St. John's River Eco Tours, LLC
St. John's River Eco Tours, LLC
5
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Discover the beauty of Natural Florida aboard our new 28 passenger pontoon boat. Join us in exploring the back waters of one of the most protected areas of the St. John's River. Whether it is from November through March when the many migratory birds and wintering manatees abound or during the summer months when we see the alligator hatchlings and the year round residents.
DeBary, Florida
Features animals
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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St. John's River Eco Tours, LLC
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(26 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
321 reviews
Excellent
308
Very good
6
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Glenda L
Seattle, WA7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
While visiting my daughter and family in Florida I was taken on the most amazing excursion! The river boat trip up St. John's river was most enjoyable! I learned many interesting facts about the river's ecology and the important role all nature's creatures play to keep this beautiful river thriving. We saw Manatees, alligators and many types of birds. The tour captain/guide, Dooley, added an especially fun touch with his sense of humor, trivia and an unbelievable knowledge of "his" river. The whole family stayed entertained for the entire 2 hour trip - another amazing thing considrring the family ages range from 70 down to 3 - including teens!!!
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words Captain Dooley has spent over 50 years on the river and actually lives on a large boat on the river. His love and knowledge of the river and the nature is deep and passionate. We are glad you enjoyed your visit with us and look forward to your next visit.
Written February 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Terry D
Orange City, FL21 contributions
Dec 2020
Myself and 3 friends who live locally went over for this boat ride. I did not expect to learn anything new as I have been on this river dozens of times in my life, however our Tour guide Dooley was very informative and made the info very interesting. He seemed to have a really good knowledge of the flora/fauna and we thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon. The 2 hour time frame was a good amount of time. Afterwards we were able to have lunch at the Swamp House restaurant which we have eaten at many times. It is always good and the wait staff is always great.
Written December 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Captain Dooley has lived on the river for over 25 years and has a true love of this beautiful river
Written December 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
agentgs
Newton, NJ11 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
If you're in the Sanford, Fl. area, this Eco Tour is a MUST. I took the 2 hour Nature Tour on a spacious pontoon boat captained by Dooley, who also narrated the tour. His knowledge of this area is impeccable. He has unparalled infromation on history, navigation and the ubundant wildlife. We followed a manatee, spotted many water foul species, and even placed the boat against a tree where Barred Owls were roosting, and fed them with minnows. They swooped in each time a minnow was available at the front of the boat within an arm's distance. An incredible moment! The river was calm and peaceful, and should be no issue for those with motion sickness. The price is more than worth it, and I highly recommend this tour. If I ever return, I will be sure to take this tour again, especially if Dooley is at the helm.
Written November 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalia c
1 contribution
Jun 2020 • Family
We signed up for the boat tour but shortly after the credit card we used was used at a gas station in Ocala. They tried to spend $99 Dollars and the credit card was not used for anything else near by. I think there is an employee taking the credit card info from the customers.
Written June 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am sorry you had someone use your credit card. I can assure you that it was not us. I am the owner of the business and the only one who answers the phone or books reservations. Our business is located in DeBary Florida about 50 miles from Ocala. There are 5 other boat tour companies between us and Ocala. Additionally, we had no call or booking from you.
In the future before you make accusations about someone you may want to know you are speaking to the one you are accusing.
Written June 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan W
Loganville, GA8 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Hey! If any of you are looking for something different to do in Central Florida, I highly recommend St Johns River Eco Tours. Located in DeBary between Orlando and Daytona, the two hour river tour is fun, relaxing, informative and beautiful. Our guide, Dooley had a wealth of knowledge about the animals, plants and history of the river. My teens even said it was one of their favorite activities on this trip and would gladly do it again.
Written June 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reg and Diane S
2 contributions
Jul 2021
The scenery and education in nature were great but the guide (Dooley) was a little too proud of his local knowledge. Several 'put-downs' of others and terse responses to customers' questions would better serve him in a parochial school, not an interesting nature cruise full of paying customers. Driver Jeff made it more tolerable and was much more pleasant to converse with.
The SJR is gorgeous and it's hard to come away disappointed with anything but rudeness is just not called for is such a nice setting. I would recommend Dooley research the South Carolina state tree before jumping down the throats of Tallahassee legislators for selecting a palm tree for its state tree in Florida. See??? You CAN learn something from your paying guests!
The SJR is gorgeous and it's hard to come away disappointed with anything but rudeness is just not called for is such a nice setting. I would recommend Dooley research the South Carolina state tree before jumping down the throats of Tallahassee legislators for selecting a palm tree for its state tree in Florida. See??? You CAN learn something from your paying guests!
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bev B
1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
We had a great morning on the beautiful St. John’s River. Captain Wild Bill was very entertaining and knowledgeable, taking time to show us some outstanding wildlife along the river. We saw lots of alligators, most of which were in the water, some were basking on the rivers edge in the hot sun. We also saw lots of beautiful water foul as well as turtles. The highlight was the 2 beautiful barred owls where we got an up close view of these magnificent birds! Thanks for a great tour! We will definitely be back to do this again.
Written May 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glenda S
3 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
I’ve done this trip twice in the past month with visitors from out of state. What a great time on both occasions. Captain Colin is extremely knowledgeable and made sure we experienced the history of the St Johns river and its magnificent wildlife. It was very educational and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys the beauty of nature.
Written February 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norma S
Orlando, FL4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
If you are looking for an enjoyable outdoor activity in Florida to share with family and friends, check out this two hour eco tour on the St John’s River! We had family visiting and wanted to do something that was relaxing and fun. The St. John’s eco tour guide provided interesting facts about the beautiful birds, plants and river islands. We saw alligators and manatees enjoying the river as well. The tour allows you to bring beverages of choice on board, but they do provide bottled water. The boat is comfortable and glides along at a slow relaxing pace. We enjoyed this tour immensely and will not hesitate to return with other friends and family.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We look forward to your next tour and are so glad we were able to share this beautiful river with you.
Written February 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
douglasmQ7187OK
The Villages, FL11 contributions
Jan 2023
Captain Colin was an excellent tour guide. Our group from The Villages enjoyed every minute of the beautiful scenery and terrific narration. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to go out for an enjoyable tour; Captain Colin pointed out reptiles and birds with lots of fun stories!
And a special thanks to Captain Colin handling us with a last minute request.
And a special thanks to Captain Colin handling us with a last minute request.
Written January 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are glad we were able to keep your birthday a special event for you. Captain Colin has a great love for the river and at the end of the day after your tout he d=said to me I now know what I want to do for the rest of my life the river was especially beautiful today and our guests were the best he had ever had on a tour. We look forward to your next visit with us and a Happy belated Birthday.
Written January 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Precio por persona
Doug Little
DeBary, FL2 contributions
$30.00 for adults, $27.00 for seniors 60 years of age and over, $17.00 for children 12 years and under
brendaf122018
1 contribution
Are there restrooms on board?
Sarah Mahler
Park Ridge, IL244 contributions
Was in the larger boat this week. There is a bathroom it’s small but it’s there.
Happiness551964
Tulsa, OK
Do you have tours in October?
Sarah Mahler
Park Ridge, IL244 contributions
I asked while on board and they close Aug 15th through September due to heat and low animal population.
estuarysuz
Palmetto, FL
How long are the tours and how much do they cost
Doug Little
DeBary, FL2 contributions
Our tours are 2 hours in length. The adult price is $30.00 the senior price is $ 27.00 and kids 12 and under are $ 17.00
NoraLewis
Lorain, OH
HI. Can just a couple of people take this tour? OR do we need to get a group together to do this? Is this a daily trip? Please advise.
Thank you.
Doug Little
DeBary, FL2 contributions
We offer 2 tours daily one at 10:00 AM and one at 1:30 pm. Reservations are highly recommended for all tours. We book up quickly so if you don't want to be disappointed call or book on line at our website. We require a minimum of 2 passengers our boat holds 28 people. We are closed on Monday's reservations are required for our 10:00 AM tour.
St. John's River Eco Tours, LLC - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
St. John's River Eco Tours, LLC Information
Excellent Reviews | 308 |
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Very Good Reviews | 6 |
St. John's River Eco Tours, LLC Photos | 309 |