Kayak Amelia
Kayak Amelia
5
Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Explore the natural side of the Amelia Island / Jacksonville area with guided ecotours on kayaks and paddle boards. Or create your own adventure and rental kayaks from our location in Talbot Island State Park.
Amelia Island, Florida
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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(44 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
553 reviews
Excellent
487
Very good
46
Average
9
Poor
4
Terrible
7
cxiang
West Lafayette, IN26 contributions
Jun 2022
The is something magical about the sand bars. The pools teemed with sea life (if you look closely). Baby blue crabs and hermit crabs crawled about, and baby fish swam around. My kids enjoyed one very naughty crab, who pooped in his hands, and a very tiny puffer fish. All around us was crystal clear sea water. Gentle waves and fresh breezes pampered us, and the guides entertained and fed us (yummy chocolate chip cookies). In the distance, sea gulls and pelicans were napping, and overhead, navy helicopters and fighter jets put up a show. Honey can you have asked for more!
Written June 28, 2022
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.
Hamilton T
Jacksonville, FL53 contributions
May 2020 • Friends
Took the 3-hour guided kayak tour today and what a great way to spend it! Buddy was our lead guide and he was friendly, informative, and made sure that everyone was included. Also, Tanner, our other guide, was helpful in making sure stragglers were helped along, so you never had any concerns that you might end up with any trouble. It's so peaceful and beautiful and they make sure that the paddling is easy for all. A little more than halfway into the tour we stopped at a sandbar and were able to get out to stretch our legs and take a dip. We've lived in Jacksonville for 40 years and have never done any kayaking. We'll be sure to make it back as the folks were friendly and kept everything moving even though it was an incredibly busy day as people were taking advantage of the great weather as the coronavirus restrictions are lifted. Do yourself a favor when looking for something different to do outdoors and make a reservation to take one of the kayak tours. And as a friendly FYI, remember to tip your guides as they do a fantastic job making the tour as easy and enjoyable as possible for their guests. And I won't spoil it, but at your break you'll get a great surprise to keep your energy level up.
Written May 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.
ViennaEats
Fairfax, VA13 contributions
Mar 2023
Kayak Amelia was outstanding. They did not have a planned trip set for the day we wanted to go, however they found a guide and confirmed the trip right away. The instructions were clear and the equipment in great shape. The guide was fantastic, informative, professional and a delightful fellow. Our boys loved the experience and had a great time. I would highly recommend Kayak Amelia and we will use their services again the next time we are in Jacksonville.
Written March 27, 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.
Patricia D
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This was the second time we participated in the Eco Tour. It's a great way to get to know the tidal creeks and marshes of the area. The leader gave a very efficient briefing on kayak technique for anyone who needed a refresher, and his knowledge of the tides and routes was excellent. Of course the cookies were outstanding! Hopefully Kayak Amelia will be able to fix up their rental boats once the supply chain improves--our tandem was missing some essential fittings.
Written June 4, 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.
KT
1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Family
My husband and I took the guided sunset tour on Saturday that departed from Big Talbot State Park, with kayaking guides Buddy and Bob. Neither of us had been kayaking before but were given a lifejacket and a quick lesson on paddling techniques before departure; we felt completely comfortable. Our tour group was both adults and children of different skill levels. Both guides were very knowledgeable and helpful during the entire tour and great with the children. The delicious homemade cookies were a big hit when we stopped to rest. If you are considering booking a tour with Kayak Amelia for yourself or as a gift, look no further.
Our tour helped open our eyes to the beauty of the area and we are considering getting kayaks of our own, as we fell in love with being on the water. Thank you to Buddy and Bob for your patience and hospitality. We will definitely be taking future tours with Kayak Amelia.
Our tour helped open our eyes to the beauty of the area and we are considering getting kayaks of our own, as we fell in love with being on the water. Thank you to Buddy and Bob for your patience and hospitality. We will definitely be taking future tours with Kayak Amelia.
Written September 25, 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.
Deb N
3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
Beautiful day paddling on Simpson Creek. Tanner was a good instructor and did a great job telling our group historical and interesting things to see. He identified many birds and his enthusiasm was evident. Easy paddle with an outgoing tide and quick shuttle in a nice and clean van.
Written April 5, 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.
BFTlady
Beaufort, SC21 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
Our guide Buddy led our family of 6 - including grandparents, and 8 year old and a 3 year old - on a group eco tour this past weekend. His passion for the local rivers and ocean spoke in his great knowledge, so much so that our son tried very hard to find floating trash in the marshes to help take care of the water. The guide team was very patient and engaging with both kids. The route is just challenging enough for good exercise and beautiful enough to relax in many spots. This is our third trip with Kayak Amelia as a family and we will happily keep it a tradition when we visit.
Written October 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.
ozzieamy
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ400 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
A fun friendly business in a beautiful location. Such positive energy was had. There were 10 of us on our tour. It seemed everyone was ambitious to paddle quickly as we powered through the Chanel’s. The guides were super friendly, although I expected to stop more and be educated along the way. We learnt of a pelican and that was about it.
The beach stop was nice, although long as we had paddles quickly. But the cookie was delicious. Overall super nice people, super pretty spot. I’d do it again, but encourage a little more education and stops along the way.
The beach stop was nice, although long as we had paddles quickly. But the cookie was delicious. Overall super nice people, super pretty spot. I’d do it again, but encourage a little more education and stops along the way.
Written January 17, 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'm glad you enjoyed your kayak tour. Kayak Amelia guides try their best to 'read' the group as to how interested they are to hear more about the local environment. Some groups are very engaged and asking questions, some would rather just talk among themselves. It's possible the rest of your group may not have shown much interest in info about local critters. I'll remind the guides to do a bit more interpretation along the way.
Written January 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gina M
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
My husband and I had a wonderful time. Our guide, Tanner, took us up close to see the many species of birds, discussed their distinctive characteristics and gave us many interesting facts about the history of the area. I would highly recommend this tour.
Written October 14, 2022
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.
Wandering_97340
Fernandina Beach, FL79 contributions
Mar 2022
This was my fifth trip with Kayak Amelia, hosting family and friends from colder climates. I keep bringing people here for a reason. These folks are consistent. Our "with the current" paddle from Ft. George Inlet through the marsh and back to the Kayak Amelia ramp was great. For guides, Buddy was in the lead, doing most of the eco-tour talking and Tanner was pulling clean-up duties and taking pics. We had a great photo opportunity of an osprey with a fresh catch in its talons, and the tide was right for us to bushwhack in and out of the spartina grass and get a little lost in the marsh.
I encourage people to stick close to the guides - they do this for a living, have a wealth of information about the marsh environment and are happy to answer any questions you have. If you don't stay within earshot of one of them, you're missing out on a big part of the experience.
And the cookies were delicious, as usual.
I encourage people to stick close to the guides - they do this for a living, have a wealth of information about the marsh environment and are happy to answer any questions you have. If you don't stay within earshot of one of them, you're missing out on a big part of the experience.
And the cookies were delicious, as usual.
Written March 12, 2022
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.
Is the firefly trail wheelchair friendly?
Most of the walk in on a paved road. After that it's hard packed sand with some ruts and bumps. The paved part should be fine for a wheelchair. Just FYI this weekend is the last of the Firefly tours for this season.
Elizabeth E
Fleming Island, FL1 contribution
Hi, would the fireflies be around in June while Kayaking?
The first hatch out in the spring is huge, thousands of fireflies. They are around all summer but not in those huge numbers. That's why we only do the tours in the spring.
DebLeigh9
Jacksonville, FL1 contribution
How much longer do you expect fireflies to be around this season? When did they appear?
The fireflies are here in these huge numbers for about 3 weeks. It started April 1. In past years we occasionally have seen them start to fizzle at 2.5 weeks.
Cheryl W
Jacksonville, FL14 contributions
We are locals....is it too late to catch the Fire fly show?
If not, where do we go to catch it. Very familiar with the area
Jules R
Fernandina Beach, FL73 contributions
I'm so sorry. The bugs are gone. They are only here for 3 weeks and then they're done until next year.
Maggie A
Melbourne, Florida, United States32 contributions
Where can we launch our kayaks - we are staying at Amelia Island Plantation. thanks
JodyKA
Fernandina Beach, Florida, United States2 contributions
Our kayak office is 6 miles south of the Plantation on A1A in Talbot Island State Park. You can launch from our location, we're open 9am-5pm everyday and the launch fee is $1pp. If you stop in the office we can go over a map of the area and point out other places where you can launch. if you are staying at the Plantation I think you are allowed to launch from their boat ramp at Walker's Landing.
TravelingBEG
Union County, NJ284 contributions
I am trying to decide between Segways at Kayak Amelia or the one (@ Omni hotel). did you see any wildlife on the ride? did you get to go down by the water? Did you feel like this tour was off the beaten path? I've done Segway rides in Boston before a couple of times but this will be my boyfriend's 1st ride so I want to pick the right one. Any info helpful. Thanks
JodyKA
Fernandina Beach, Florida, United States2 contributions
The Kayak Amelia tours ride thru the off road trails in Ft George State Park, about 20 minutes south of Amelia Island. Both the one and two hour tours stop at a pretty overlook on he water. We frequently see gopher tortoises. Occasionally rabbits, raptors, armadillos, deer. Everyone wears a headset so you can hear the guide up front as he points out interesting sites. You can find info and photos on our website and Facebook page.
Jody
Kami H
Whiting, IN
Which is the best package? Egans, Lofton or the Amelia River Tour?
Jules R
Fernandina Beach, FL73 contributions
Most of our tours are on the creeks in Talbot Island State Park, 4 miles south of Amelia Island. We plan tours based on the tide so you don't have to paddle against the current. All our guides are trained naturalists and will share the stories of the local critters and history. In warmer weather we stop on a sandbar for a swim and snack. Let me know if you have any other questions. You can make reservations online for tours.