Voted Best Place to Kayak by Folio Weekly for 2007, 2008 and 2009!

"Located just off A1A south of Ponte Vedra Beach, Guana remains an environmental treasure of epic proportion."

Formerly known as Guana River State Park, the GTM NERR is one of twenty-eight National Estuarine Research Reserves in the United States. This designation assures one of the best natural systems in the country.  The Friends of the GTM NERR and Ripple Effect Ecotours have partnered to offer extensive eco-educational opportunities exploring the ecological diversity of the GTM NERR. The coastal estuary offers incredible views of nesting bald eagles, possible encounters with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin and the West Indian Manatee, as well as many other documented species. Most of all this area provides a real glimpse into what real Florida has to offer in abundance of shear beauty nestled between civilization to the north and south. Our touring kayaks are the perfect vehicle for exploring one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet in a low impact and environmentally friendly way leaving behind only Ripples!

Kayak Tours offered at Guana:

• Guana River Estuary
• Family Kayak Tours for ages 6 and up!
• Lake Guana from the dam
• 6-Mile Landing Lake Guana
• Indians of the Estuary
• The Zen Kayak Tour
• Sunset Tours every weekend
• Full Moon Kayak Tours
• Kayak Instructional Classes
• Night Sky Astronomy Kayak Tour

Directions for Guana River Kayak Tours

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
Environmental Education Center
505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32080

Located south of Jacksonville Beaches and north of downtown St. Augustine, this location has convenient access along A1A. The Entrance is next to the “Gate” gas station and there is a sign for the GTM NERR.

Driving south from Jacksonville beaches and Ponte Vedra on A1A the entrance is 10 miles from Micklers Road. Turn right into the GTM NERR entrance, Guana River Road, the ocean will be on your left.

Driving north from downtown St. Augustine on A1A the entrance is 7 miles from Vilano Bridge. Turn left into the GTM NERR entrance, Guana River Road, the ocean will be on your right.

Kayaks launch from the dam behind the GTM NERR Environmental Educational Center. Take your first left on Guana River Road and drive up to the Environmental Educational Center. Park and then walk down the sidewalk on the north end of the building. This will bring you right down onto the dam and you will see us waiting for you there. If you wish to park at the dam there is a 3 dollar charge and you will drive under the arm gate on Guana River Road to then park at the dam. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time.

Note for sunset tours at Guana: The Environmental Educational Center closes at 4pm.  All sunset tour participants will have to pay $3 per vehicle to park on the dam. 

6-Mile Landing Kayak Tours will depart from the 6-Mile Landing Boat Ramp 6 miles north of the Environmental Education Center in the Guana Preserve.  This entrance is just south of the North Beach Parking Lot on the north end of the Preserve.  Look for the sign with a boat ramp on it!  Please be at the launch point 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time.

Ripple Effect Ecotour Customer Reviews (36)

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BC Parker said:

I was recently at the St Augustine Bird & Photo Fest for several days. I signed up for the kayak tour with Ripple Effects. I grew up around Marinelalnd, Summer Haven and the inland waterway, so I usually skip the field trips and create jaunts of my own. I am so happy that I chose to take one of Ripple Effect's kayak trips! It was a" Bird" adventure and honestly, the birds weren't cooperating that morning - except for a lonely little blue heron, a great blue and some least terns! However, Danny made the entire adventure a life-changing experience for me. From tube worms to the various mangrove system along Florida's central / southern coast, I was embued with his passion and wealth of information! Thank you Danny for helping me be a better steward of my favorite spot in the world! Additionally, Eric & Chris, you were so quick to accomodate this sappy, native, woman, who wanted to check a special desire off her bucket list before it became too late...with your approval and Brandon's (Mellin?) spontaniety and professional courtesy, I was able to have an intimate visit with my dear,old, friend Nellie! She is one of the brightest spots in my childhood memories. I plan to see her next February, when she celebrates her 59th(?) birthday! I'll send some shots to you from that day...it was noon and very bright, but I loved it!! And still, as Brandon and I walked back to your office, he showed me the "new" River to Sea trail and I was, again, able to indulge myself in another of our local natural wonders...canopied trails and hammock like nowhere else! I am forever grateful for your professionalism and kindness! I will tell anyone I know about your fine business! See you next year. Fondly, BC Parker

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June 02, 2012
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Pat Eyles Kann said:

A tight group of friends had the opportunity to take the awesome experience of kayaking on Guana River for the Super Full Moon on May 5th, 2012. Not only was the Moon awesome, but Ripple Effect Ecotours is absolutely the very best in the business. Our guide Danny was just a wealth of knowledge on the environment surrounding Guana and it just made the whole evening more enjoyable watching the most wonderful full moon of the year, all surrounding a spectacular experience. Luminous lights in the kayaks and all! Just plan outstanding from A to Z. Best customer service you will find anywhere!!! Guaranteed! Blessings! Pat & Larry

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May 08, 2012
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Caroline Prescott said:

Hi Chris- just wanted to thank you for what a great job Brandon did taking us out Sunday even though it was so windy & almost rain. he did a very professional job explaining the situation to my Calif friends who were heading back to the airport so had no other time slot available. They decided to brave it, we had a great time & I even learned new stuff on my 3rd time out! Many thanks, Caroline Prescott

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February 22, 2012
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Richard Steeves said:

	A truly enjoyable way to see and learn about a very special ecosystem that many people don't understand or appreciate. Danny was very informative and enthusiastic and the adventure a highlight of our vacation.
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February 15, 2012
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Wendy Fielding said:

	This was my first experience kayaking (my husband has been canoeing before) and it was so much fun. Our guide, Mike, was incredibly knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the wildlife and the ecosystem...and he was quite entertaining! We will definitely be back and can't wait to bring our daughters (when they are old enough).
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August 13, 2011
Votes: +1

BRENT COMEAU said:

	My wife Elizabeth and I took a tour with Matt last weekend, not only did we learn and enjoy, we made a few friends to boot. the kayaks were impeccably maintained, Matt knew his history, marine, and horticultural points very well. All of our Yankee visitors will be on these tours! thank you Ripple Effect, and Good luck Matt, go save the world!
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August 12, 2011
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Janet J. said:

Chris, Thanks so much for emailing the pictures! I especially like the ones capturing the long views. Matt, thank you for the expert narration all along our 4.5-hour Guana River paddle. The included lunch was perfect for the occasion. (My odd smile was from the chicken salad stuck in my teeth!) This is a tour I'd like to do once or twice per year, so you'll probably see me back on this one in a couple of months. It was an outstanding day from beginning to end. Thanks again, Janet

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May 29, 2011
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mgrebe said:

	I love to kayak. So it was great to kayak in the Florida area. Our guide was fantastic. He was very informative and very helpful. Whenever we come back to the area we will book another tour. Thanks so much for a great morning paddle.
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April 04, 2011
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Robert said:

	My wife and daughter are not big outdoors types and don't swim -- but they loved this trip, which thre three of us took together. Guides were wonderful. Highly recommend a kayak outing with Ripple Effects!
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March 05, 2011
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Gina Tyler said:

So my betsfriend and I went on vacation to St. Augustine in August 2010 and while we were looking for things to do as our husbands went on their fishing trip we decided to make reservations to take the Dolphin Kayak Tour! Since neither one of us have ever been on a kayak before we were both very nervous about this experience ahead of us, but as we booked our trip we were reassured by Chris that we would have a blast and be ok and he was right, we DID!!! The evening before our tour we missed a call from Chris letting us know that the trip had been canceled due to not enough people to go but we did not get the message until he called us back as we were on our way to the tour and we were going to be rescheduled for that same evening. We were a bit dissapointed but thanks to Matt looking at the weather report and seeing that we were due to have a storm he saved the day! Matt decided that he was going to take me and my bestfriend out that morning anyways because he wanted to make sure that we got to experience this trip! Matt was a fantastic tour guide and he really saved our vacation! Not only did Matt take the time to take us out even though nobody else was with us but he was so professional and kind to us and he really made this experience something that we will always remember! Unfortunately, we only got to see 1 dolphin and it was while we were still at the dock but once we got out in the water with Matt he was so educated and got to share so much knowledge with us we completely forgot that we were even there to see dolphins! My bestfriend and I had a fantastic time and that would have never been possible without Matt!! Thanks alot Matt for making our vacation something we will remember for the rest of our lives!! If we come back next year we will be sure to take another trip with Matt!! Thanks alot to Chris as well for allowing Matt to take us on or tour even though it had been canceled! U GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!

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September 02, 2010
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Al Aftoora said:

	Chris, Great tour; great guide; great time!! We'll be back!
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August 05, 2010
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Stattie said:

Well, this was my first time on a kayak at night, and I was nervous on the way to Guana. But my nerves were soon calmed when I realized what a professional, polite and knowledgeable staff I was dealing with. It turned out to be a wonderful evening with friends that I shall not soon forget! Although I needed help getting out of the kayak, I plan on doing this again and hopefully the more I do it the better I will get and will soon be able to remove myself from the kayak without assistance! Great job, Ripple Effect Ecotours! Thanks for a wonderful evening!

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July 26, 2010
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Jane said:

What a wonderful experience RippleEffects provided for my new-to-kayaking family. Danny and Chris are enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides and do a great job of keeping the 10 and 12 year olds interested, focused, and providing a bit of local knowledge as well. I'll always be thankful for Danny who did a stellar job of keeping the 12 year old calm and in her kayak when a "monster" shrimp jumped in her lap. I highly recommend RippleEffects, the sunset tour, the Marineland tour, and the Guana River experiences. Thanks again.

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July 20, 2010
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patrick gardner said:

We took another great trip with RippleEffect - this time at the GTM NERR. Danny was our guide and led a great trip full of information about the NERR and its fascinating role in our environment. We always walk away from our trips full of anticipation for another paddling adventure. Thanks for another great trip and a great morning on the water. We have done most of tours offered, some multiple times and cannot recommend RippleEffects enough - to persons of any age or experience. Pat & Leslie Gardner

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July 03, 2010
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Kevin Chaney said:

Many thanks Chris, I just wanted to inform you that Danny did an excellent job as a guide (and photographer!). He was very informative and receptive to the many questions we had, as well as other kayakers. The scenery was gorgeous and we stepped away from the trip with a lot of valuable knowledge about the importance of the marsh land. Originally, my family and I were going to the gulf coast but opted to go to St. Augustine instead, as a result of the oil spill. We were looking for things to do and we found your website and decided to give it a try. (A great decision). The educational 'take-away' from this tour (ex, of why the marsh system is such a valuable resource from several standpoints) helped to ingrain in my mind the current and potential impact the oil spill will have on the gulf coast marsh system. I truly walked away from this experience with a great appreciation for the conservation work you are doing by educating folks, such as myself, and allowing us to see in an intimate way, the wildlife of the area. We will definitely be back next summer ready for another kayak trip. In addition, thanks for the pictures of our trip! Best, Kevin Chaney Washington DC / Cincinnati, OH

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June 20, 2010
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Tania said:

	We had a fantastic time with Matt. Very fun and informative. The time flew by too quickly and we'll definitely be going back. It was only my second time kayaking but the kayaks were easy to handle and a good time was had by all. Thanks!
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April 21, 2010
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Petra Cartagena said:

	It was sooooooooo nice and relaxing. The Habitat and history of the area is great. We loved every minute of it. THANKS
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April 12, 2010
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Patty Redman said:

	OH MY STARS! It was sooo much fun to enjoy nature at a new level. We are homeschooling our children and this was perfect for them. I am looking forward to coming back for the night time tour with my group soon!!!
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April 03, 2010
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Guillermo said:

	Chris's knowledge of the habitat and history of the area is great and makes this a great way to spend the day. Lots of interesting information about eagles, fish etc. Thanks Chris
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December 01, 2009
Votes: +1

Cindi & Shawn said:

	We had such a great time on the Ecotour! It's something that I had read about and always thought would be fun to do, but never quite got around to it. We had relatives come in town so it was the perfect opportunity and chance for them to see what beautiful natural wonders we have to offer here. Thanks so much!
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September 28, 2009
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Michael Cutter said:

	My Fiance and I went on this tour and another one of Ripple Effect's tours within a span of two weeks. They are great; highly informed and friendly guides, great equipment, and beautiful locations. An outing worth every penny!!
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September 28, 2009
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Kim K. said:

Hi guys. Thanks so much for the pictures. What a wonderful adventure. The glowing kayaks pushed an already perfect trip over the top! All of you are so kind and knowledgable. I was asked when I got home if I had learned anything...I think they're sorry they asked. Thanks for sharing your passion. I'm really looking forward to another trip. Until then be safe and stay cool. Kim p.s. Chris, I'm really sorry you couldn't find a job that you like

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September 09, 2009
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Martha Henderson said:

	Second time with Chris. First time with the Eagles! wonderful!
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September 01, 2009
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Beth said:

	We had a wonderful trip with Chris! He made our kayak tour fun and very interesting! We learned a lot about marine life and all about birds. It was great! We will see you again on our next trip to Jacksonville! Thanks! The Watsons
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July 20, 2009
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Becky Estes said:

	Thanks Chris for the wonderful kayak tour last week. This was the first time for all 3 of us. My 10 year old daughter Sara loved it. She was scared at first, but since she got to go in your kayak, she got over it real quick. We will definitely plan on it again next year. Thank you for the pictures. I love the one with me and Mike and the rainbow in the background.
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July 18, 2009
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Kim Johnston said:

	Hi Chris, Thanks so much for a great kayak tour last weekend. Bill and I went away for a great weekend and we had so much fun on your tour and learning and laughing. The pictures are really great, you did a wonderful job and we will definitely be back again. Kim
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July 18, 2009
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Diana K. said:

	Great tour! Very educational as well as a beautiful spot for kayaking. Chris was very enthousiastic & helpful. Looking forward to the Night Sky Astronomy kayak tour. Thanks for the photos, Chris!! Diana
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July 08, 2009
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The Zimmerman Family said:

Our decision to include Kayaking with Ripple Effect in our brief trip to St. Augustine was the smartest move EVER! Our family had never Kayaked before. Our children are ages 13 and 11. It was one of the BEST experiences our family has had. We enjoyed the exercise, the nature surrounding us, and the new information we learned from Chris, our guide. TOTALLY WORTH EVERY PENNY. Thank you so much for a magnificent adventure.

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July 06, 2009
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Jennifer Weiler said:

	Danny was a great guide, especially wonderful with our 6 year old girls. He was very patient and taught us a lot about the environment, especially birds. We will tell our friends! Jen, Halle, Grace and Abby
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June 28, 2009
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Sally Zangger said:

	Chris and Matt were incredibly knowledgable and helpful. We had a wonderful time learning about nature and also had a lot of great giggles!!! Thanks for a terrific day on the water! Sally Zangger Atlanta, GA
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May 28, 2009
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Bonnie and Lance Etherton said:

Hi!!!!!! WOW – what incredible pictures to represent an even more incredible experience. I have already forwarded this email to everyone in my contacts. We loved every minute of the tour and will cherish the memories for the rest of our lives. You are a special man and a fantastic guide – thank you from each beat of our hearts. We are already in the beginning phases of planning future kayaking adventures to include our boys and hopefully some friends. Take great care ~ Truly Sincerely, Bonni and Lance Etherton

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April 07, 2009
Votes: +3

Patricia C. said:

Chris - Thank you for the pictures! We had a truly unique, enlightening, great time paddling around with you and listening to your stories and wealth of knowledge. Your enthusiam and passion is contagious, and you are a great asset to GTM- NERR. I will defintely be calling to book a tour every time I visit your area. I loved the idea of a quiet, reflective Zen tour! Thanks again for inspiring all of us with your knowledge and great personality! If you ever come down our way to Rookery - Naples- give a ring- I would welcome the opportunity to paddle around and grab a bite - in fact I could probably gather up a couple folks that would love to have you take us out in our own back yard! Be Well & Enjoy! Patricia C.

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December 02, 2008
Votes: +1

Karole B. said:

	Chris This was by far the most educational and impressive kayak tour I've taken yet - what a great learning experience. You truly understand - explain - and appreciate all the natural beauty that surrounds us! Your tours are always a must when family and friends come to vist. Great Job!!!
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November 28, 2008
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Jennifer G said:

	Friendly people and beautiful scenery - could not have asked for a better experience. Thanks!
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October 21, 2008
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phil edwards said:

	Great guides! Great equipment! And an outstanding educational eco tour! We loved the glowing kayaks that illuminated the full moon kayak tour! Way to go Ripple Effect Ecotours!
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September 22, 2008
Votes: +2

Serge said:

	We had relatives visit us from Germany, so we took them out kayaking with Ripple Effect Ecotours. We all loved it. Both guides were very informative, and the company provides high-end kayaks that glide effortlessly including a 3-person kayak we had. We highly recommend this tour.
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September 03, 2008
Votes: +3

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