Chris Kelley - Florida Master Naturalist Instructor

Chris is the lead guide and owner of Ripple Effect Ecotours.  A life long obsession with the natural world began in the remote areas of  Baja, Mexico where he was introduced to off-grid, self-sufficient living in "La Frontera", one of the last frontiers in North America.  The abundance of marine life in the Sea of Cortez, in contrast to the stark Baja Desert, led Chris on a journey of the natural world exploring the the vast American landscape over the next decade by both land and sea.  After two years exploring the Florida coastlines on their 34' sailboat, Rift, Chris and his wife settled into the quaint seaside town of St. Augustine, Florida because nowhere else had they encountered such an abundance of untouched natural beauty in the Sunshine State.  Chris attended college and studied science and education with the pursuit of conservation.  He now teaches from a kayak!

 Joe Woodbury - Florida Master Naturalist Instructor and a Certified Interpreter

Joe is a professional naturalist and just last year received the "Kenner Award", that is the state's highest-ranking award for natural interpretation.  An avid birder, a practitioner of Zen, and an in-depth knowledge of the Timucuan Indians, Joe is an incredible resource for anyone seeking insights and natural Florida.  Using his background in education,  Joe covers all aspects of being.  Whether you join him on the Indians of the Estuary Kayak Tour, where Joe recreates the sights, sounds, and aromas of a traditional Timucuan encampment, or on The Zen Kayak Tour, where Joe teaches mindfulness and kayaking, one can only benefit from his awareness about all that is integral to connecting with yourself and the land beneath your feet.  

Danny Lippi - Florida Master Naturalist Instructor and a Certified Arborist

Danny is a bird, mammal, and reptile expert from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm.  Danny has been guiding ecotours in the area for almost a decade and excels in kayaking technique, ecology, raptors, and music.  Danny can teach you how to role a kayak and, at the same time, identify a Cooper's Hawk 1000' over his head.  A serious commitment to conservation, all levels of kayak skills including whitewater, and undeniable knowledge and integrity makes Danny one of the finest kayak guides ever!

Matt Monroe - Coastal Florida Master Naturalist

Matt is known as "the game warden" on our catch and release eco-educational kayak fishing tours for his unwavering commitment to preservation of the Red Drum fisheries here in Florida.  Yes, he will make you put the fish back........and do so with a smile.  He will use his background in photography to capture the moment for years to come.  And then he will teach you the ecology of the fisheries in Florida to preserve them for his future grandchildren.  Nowhere else will you find this level of integrity on a fishing charter!