St. Augustine: Deluxe Dolphin-Watching Kayak Tour

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Deluxe Dolphin-Watching Kayak Tour in the historic city of St. Augustine. This intimate two-hour excursion takes you through the serene Salt Run Lagoon, offering the chance to spot dolphins, manatees, and other diverse marine life. Led by expert guides, the tour provides a personalized experience for up to 10 participants, ensuring you’ll learn about the local ecosystem while enjoying the natural beauty of this coastal gem. With safety gear provided and a wildlife guarantee, this tour promises an unforgettable encounter that will leave you longing for more.

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In St Augustine Florida.

Key Points

• This 2-hour guided kayak tour in Salt Run Lagoon offers an intimate wildlife-watching experience, with a guarantee to spot dolphins or manatees.
• The tour is limited to 10 participants and includes high-quality gear, safety briefing, and a knowledgeable guide who provides insights on the local ecosystem.
• Guests can expect to see a variety of marine life, including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and rays, while enjoying captivating views of Anastasia State Park and the St. Augustine Lighthouse.
• The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, with full refunds available for cancellations made 24 hours in advance or due to inclement weather.
• This deluxe kayak tour provides a comprehensive and enjoyable experience, with a focus on safety, quality equipment, and the opportunity to immerse in the natural surroundings.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Deluxe Dolphin-Watching Kayak Tour is priced from $78.75 per person and lasts for 2 hours, with a group size limited to 10 participants.

The tour is conducted in English and offers a wildlife guarantee – if no dolphins or manatees are spotted, the tour is free.

Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.

The tour starts at the Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp and explores the Salt Run Lagoon, providing opportunities to see dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and rays.

Safety is a top priority, with high-quality equipment and precautions emphasized throughout the experience.

Itinerary and Experience

Starting at the Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp, the Deluxe Dolphin-Watching Kayak Tour takes participants on a 105-minute guided exploration of the Salt Run Lagoon.

After a 15-minute safety briefing, guests will paddle approximately 1.5 miles through the scenic waterway, enjoying views of Anastasia State Park and the St. Augustine Lighthouse.

The route offers opportunities to spot dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and rays. Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides commentary on the local wildlife and ecosystem.

The experience emphasizes safety, with high-quality equipment and measures in place to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable paddling adventure.

Equipment and Inclusions

For the Deluxe Dolphin-Watching Kayak Tour, the tour operator provides participants with all the necessary equipment and inclusions.

Guests will receive a life vest, wet bag, paddle, and a kayak to use during the tour. The tour also includes a complimentary chilled water bottle and sunblock.

Plus, the guide will take pictures throughout the tour, which are available for guests to keep as a souvenir.

Safety is a top priority, and the tour operator ensures all equipment is of high quality and that safety measures are emphasized.

This comprehensive set of inclusions allows guests to fully focus on the enjoyment and exploration of the natural surroundings.

Important Information and Restrictions

Not suitable for certain individuals, the Deluxe Dolphin-Watching Kayak Tour has some important restrictions. Children under 3, those with back or heart problems, individuals over 264 lbs (120 kg), seasickness-prone people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions are not permitted. Plus, children under 15 must use a double kayak with a parent or guardian. While dogs are allowed, no life jackets are provided for them.

Restrictions	Details
Age	Not suitable for children under 3
Medical Conditions	Back/heart problems, pre-existing conditions
Weight Limit	Over 264 lbs (120 kg)
Seasickness	Not recommended for seasickness-prone individuals
Children	Under 15 must use double kayak with parent/guardian

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Meeting Point and Preparation

Participants meet the guide by the water near the boat ramp at the Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp, located at 446 Ocean Vista Ave.

Ample parking is available in the main area, but visitors should avoid the yacht club and trailer-only spots. Alternative parking can be found on weekdays.

Participants should bring a hat, change of clothes, sunscreen, water, and water shoes.

Jeans, intoxication, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed.

In case of bad weather, refunds are available for cancellations.

The tour emphasizes safety, with high-quality equipment provided, including life vests, wet bags, paddles, and kayaks.

Wildlife Guarantee and Refunds

The tour offers a wildlife guarantee – if participants don’t spot at least one dolphin or manatee during the 2-hour excursion, they can take the tour again for free. Plus, the company provides full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

Refund Policy	Wildlife Guarantee
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance	Spot at least 1 dolphin or manatee
Full refund available	Free tour if guarantee not met
Refunds for bad weather cancellations	Emphasis on abundant marine life
No questions asked refunds	Satisfaction or another tour for free
Flexible cancellation policy	Enhances overall experience

Safety and Gear Provided

What safety measures and equipment are provided for participants on the Deluxe Dolphin-Watching Kayak Tour?

The tour operator emphasizes high-quality equipment and safety measures. Participants receive a life vest, wet bag, and paddle. The kayaks themselves are also provided.

To ensure everyone’s comfort and security, the guides offer a brief safety briefing before setting off. Participants can also opt to have pictures taken during the tour by the guide.

The focus on safety and quality gear gives participants peace of mind as they enjoy the stunning views and wildlife sightings along the 1.5-mile route through the Salt Run Lagoon.

Kayaking Through Salt Run Lagoon

Departing from the Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp, the guided kayak tour meanders through the serene Salt Run Lagoon, offering captivating vistas of Anastasia State Park and the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse. As the kayaks glide along the calm waters, participants can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and rays.

Wildlife Sightings
Dolphins	Manatees	Sea Turtles	Rays	Other Marine Life

The approximately 1.5-mile route provides ample opportunities for sightseeing and photography, allowing guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and observe the diverse ecosystem up close.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Kayak or Equipment?

No, you can’t bring your own kayak or equipment. The tour provides high-quality kayaks, paddles, life vests, and other necessary gear. Using the tour’s equipment ensures safety and consistency during the guided experience.

Are There Any Age Requirements for Participants?

There are age requirements for participants. Children under 3 are not allowed, and children under 15 must use a double kayak with a parent or guardian.

What if I Don’t See Any Dolphins or Manatees?

If no dolphins or manatees are spotted, the tour is free. The company guarantees sightings of at least one dolphin or manatee, and if this doesn’t occur, participants receive a full refund.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?

You can bring your own snacks and drinks, but the tour provider recommends limiting food and beverages to avoid spilling in the kayaks. Water is provided, and you’re welcome to enjoy your own refreshments during breaks on shore.

Is There an Additional Fee for the Guide’s Photos?

The guide’s photos are an optional add-on that costs an additional fee. If guests want to purchase the photos taken during the tour, they can do so for an extra charge.

Recap

The St. Augustine Deluxe Dolphin-Watching Kayak Tour offers an intimate and thrilling exploration of the Salt Run Lagoon. Guided by experts, participants can spot dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife while learning about the ecosystem. With safety gear provided and a wildlife guarantee, it’s an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: