Ripple Effect Ecotours
Ripple Effect Ecotours
5
Boat ToursEco ToursSightseeing ToursNature & Wildlife ToursKayaking & Canoeing
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
Ripple Effect Ecotours, St. Augustine's most ethical and sustainable ecotour company, is a dedicated environmental outfitter offering eco-educational kayaking that explores the most remote and natural waterways surrounding St. Augustine, FL. Get way off the beaten path and explore the far reaches of the 73,000+ acre GTM Research Reserve, most of which is only accessible by kayak. Ripple Effect fosters unique partnerships with the Friends of the GTM Research Reserve, the University of Florida Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and the Marineland Dolphin Adventure. Proceeds from the ecotours benefit the education, stewardship, and conservation initiatives of our non-profit partners. Have a relaxing and educational time on the water and help support a great cause. All you need to do is make a reservation and Ripple Effect will take care of the rest!
St. Augustine, Florida
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Ripple Effect Ecotours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
375 reviews
Excellent
364
Very good
10
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
TskMinn
St. Paul, Minnesota32 contributions
Feb 2020
A great morning on the water. Leif did a great job of introducing us to the kayaks, watching how we were doing, and telling us about all the things we were seeing. I had trouble with the rudder and he got me back in business quickly. There were only two boats on our tour and he offered to extend the usual route by a mile - good choice, because that's where we found a dolphin hunting. The paddling was more effort than we expected, but definitely doable for a pair of over-65 folks. And we survived the tandem kayak without any fights. We wanted to be out in nature, and this was perfect without being very far from the city. He even recommended a BBQ place for lunch when we were done - great suggestion.
Written February 19, 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.
Great mornings and evenings here at Ripple with a beautiful estuary to be out with nature. Our equipment is the best and tandem kayaks provide opportunity to go further, rest when needed and keep a minimal impact with less kayaks in the fragile ecosystem. We are ready to help and provide a great adventure. Thank you, EZ
Written March 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan C
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Friends
I have taken RippleEffect’s sunset cruise several times and often take my visiting friends and family on the cruise. The guides are generally knowledgeable scientists and they really know the marsh but don’t chatter at you all the time. The paddling is easy and the sights and sounds of this watery world at sunset are fabulous. Gliding home in the dark with the kayaks lit up like lightening bugs is an experience to be treasured. If you are in the area, don’t miss the chance to try this cruise!!
Written July 22, 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.
Don't miss this and we appreciate the treasure. We know and respect the science to include the scientists next door at UF Whitney Lab, whom we learn from routinely. However, we consider ourselves naturalists "Guided by Nature". Ready for your next eco-adventure, and we look forward to your return. Much Gratitude, EZ
Written July 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer J
6 contributions
Mar 2021
Our family of four had a wonderful time on the sunset kayak tour. We had booked a morning tour, but our guide got sick the night before, so they rebooked us for the sunset tour that same day. Our guide Jameson was enthusiastic and so knowledgeable about the area. We saw several dolphins on the tour. It was a lovely evening to be out on a kayak. Jameson was so generous to provide a towel and sunglasses for our daughter who got very wet while kayaking. The kayaks light up as the sun goes down making for some beautiful images. It was a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the environment and get some exercise at the same time.
Written April 3, 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.
We appreciate your flexibility and sorry for the change up. Thanks for your review and glad to know you had a great time with family. Enjoy, EZ
Written April 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
73DEBBIE
Lawrence, KS23 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about nature. Specifically the mangroves and wildlife. We took the evening session and saw beautiful billowing storm clouds in the distance at dusk while enjoying the wonderfully cool breeze. We would highly recommend this adventure for learning about how important it is to preserve nature.
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.
Your recommendation with a hint of conservation is greatly appreciated. Morning and sunsets while the earth spins in orbit allowing nature to guide the way. Enjoy, EZ
Written October 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
krystyna
Columbia, SC1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Couples
If I could give this review a zero I would. I highly recommend you do not book with them. My husband and I were so excited about our kayaking trip, arrived 15 minutes ahead, as they asked and no one was there. We received a confirmation email the prior day confirming everything was still good. After calling the company at least 18 times, we left messages and sent emails and heard nothing back. Finally around 930- thirty minutes after our trip was suppose to begin we called again and they answered like nothing was going on. We explained how we waited in the parking lot for over 45 minutes and they stated they have to cancel the trip. Didn’t offer to rebook us. They were minimally apologetic and not accommodating or helpful. I am so disappointed in the entire experience or lack there of and would never recommend them to anyone.
Written August 17, 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.
Our sincere apologies, life is pretty difficult for all of us right now and we dropped the ball. Unfortunate circumstances occurred within our Ripple Family and you were an unintentional peripheral casualty of oversight in the reservation system. We don't like it either and hope to regain your trust one day. We apologize for our dilemma that disappointed you and left you in despair. Thank you for letting us know, EZ
Written August 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
George H
2 contributions
May 2021
We did the private tour with a group of six and it was WONDERFUL! Our guide, Adam, could not have done a better job. He made sure we all felt comfortable before getting on the water and kept the pace just perfect for our entire group. He adjusted our route based on the tide and weather conditions to ensure maximum opportunities to experience the estuary. Adam has a degree in environmental sciences and coastal management and it was great to have an expert educating us about the estuary and its flora and fauna. It was really interesting to see the region as it has looked for tens of thousands of years. Most of our group were experienced paddlers, but we had a few who had never been in a kayak and we all felt comfortable and enjoyed the entire tour. Five stars!
Written May 2, 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.
All are welcome and all be comfortable, come into the kayak with a Ripple Effect of good vibes and good times. Educational outdoor eco adventure in an estuary where earth has been cherished from the first foot steps until now. Join with a smile, we'll give it right back. Enjoy, EZ
Written May 3, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brian M
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Would definitely recommend this experience to anyone interested in learning about the local ecology from an experienced, patient and friendly guide. Sumo matched the pace of our kayaking group and answered all of our questions while making us feel comfortable to just enjoy the moment. We were able to get up close to the mangroves and see what was hiding in plain sight, observing the wonders of nature while having fun in the kayaks. Sumo was able to engage with two young teenagers and the adults alike, keeping us all interested at our own level.
Written August 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.
Anyone interested in learning about estuarine ecology with a patient and friendly guide, we are ready. We will match the pace of your needs while creating a comfortable and enjoyable natural adventure into the Research Reserve for all levels. Thank you, EZ
Written August 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Scenic565237
1 contribution
Jan 2022
Had a wonderful experience with Adam and fellow kayakers. I had not been in a kayak for 20 years however Adam was excellent in calming any fears and gave encouragement during the entire trip. Wonderful knowledge of birds, dolphins and estuary, Highly recommend going on their tours.
Written January 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.
Wonderful, Wonderful and more Wonderful...we'll take out the fear, no worries with the best equipment in the business and professional guides to provide the safety. Then we sit back: Guided by Nature. Thank you, EZ
Written January 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elyce P
Breinigsville, PA4 contributions
Aug 2021
It was so beautiful and peaceful. Adam was so knowledgeable and helpful.
I had never kayaked before and was nervous. He gave us some training beforehand and then was nearby at all times. I felt very safe. I’m pretty sure the kayak could not tip over and did not come close to that happening.
Adam told us about the ecosystem and wildlife as we were on our trek.
He did not rush us at all! We went at a comfortable pace that we could all maintain.
You will get wet so bring a towel and leave on shore to dry off. We used bug spray but not sure it was needed because I didn’t have see any bugs.
I had never kayaked before and was nervous. He gave us some training beforehand and then was nearby at all times. I felt very safe. I’m pretty sure the kayak could not tip over and did not come close to that happening.
Adam told us about the ecosystem and wildlife as we were on our trek.
He did not rush us at all! We went at a comfortable pace that we could all maintain.
You will get wet so bring a towel and leave on shore to dry off. We used bug spray but not sure it was needed because I didn’t have see any bugs.
Written August 1, 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.
Safe, Knowledgeable and Helpful is a mantra we hope to chant everyday in this amazing estuary. Grateful with Gratitude and Enjoy, EZ
Written August 2, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lea M
Washington DC, DC19 contributions
Apr 2022
Excellent kayaking experience, starting at Marineland and lasting about 3 hours. 10 participants and two guides
Bit of a slow start, between late arrivals and changing of equipment, but we saw the dolphins in the intercostal before we even pushed off.
We paddled from the intercostal into the smaller inlets and shallower salt /brackish / fresh water areas. Adam pointed out various types of flora and fauna.
Some of the paddling might be considered a bit challenging (the wind on the lake and crossing in the wakes of motorboats on the intercoastal) but our group was made up of all ages and abilities. My only comment is I feel a guide should always be the last kayak in line ....and at times that didn't happen.
Great morning out. Will do again.
Bit of a slow start, between late arrivals and changing of equipment, but we saw the dolphins in the intercostal before we even pushed off.
We paddled from the intercostal into the smaller inlets and shallower salt /brackish / fresh water areas. Adam pointed out various types of flora and fauna.
Some of the paddling might be considered a bit challenging (the wind on the lake and crossing in the wakes of motorboats on the intercoastal) but our group was made up of all ages and abilities. My only comment is I feel a guide should always be the last kayak in line ....and at times that didn't happen.
Great morning out. Will do again.
Written April 5, 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.
Great Value in an outdoor experience: guides safely maintain the lead to make sure habitats are protected and not accidentally damaged by kayak and paddles. The tidal creeks are a maze and professionally understood to make sure each route has the least amount challenge. No lakes, only the estuary within the GTM NERR Research Reserve and the beauty of nature all around. Thank you, EZ
Written April 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We will be staying in Palm Coast November 19-23 . With Thanksgiving holiday that week , , what options would have if my husband and I wanted A jet boat ride ? Doubt he would want to kayak ( shoulder issues )
Written November 17, 2018
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