Eco-Educational Programs at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park What are Eco-Educational Programs? As we define it, they are programs that teach about the interaction between living things and their environment. Whether you get there by kayaking, walking or riding makes no difference, the goal is still the same. The tours listed on this page are designed to teach guests about the different ecosystems in our area. They are all lead by professional kayak guide/naturalists. ENJOY!

Wings Over Florida-
A Birding Program by Kayak

This two-hour program will introduce you to the world of birding and kayaking. Come with us and explore the estuary behind Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. See first-hand why this ecosystem is important to our community and how it directly impacts you're life. And, if nothing else, just enjoy the leisurely paddle through one of the most beautiful landscapes in northeast Florida.
Along the way, we will be looking for migratory and resident birds, fish populations and the most common plants found in the estuary. You'll learn about how they interact with each-other and their environment to maintain a balance. You'll also learn about the things that can upset that balance.

Kayaks make a great vehicle for studying nature. Because of their stealth, you can become immersed in your surroundings without being intrusive. We will paddle stable, double kayaks that also allow us to maintain a smaller group size. Basic kayak instruction is provided, therefore, previous experience is not necessary.
The tours will launch from Washington Oaks and be lead by a professional guide from Ripple Effect Ecotours. The tour fee includes entry to the park, so upon completion of the tour, feel free to roam the beautiful gardens.
Cost: $45 per person (includes all kayaking equipment, instruction, park entry fee and bottled water).
Duration: 2 hours.
Who: Adults 12+ years of age.
Where: Meet at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Dates & Times: Please refer to our calendar for dates and times.
What to bring: Spare change of clothing, water shoes, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses,
camera and binoculars.

See what you are missing....

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Indians of the Estuary
A Paddle Back in History

Paddle back in time and discover the life ways of the Timucuan Indians and their relationship to the land that they loved. Explore with a professional naturalist and enjoy stories about the Timucuans and the important role the Matanzas Estuary played in their everyday lives. Participants will begin the tour with a visit to a Timucuan Shell Mound at Washington Oaks Garden State Park, where they will have the opportunity to view and learn about authentic Timucuan tools and artifacts from the state park's collection.
After exploring the Shell Mound participants will begin the kayaking segment with some basic paddling instructions, and then proceed to explore the estuary in search of flora and fauna that was significant to native survival. The guide will also share information on Timucuan methods of fishing and transportation.
Along our journey we will stop at an island refuge and visit a Timucuan encampment and learn more about Timucuan clothing, shelter, hunting and fishing techniques, tools, weapons and the native foods that helped sustain them. During this program we will paddle stable double kayaks that allow us to be less intrusive to the environment. No kayak experience needed!

Cost: $60 per person (includes all kayaking equipment, instruction, park
entry fee, lunch and bottled water)
Duration: 3 hours
Who: Adults 12+ years of age
Where: Meet at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Dates & Times: Please refer to our calendar for dates and times.
What to bring: Spare change of clothing, water shoes, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses,
camera and binoculars.

Directions

Washington Oaks is about 20 miles south of St. Augustine straight down A1A just 2 miles passed Marineland. The park is very well marked with signs when approaching from the north or south. Turn west into the park entrance and look for the parking lot that says "For the Gardens". After parking walk back across the road that you came in on and follow the pedestrian footpath "To the Gardens". This path will bring you down about 100 yards passed the visitor's center and you will see us waiting for you on the waterway. The price for the tour includes your admission into the park! Please be at the launch point 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. The address for the park is 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd. Palm Coast, FL 32137.

Ripple Effect Ecotour Customer Reviews (2)

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