Amelia Island: Salt Marsh Paddle Tour – PADL Island

Amelia Island’s salt marshes are a true hidden gem along the Florida coast. The PADL Island’s Salt Marsh Paddle Tour offers adventurers a chance to explore this vibrant ecosystem up close. Departing from the Timucuan Preserve, this 2-hour excursion immerses participants in the sights and sounds of the marsh – from spotting dolphins to learning about the area’s rich history. With top-notch equipment and an accessible experience, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover the natural beauty of Amelia Island.

Key Points

• A 2-hour salt marsh excursion with 1.5-hour kayaking or paddleboarding experience starting from Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.
• Guided tour in English with wheelchair accessibility, priced at $59.12 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, learn about the ecosystem, and attend a Dolphin Talk during the tour.
• Hassle-free booking experience with reserve now and pay later option, and a free cancellation policy for a full refund.
• The tour is designed for all skill levels, with paddle instruction, scenic views, and educational information about the local ecology and history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Amelia Island Paddle Tour is a 2-hour salt marsh excursion that takes visitors on a 1.5-hour kayaking or paddleboarding adventure through the scenic Amelia Island and Talbot Islands.

Set out on a 1.5-hour kayaking or paddleboarding adventure through the scenic Amelia Island and Talbot Islands during this 2-hour salt marsh excursion.

The tour starts from the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, is guided in English, and is wheelchair accessible.

Priced at $59.12 per person, it allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants can expect to see a variety of wildlife, learn about the salt marsh ecosystem and local history, and enjoy a midway break for a Dolphin Talk.

Booking Information

To book the Amelia Island Paddle Tour, visitors can reserve their spot without upfront payment and pay later. The tour offers flexible booking options, allowing guests to check availability and confirm starting times.

| Booking Information | |

| — | — |

| Reserve Now & Pay Later | Secure your spot without upfront payment. |

| Check Availability | Confirm starting times for the tour. |

| Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. |

This ensures a hassle-free booking experience, so adventurers can focus on exploring the salt marsh ecosystem and wildlife during their guided kayak or paddleboard experience.

Tour Highlights

A key highlight of the Amelia Island Paddle Tour is the opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife inhabiting the salt marsh ecosystem.

During the tour, participants can:

• Search for dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species that call the salt marsh home.

• Learn about the unique characteristics of the salt marsh ecosystem and its importance to the local environment.

• Enjoy a midway break for a Dolphin Talk, where guides share insights into the fascinating behaviors and biology of these marine mammals.

• Use the high-quality paddle equipment and life vests provided to enhance their overall paddling experience and enjoyment of the scenic surroundings.

Tour Experience

All tours begin with a short paddle instruction on land, where guides ensure participants are comfortable with the equipment and proper paddling techniques.

The tours are designed to go with the current, enhancing paddling skills and enjoyment of the scenic salt marsh environment. Participants embark on a guided kayak or paddleboard experience suitable for all skill levels, no prior experience needed.

The gentle pace and scenic views make the tour accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of guests. Throughout the journey, the guide provides educational information about the local ecology and history, creating a well-rounded, immersive experience.

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What to Bring & Not Suitable For

Participants are recommended to bring a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and water to ensure a comfortable and safe experience on the tour.

The salt marsh environment can be quite sunny and exposed, so these items will help protect against the elements. Plus, the tour involves getting in and out of kayaks or paddleboards, so swimwear is advisable.

The tour isn’t suitable for:

• People with mobility impairments that make it difficult to get in and out of the vessels

• Non-swimmers who may feel uncomfortable in the water environment

• Those seeking a more leisurely, non-active experience

Exploring the Salt Marsh Ecosystem

Although the salt marsh environment may appear deceptively simple, it’s a complex and dynamic ecosystem teeming with a diverse array of life.

During the tour, guides will educate paddlers on the intricate web of interactions within the marsh. Participants will discover cordgrass, the foundation of the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for countless species.

They’ll spot wading birds stalking the shallows, hunting for fish and crustaceans. With luck, they may even catch a glimpse of the iconic American alligator, a keystone predator.

This guided exploration offers a unique window into the vibrant, yet fragile, salt marsh habitats of Amelia Island.

Discovering Local History and Wildlife

While exploring the salt marsh, paddlers can discover Amelia Island’s rich local history and diverse wildlife.

The guided tour includes a midway "Dolphin Talk", where participants learn about the playful marine mammals that frequent the area.

The salt marsh ecosystem is home to a variety of birds, including herons, egrets, and osprey, which can be spotted along the way.

As paddlers glide through the winding waterways, they may even catch a glimpse of a manatee or river otter.

The tour’s educational component brings the region’s natural and cultural heritage to life.

• Dolphin Talk

• Bird watching

• Manatee and otter sightings

• Educational insights on local history and ecology

Sum Up

The Salt Marsh Paddle Tour offered by PADL Island on Amelia Island is a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant salt marsh ecosystem. With high-quality equipment, a guided educational experience, and the chance to spot diverse wildlife, this 2-hour excursion provides a stunning way to explore the area’s natural beauty and rich history. Whether participants choose to kayak or paddleboard, they’re sure to leave with a deeper appreciation for the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.

You can check availability for your dates here: