St. Augustine: Dolphin and Manatee Paddle or Kayak Tour

Nestled in the heart of Florida’s Historic Coast, St. Augustine offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the region’s natural splendor. The Dolphin and Manatee Paddle or Kayak Tour provides adventurers of all skill levels a chance to witness the graceful movements of these marine mammals while exploring the scenic waterways of Anastasia State Park. With expert guides leading the way and all necessary equipment provided, this two-hour excursion promises to leave participants with a newfound appreciation for the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem. But the true wonder lies in what unfolds before your eyes as you glide across the gentle waves.

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

Key Points

• A 2-hour tour starting at $65 per person with opportunities to observe dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and crabs in the scenic Anastasia State Park.
• Includes a safety briefing, ground demonstration, water lesson, and a guided 90-minute paddling activity led by an English-speaking expert.
• Offers flexibility with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now & pay later" option.
• Caters to all skill levels with necessary equipment provided, making it accessible to a wide range of participants.
• Prioritizes safety and enjoyment, with mandatory life jackets and potential tour cancellations due to inclement weather.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Experience historic St. Augustine on a dolphin and manatee tour. The price starts at $65.00 per person and the tour lasts 2 hours.

Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment and get a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance. The tour departs from 442 Ocean Vista Ave, allowing guests to paddle through Anastasia State Park and observe marine life like dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and crabs.

The tour is open to all skill levels and includes a ground demonstration and water lesson before setting out. Equipment like paddle boards or kayaks, as well as a live English-speaking guide, are provided.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour starts at the Lighthouse Park shoreline, where guests receive a safety briefing and ground demonstration before setting out to paddle through Anastasia State Park. Along the way, adventurers can observe a variety of marine life, including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and crabs. The tour is open to all skill levels, and the guides provide a water lesson to ensure everyone is comfortable before embarking on the journey.

Activity	Duration	Highlights
Safety Briefing	15 minutes	Ground demonstration
Paddling	90 minutes	Dolphin watching, manatee viewing, marine life observation
Water Lesson	15 minutes	Technique guidance for all skill levels
Scenic Views	Ongoing	Anastasia State Park landscape

Equipment and Guide

The tour provides all necessary equipment, including paddle boards or kayaks, to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for guests.

A live tour guide, fluent in English, leads the excursion and provides a safety briefing as well as a ground demonstration and water lesson before setting out.

Participants will meet at the Lighthouse Park shoreline, where the guided tour begins.

The knowledgeable and friendly guides aim to enhance the experience, sharing their expertise on the local marine life and ecology.

Customer Experience and Reviews

Based on the 72 reviews, guests have generally praised the Dolphin and Manatee Tour.

With an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5, guests highlighted the tour’s value for money, giving it a 4.4 rating. They also commended the knowledgeable and friendly guides who led the tours.

However, some guests noted limited availability of kayaks and suggested that this information be provided upfront.

The transportation to the tour site also received high marks, with a 4.6 rating.

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Important Information

Though the Dolphin and Manatee Tour generally offers a memorable experience, it’s important to keep in mind that the itinerary is subject to change, and the main sites passed are for reference only.

Plus, the tour requires good weather, and any cancellations due to poor weather will offer participants a different date or a full refund.

It’s essential to plan accordingly and be prepared for potential changes or weather-related disruptions.

Booking and Payment

How does one book and pay for the Dolphin and Manatee Tour? Prospective guests can conveniently reserve their spot without any upfront payment by using the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

This allows them to secure their tour date while having the flexibility to pay closer to their scheduled departure. The tour also offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, providing a full refund to guests who need to change their plans.

The booking process is straightforward:

1. Select your desired tour date and time.
2. Provide your contact and payment information.
3. Receive confirmation and look forward to the adventure.

Safety and Precautions

The tour requires participants to be in good physical condition, as it involves a moderate level of physical activity. Safety is of utmost importance, and all participants must follow the instructions provided by the knowledgeable guides.

Safety Considerations	Details
Lifejackets	Mandatory for all participants
Weather Conditions	Tours may be cancelled due to inclement weather for safety reasons
Water Hazards	Guides provide safety briefing and on-water instruction
Age Restrictions	Children must be accompanied by an adult
Medical Conditions	Participants should disclose any relevant medical information

The tour give you a memorable and safe experience for all participants while exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Tour Accessibility

The tour aims to be accessible to a wide range of participants. It’s open to all skill levels, with a ground demonstration and water lesson provided before the tour.

The itinerary includes activities suitable for both beginner and experienced paddlers, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.

The tour’s accessibility is further enhanced by:

1. The availability of both paddle boards and kayaks, catering to individual preferences and abilities.
2. The presence of a live, English-fluent guide to provide support and guidance throughout the tour.
3. The meeting point being located at the Lighthouse Park shoreline, making it easily accessible for participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Life Jackets Provided for the Tour?

Yes, life jackets are provided for the tour. The equipment provided includes paddle boards or kayaks, and the tour guide will ensure all participants wear a life jacket for their safety and comfort during the activity.

Can I Bring My Own Kayak or Paddle Board?

Guests can’t bring their own kayaks or paddle boards for the tour. The tour provider supplies all the necessary equipment, including paddle boards and kayaks, as part of the package. This ensures proper safety and a seamless experience.

How Much Weight Can the Paddle Boards or Kayaks Hold?

The tour’s equipment can accommodate a maximum weight capacity, but the exact weight limit is not specified in the provided information. Guests should inquire about weight restrictions when booking to ensure the equipment can safely support them.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Restroom facilities are available at the starting location, Lighthouse Park shoreline. However, there are no restrooms provided during the 2-hour tour itself as the tour focuses on paddling through the scenic waterways of Anastasia State Park.

Do I Need to Bring Any Snacks or Water for the Trip?

No, snacks and water are not necessary for this tour. The tour provider will supply all the necessary equipment, including any refreshments needed during the 2-hour experience.

Recap

The St. Augustine Dolphin and Manatee Paddle or Kayak Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the area. With expert guidance, modern equipment, and the chance to spot marine life, it’s a perfect blend of adventure and education for visitors of all skill levels. Whether seeking a relaxing paddle or an exciting exploration, this tour provides a memorable experience in a stunning setting.

You can check if your dates are available here: