St Augustine isn’t just about historic forts and cobblestone streets — it’s also a fantastic place to experience Florida’s coastal waters from a kayak or canoe. Its calm estuaries, salt marshes, and waterways make it an ideal setting for exploring local wildlife and scenic scenery at your own pace.
We’re fans of the Dolphin, Manatee and Sea Turtle Kayak Adventure, thanks to its personal touch and wildlife sightings, but all three tours offer something special.
Whether you’re interested in a quiet paddle, a scenic boat cruise combined with kayaking, or a guided salt marsh experience, St Augustine has a tour for you.
For those who want a mix of history and wildlife, the St. Augustine Wildlife Adventure: Boat Cruise & Kayak Eco Tour stands out for its scenic cruise past landmarks and its peaceful kayaking through coastal waters.
If you’re after a more intimate, guided experience into the salt marshes, the Guided Salt Marsh Kayak Tour offers a highly-rated, small-group outing that combines history, nature, and gentle paddling. Below, we break down each of these memorable options to help you choose the best fit.
1. Dolphin, Manatee and Sea Turtle Kayak Adventure
At number one, this tour delivers an intimate encounter with Florida’s iconic marine life in a private setting. For about $65 per person, you get roughly two hours of guided kayaking, where your expert guide will help you spot dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. The tour is designed to take you away from crowded areas, into calmer waters where wildlife tends to gather naturally.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of wildlife viewing and educational commentary. The guides are skilled at pointing out animals and sharing stories about St Augustine’s ecosystems. Many reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides, like Noah, and the peaceful, scenic waters.
One reviewer said, “Noah was a great guide and very enthusiastic about the areas we paddle through.” The tour also includes a beach stop, perfect for relaxing and taking in the natural beauty, plus opportunities to see conchs and starfish.
It’s ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting a personalized, small-group experience. Value-wise, it offers a lot of wildlife for the price and a chance to learn about marine animals up close.
Bottom Line: If your main goal is to see dolphins, turtles, and manatees while enjoying a peaceful paddle with expert guidance, this private kayak tour offers an authentic and memorable experience.
2. St. Augustine Wildlife Adventure: Boat Cruise & Kayak Eco Tour
Coming in at number two, this tour pairs a scenic boat cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway with a kayaking adventure on Anastasia Island. For just under $45 per person, you get roughly two hours of exploring both by land and water.
The cruise offers views of iconic landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the Bridge of Lions, giving you a rich dose of local scenery and history from the comfort of a boat.
Once anchored near Anastasia Island, guides lead participants through lush salt marshes, tidal creeks, and estuaries. Here, you can expect to see dolphins, manatees, and wading birds, all thriving in this protected environment. The combination of a boat cruise with kayaking makes it perfect for those who want a broader taste of St Augustine’s coastal beauty without the physical strain of a long paddle.
The reviews emphasize the engaging guides and the beauty of the coastline, with one saying, “Captains Kevin and James were excellent hosts and guides. Both of them were very informative and engaging.”
Bottom Line: This tour offers a comprehensive experience of St. Augustine’s waterways, blending history, scenery, and wildlife in a relaxed, scenic setting. It’s great for travelers wanting an overview of the coastline with some active kayaking.
3. Guided Salt Marsh Kayak Tour
At number three, this highly-rated tour is perfect for those who want a small-group, guided experience in the salt marshes of St Augustine. For $50, you receive about two hours of paddling through the historic salt marshes, with plenty of wildlife and local scenery.
The tour starts with a brief paddling lesson, making it accessible for beginners, and then takes you into the calm, fertile marshlands that have been vital to the region for centuries.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on nature, history, and culture. The guides are experienced in sharing insights about the Spanish Fort, the Bridge of Lions, and other historic landmarks visible from the water.
Many reviews praise the guide Izzie’s friendly, knowledgeable approach and her ability to make paddling easy and enjoyable. One reviewer called it “an amazing time,” and appreciated the mix of wildlife, history, and beautiful vistas.
The tour’s location at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina makes it easy to access, and the small size ensures personalized attention.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a relaxed, educational paddle in a small group with a focus on local history and ecology, this guided salt marsh tour is a top choice.
How to Choose Your Perfect Kayak or Canoe Experience
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, physical fitness, and interests. If wildlife is your priority, the Dolphin, Manatee and Sea Turtle Kayak Adventure offers a more personalized, wildlife-focused outing. For a broader scenic experience combining a boat cruise with kayaking, the St. Augustine Wildlife Adventure provides a relaxed way to see multiple landmarks.
If you’re looking for a more educational, small-group paddle with a focus on local ecology and history, the Guided Salt Marsh Kayak Tour is ideal.
Think about your fitness level — most tours are suitable for beginners, but if you want a truly private experience or a chance to paddle alone with expert guidance, the first tour fits perfectly. For families or those wanting a mix of history and nature, all three tours are accessible and well-reviewed.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours like the guided salt marsh trip, which only has one review and likely fills quickly. The best time to go is during the cooler months from fall to spring, when the waters are calmer, and wildlife sightings are more frequent.
Final Thoughts
St Augustine offers a wonderful range of water-based experiences that suit different interests and skill levels. If you want an up-close wildlife encounter, the Dolphin, Manatee and Sea Turtle Kayak Adventure is hard to beat. For those eager to combine sightseeing with paddling, the St. Augustine Wildlife Adventure provides a scenic, educational overview of the coast.
And if local ecology and history intrigue you, the Guided Salt Marsh Kayak Tour offers an intimate look at the salt marshes with expert guidance.
No matter which you choose, these tours promise memorable moments on the water, fresh air, and a different perspective on this historic Florida city. Be sure to book early, especially during peak seasons, and don’t forget your sunscreen and water!