Owl, Osprey, Whimbrels, Black Bellied Plovers, Semipalmated Plovers, Piping Plovers, Wilson’s Plovers, Spotted Sandpipers, Willets, Dunlin, Sandpipers, Yellow Legs, Roseate Spoonbills, seaside Sparrows, Terns, Red Knots and many other species.
Meeting Location: Ripple Effect Ecotours, 101 Tolstoy Lane
Price: $60
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 3/5
SUN 9 - 10:45 A.M.
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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
SUN 4 - 5:45 P.M.
Animals of the Estuary Boat Excursion
This late-afternoon 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
Price: $65
Difficulty Level: Undemanding
Min/Max No. People: 4/10
SUN 6:15 - 8 P.M.
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