Ripple Effect Ecotours
Guided Kayak Eco Tours in St. Augustine and Marineland, Florida
St. Augustine’s Premier Environmental Outfitter
Ripple Effect Ecotours
Guided Kayak Eco Tours in St. Augustine and Marineland, Florida
St. Augustine’s Premier Environmental Outfitter
Ripple Effect Ecotours
Guided Kayak Eco Tours in St. Augustine and Marineland, Florida
St. Augustine’s Premier Environmental Outfitter
Welcome to Ripple Effect Ecotours
Ripple Effect offers a variety of real Florida experiences, including kayaking ecotours along Florida’s beautiful waterways and wildlife rich landscapes.
Here’s your chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Oldest City! Whether you’re a longtime resident of Florida or a visitor to the state: imagine yourself drifting through the coastal estuary surrounded salt marsh grasses, birds of all kinds, dolphins, and manatees, with plenty of oxygen to fuel your imagination and spark your curiosity.
Our Favorite Experiences
- 2 Hours
Gliding along in your lighted-firefly kayak, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, fish and wading birds as your guide explains the importance and vitality of this ecosystem and all who live within it.
- 4 Hours
This is the best way to explore the depths of the Research Reserve and you can leave the route planning up to us!
Have a favorite topic or area of interest within our coastal ecosystem? Then join our Professional Naturalist Guide for a Kayak Ecotour on select Saturdays in the “living laboratory” that is the GTM NERR, (Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve).
Start Your Adventure Today
Take a guided kayak tour led by a professional naturalist guide and paddle the backwaters of the 74,000 acres that make up the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM-NERR). Leave behind the trolley trains and building-filled skylines and experience Old Florida the way our ancestors did. Our partnerships with the finest environmental education organizations in the area enable us to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure for you.
No prior kayaking experience is necessary, making our trips perfect for first-time paddlers, age 6 and up. We also offer kayak rentals, enabling you to create your own special adventure!
Ripple Effect Is Proud to Be Partnered With:
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Rated #4 of 140 Outdoor Activities in St. Augustine!
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"This tour was one of the highlights of our trip. Our guide, Sumo, was so knowledgeable about the estuary and its plant and animal life. Our group included two adults, an 8-year-old, and a 14-year-old. Most of us had very limited kayaking experience, but Sumo’s guidance helped us feel confident on the water. While we weren’t lucky enough to see dolphins or manatees, we saw a number of sea turtles, all sorts of birds, and countless fish jumping out of the water. I would absolutely do this again next time we’re in the area. It was an incredibly peaceful morning."
– Stephanie B, Tripadvisor
"What a fantastic day! This is, at least, my 3rd trip with Ripple Effects Ecotours and they NEVER disappoint! A dear friend was visiting from out of town so I booked a trip for the two of us. We had another two folks in our group. Sumo, our guide, was the absolute best. It was a very windy day making paddling challenging. Sumo was so kind and attentive to us all to ensure we were safe and enjoying the adventure. His knowledge of the wildlife and plant life is astounding. We could have happily stayed out hours longer. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!"
– 4Him1995, Tripadvisor
"I took the sunset kayak tour through the National Estuarine Research Reserve last night with Ripple Effect Ecotours. It was a wonderful experience. Sumo led our small group, and he was very knowledgeable. The tide was very high, and Sumo led us down creeks that normally would be too low to travel. I liked how he personalized the trip to the conditions making the outing even more special. This tour was the best thing that we did during our stay in St. Augustine. Thanks for wonderful memories. We’ll be back."
– Tracey C, Tripadvisor
"Great tour with Wyatt! We went out first in the AM and got to see a pod of dolphins fishing right away! Lots of interesting info about the mangroves, water birds and plants. Some truly enjoyable kayaking, through channels and secluded areas of the water system. Highly recommend this company and Wyatt!"
– Denise R, Tripadvisor