In our continuing effort to provide the best eco-educational kayaking experiences in Northeast Florida,  Ripple Effect Ecotours has now partnered with Marineland and the University of Florida's Whitney Lab.  This new partnership combines an incredible foundation in reaserch, education, conservation, and natural interpretation with unique access to the southern boundary of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM-NERR).  This is the perfect central location to explore the Jordon and Mellon Island Sites that are part of Faver-Dykes State Park, The Princess Place Preseve, and the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve.  This biologically rich area has been described as "the cornerstone behind the nomination of the Matanzas River as the 25th National Estuarine Research Reserve of the United States".  This is where the Matanzas Inlet, one of the only natural inlets on the east coast of Florida, collides with one of the most pristine, undeveloped streams in Florida, The Pellicer Creek.  We are excited to offer comprehensive ecological and cultural kayak tours in this beautiful coastal system.  Tours are $55 per person and include admission into the Marineland Dolphin Conservation Center, guided tour, and photos taken by your naturalist guide!  Don't miss this opportunity to visit the dolphins of Marineland, including several calves born this past year, and also the chance to witness their natural habitat in the Matanzas River.  All from the low-impact, unique perspective of a kayak!  Reservations Required!

Who:  Appropriate for ages 6 and up with no experience required!

Where:  We launch for University of Florida's Whitney Lab just across the street for the Marineland Dolphin Conservation Center.

Duration:  About 2.5 hours

When:  Tours are offered daily but times are dictated by the tides to effectively use the currents to our advantage.

Cost: $55 per person. Please call for group or child discounts.

Click here to view our monthly calendar with online reservations!

Ripple Effect Ecotour Customer Reviews (35)

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Jana said:

We did the faver-dykes trip and it was fantastic ! Our guide, Chris, was extremely knowledgeable about both the ecological and historical aspects of the park. He was also great at checking on the first time kayakers and making sure they were getting on alright without making them feel like they stuck out of the group or like they were being babied. I highly recommend this trip for all ages! The next time I'm down in st. augustine I will definitely be doing the Marineland tour.

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June 24, 2009
Votes: +3

The Smith Family said:

Just wanted to say that this was the best experience that our family had on our whole vacation in St. Augustine! Wow! Dolphins in the river while kayaking and then again at the Dolphin Conservation Center. The kids won't stop talking about it and the pictures are on our screen savers to remind us everyday of the wonderful blue planet that we live on! Thanks for a great trip! Can't wait to come back and do it again!

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July 10, 2009
Votes: +3

Brazzeal Family said:

Our kayak tour way exceeded our expectations. Our guide Chris was fantastic, from teaching us about the history of the area to explaining the ecological balance of the estuary. Everybody in our family gained something from this trip and it was definitely a highlight of our vacation to the Palm Coast. To be able to see dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat was unforgettable. We would highly recommend this tour and plan on trying a different one of their many tours the next time we are in the area. Thank you Chris for the great experience!!!

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July 26, 2009
Votes: +3

Adam Perzynski said:

This was a fantastic tour and the highlight of our vacation. I was a little apprehensive about having our 8 year old daughter ride in the middle while my wife and I paddled, but she had a really great time. We all learned a great deal about the Matanzas ecosystem. I particularly enjoyed the tranquility of being so far away from roads and development. I have already recommended this tour to some friends who will be vacationing in the area, and I look forward to having the chance to do it again. The photos taken by our guide Chris are great and it was a real treat to find them in my inbox upon returning home from vacation.

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July 27, 2009
Votes: +2

Bonnie W. Taylor said:

	My son Charlie and I went on the trip near Marineland. There were dolphins in the river and manatees! It was a lovely, beautiful trip and wonderful experience! I also enjoyed learning about the ecosystem in the area. Its very important to us all. I highly recommend this for anyone!
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August 02, 2009
Votes: +1

Angie S. said:

I had the pleasure of taking an evening tour with Chris and Danny. And then a daytime tour with my husband in the same week with Chris as the guide. Both started from the U. of Fla. site across from Marineland. The evening tour we got to experience about 10 dolphins at sunset, and the setting sun was gorgeous! The morning tour, I saw different plants and snails (big ones) that Chris let us hold. It was my husband's first time to kayak, but their instruction is so great, and they make it so much fun, that everyone has a good time. Both Chris and Danny made it such an enjoyable experience & are so knowledgable. I want to come back now and see manatees. I would recommend these trips to anyone interested in nature and having fun. Great guys!! thanks so much!

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August 04, 2009
Votes: +2

Marissa Quigley said:

I was fortunate enough to experience one of these tours on the Gauna River. I came along with my brother, sister-in-law, his son (almost 9) and his daughter (7) during a morning tour. Chris and Surge (I'm sorry if I spelled this incorrectly!) provided instruction on how to kayak and fascinating information about this important ecosystem. Chris is a natural with delivery of interesting facts about the original peoples of the area, the wildlife and the plants. It is easy to see the excitement and love Chris has for this ecosystem. We saw many birds and fish, which Chris explained the importance of each specific animals' roles. Both my nephew and niece have repeatedly talked about what a special morning this was during our summer trip. I would encourage anyone and everyone to give this tour a try. It was a completely worthwhile experience and something out of the norm for your typical beach vacation.

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August 13, 2009
Votes: +2

SCOTT AND MAUREEN BURNETTE said:

	We had a wonderful time on the Ripple Effects Tour. Danny and Chris were very knowledgeable and very friendly! We were newbie’s to kayaking and they made us feel very comfortable. I would recommend this tour to anyone and everyone! Thanks guys!
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August 23, 2009
Votes: +1

Katy & Maury said:

	Chris & Danny were great! Thanks for splitting up the group so we could paddle up ahead. Really enjoyed the background on the area. Beautiful sights!!
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August 24, 2009
Votes: +1

Sandi, Alan and Clark said:

	My husband and 10 year old son and I had a FANTASTIC time kyaking the GTM-NERR with Chris! The only thing better than experiencing this remarkable ecosystem firsthand, was having a guide that was so knowledgeable and passionate about what we were seeing. Chris was an incredible guide and very patient with first-time kayakers. I highly recommend this experience to everyone! See the real Florida!
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August 24, 2009
Votes: +1

Michael & Maria Lewan said:

We are somewhat experienced kayakers (well, one of us is ) & have been on several guided kayak tours in this area. Our trip to Anastasia Park was, by far, one of the best kayak experiences we've had! The area is spectacular &, as promised, several dolphins made an appearance, along with a dizzying array of other fish species. Chris Kelley's knowledge about the estuary is vast, but even more impressive was the very evident respect he has for these wondrous sea creatures, the dolphins. We were able to watch the dolphins from a distance, never encroaching on their habitat or creating any kind of disturbance that might inhibit their natural behavior. We are looking forward to experiencing other tours with this fabulous company!

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August 29, 2009
Votes: +1

Diane Smith said:

I had never Kayaked before and was a bit (OK a lot) apprehensive about tackling this. However Chris made the trip as relaxing as possible for a type A personality. He gently reminded me about keeping my paddle turned to get the maximum pull in the water and I actually was able to relax, albeit splashing Chris while doing so. I recommend this trip to anyone who wants to know more about Planet Earth- past, present, and future. I will take another tour when I come back to St. Augustine. I feel more comfortable in what to expect with Kayaking and am looking around here in South Georgia/North Florida (SOGANOFLA) for places to explore. Thanks for opening my eyes to a new experience.

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August 29, 2009
Votes: +2

Donna Weitz said:

	Our first time kayaking and Chris made it easy. I recommend the Sunset Tour. The vista takes your breath away. Our waterways here in NE Florida are so beautiful; we all need to enjoy them more and learn more about how to preserve them. Thanks Chris, your delivery was phenomenal. Looking forward to our next trip with EcoTours.
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September 02, 2009
Votes: +2

Dale J Bowers said:

	This was my 5th kayak adventure with Chris and can't wait to do another one upon my return to St Augustine. The Marineland trip was just incredible. Even saw a couple of Dolphins.
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September 10, 2009
Votes: +2

Geraldina said:

What an absolutely wonderful way to spend an afternoon... The trip was just beautiful from beginning to end, dolphins playing alongside us as we paddled, ospreys up close and other raptors flying overhead, fish jumping everywhere, herons and egrets stalking prey so stealthily and all in such a stunningly beautiful and pristine habitat. Chris and Danny led our group and were excellent. They made everyone feel so welcome and comfortable. Their knowledge and intelligence was obvious as was their absolute passion for what they are doing. Congratulations to you both for providing us with the opportunity to relax and learn in such gorgeous surroundings. You are both great! We will be back to paddle with you again for sure!

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September 14, 2009
Votes: +3

Dawn and Charlie Brownlie said:

This was our first kayak trip. It was my husbands "birthday present". This was more relaxing than laying on the beach~ The tour was just beautiful. This was a great experiance for use since it was the first time kayaking. We are even thinking about investing in our own someday. We learned so much about the beautiful area and relize that we are so blessed to live so close. Lucky us...we are less than two hours and can do the tours whenever we need a break from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. This tour is not only educational...it offers quite time around nature at it puriest. We truley live in a beautiful world and need to take better care of it. This was the best part of our mini get away. Thank you Chris for your dedication to our ecosystem...see you again very soon with our daughter.

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September 19, 2009
Votes: +1

Rocky, Linda, and Jeanna said:

Thank you Chris for a wonderful time on the Kayak tour.We have been on one tour like this once before at another location but this was by far the most pleasurable. your knowledge and humor made our day one of the best we can remember and we have been coming to the Saint Augustine area for about 25 years but wasn't aware of these tours. We have told a lot of friends about the great time we had and we are highly recommending they take your tour. We will certainly be back soon. Thanks again

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September 28, 2009
Votes: +0

Michael Cutter said:

	My Fiance and I had already done one trip (which was great!!) and we took my father on a second trip when he was in town to visit. We went on the marineland trip....it was incredible, the guides were great as usual and the trip its self was just gorgeous. Go if you can't the chance, an amazing time!!
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September 30, 2009
Votes: +1

Michelle Eggleston said:

I just wanted to thank you so much for the awesome sunset tour we went on last weekend. I think we all agree it was the best time we have had in a while. Also thank you for taking time with our son Michael. He has retained alot of the information you gave and is all too happy to correct us. So thanks again for your passion and love for the outdoors and sharing it with us. Blessed be and much continued success to you in the future. We have been and will continue to spread the word about this amazing experience. The Eggleston Family

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November 12, 2009
Votes: +1

Kent & Beverly Northey said:

	We really enjoyed the trip! Chris did a great job getting us through the trip and it was very informative. Will do more next once we get a couple of other tasks completed. Thanks for the pictures! We don't often get action shots while out on the water! Thanks again! Kent
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December 11, 2009
Votes: +1

Larry G said:

	Thanks for the wonderful 2nd trip with you guys last weekend(even though it was cold!). It's always a pleasure to kayak with you. Its very hard to find an actual ECO eco-tour, and this is it. I appreciate the time you take to explain what is important and mostly WHY it's important. We will surely do a third in the near future. Thanks!
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January 03, 2010
Votes: +2

Mick and Donna H. said:

	All that can be said is WOW!!!! We had such a good time. Chris and Zach are so knowledgeable. It was great to hang out and listen to a true "Buckeye" that enjoyed his job so much. We all had a wonderful time and plan on doing the evening trip next visit. Thanks again. Mick
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January 06, 2010
Votes: +0

S Peters said:

	Had a great experience on the tour.....Chris and Matt are awesome. I had fun and even learned a few things!!!
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February 14, 2010
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jan hyde said:

	We all could not have had a better time! Enjoyed every part of the kayak trip EXCEPT getting out of it! You taught us alot as well as gave us an exciting afternoon...thanks for the pictures! The Hydes, Hackers and Johnsons (The "OTHER" Buckeyes from Ohio)
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February 24, 2010
Votes: +0

C Atkinson said:

	We went on the Marineland Tour and it was great. Our tour guide Danny was very knowledgeable about the area and was a very good tour guide. We are actually in the market of buying our own kyak and he told us alot of helpful information. We just had a really awsome time. I would recommend this everyone who is interested. Couldn't have asked for a better day...Thank you Danny!
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March 22, 2010
Votes: +0

A Keil said:

My husband and I took our two, 10 y.o. children on the Marineland kayak trip on April 1. Matt was our guide. The trip was the highlight of our vacation. Matt was knowledgable, personable and an excellent guide. The kids loved seeing the dolphins, birds, and mullet jumping out of the water. My husband and I appreciated the foot-controlled rudders on the tandem kayaks. We'd highly recommend Ripple Effects' tours.

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April 06, 2010
Votes: +0

Richard Hebert said:

The Marineland sunset tour was wonderful. My friend and I enjoyed every moment of it -- well almost, the return-to-base haul against the tide was a bit rough on our aging shoulders, but thanks to Matt's tow-line and considerably younger and more powerful shoulders, we made it back home. Danny and Matt also added considerably to our store of knowledge about wetlands ecology. Many thanks to them both!

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April 11, 2010
Votes: +0

Carl & Rebecca Adams said:

	Rebecca, myself, and our granddaughter, Cassie, took the Marineland tour on 4/4/10 and we really enjoyed it. Matt, our guide, was great and we really learned alot. We will highly recommend it to all we know. Thank you for a memorable experience!
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April 11, 2010
Votes: +1

Petra Cartagena said:

	Matt our guide was AWESOME!!! THANKS AGAIN
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April 12, 2010
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Brenda Scudder said:

	I absolutely had the best time on this tour. We took at the Marineland tour beginning at 11:00 and it was great! Chris was so knowledgable I enjoyed finding out the answers to all of my questions. It was a perfect day!!! I highly recommend this tour. Thanks Chris!!!
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May 03, 2010
Votes: +0

Denice Taylor said:

	Our Girl Scout Cadette troop had a noon to 2pm tour with Danny on Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend; the girls and Moms had a great time!!!! Matt pointed out lots of cool wildlife and we all learned something new. Thanks also for the pictures from our trip
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June 02, 2010
Votes: +0

Pamela DeNeuve said:

	Chris, I can't express how much I enjoyed our kayaking tour with you. You are a wealth of information and I learned so much. I had no idea about the riches in nature that are right here in my midst. I will certainly return again and hopefully bring family members. Best, Pamela DeNeuve
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June 03, 2010
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Lisa Jones said:

	Chris was an awesome guide! He told us so much about the marsh and the fragile ecosystem. He was very good about answering all of our questions and made sure that we saw a variety of interesting plant and their salt marsh adaptations. I also appreciated the orientation with all of the safety tips. I can definitely see myself doing this tour again when we return to Florida!
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June 03, 2010
Votes: +0

Danny and Janet said:

We went on the Marineland trip this week with Danny as our guide. This was our second kayaking adventure with Ripple Effect, and we will definitely be back for more! Danny was an amazing guide, with a dry sense of humor and vast knowledge of the wildlife and ecosystem. The scenery was gorgeous, and we even saw a pod of dolphins swimming near us! We also appreciated the attention to safety. See you next year!

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July 16, 2010
Votes: +1

Corey Baker said:

	Our family had an Awesome time this weekend. Our guide Danny was fabulous; he was so patient with me, as I was drifting towards the oyster bed with my son. My wife and I have been telling family and friends about Ripple Effect all weekend. Don’t miss this great opportunity, you will be enriched.
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July 19, 2010
Votes: +0

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