Amelia Island: Lofton Creek Kayak Tour with Naturalist Guide

Summary

Kayak through wild wetlands with a local naturalist guide

You’ll paddle through Amelia Island’s peaceful wetlands with a local naturalist guide, spotting wildlife and soaking up the sounds of Lofton Creek. Enjoy easy-to-use kayaks, bottled water, and complimentary photos along the way. It’s a slow adventure that lets you notice details you’d miss anywhere else — perfect if you want to feel Florida instead of just seeing it.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever seen water this dark?" That’s what our guide, Jamie, asked as we pushed off into Lofton Creek. I hadn’t. The black water looked almost like glass, reflecting the tangled trees overhead. There was this earthy smell — sort of sweet and swampy at the same time — that hit me right away. Jamie handed out paddles and joked about how he still gets turned around sometimes out here (I believed him for a second). He pointed out some tiny white flowers floating near the bank — I think he called them pickerelweed? — and told us to keep an eye out for turtles sunning themselves on logs.

I’m not really a kayaker, but these sit-on-top things felt pretty steady, even when my nephew tried to splash me (thanks for that). The creek was so quiet except for birds — herons mostly, but once something big crashed in the brush and everyone stopped paddling for a second. Jamie grinned and said it was probably just a fish or maybe an alligator if we were lucky. The air felt heavy but not too hot, and there was this moment where sunlight broke through the leaves and everything kind of glowed green. I didn’t expect to feel so calm out there — it’s hard to explain unless you’ve been on this kind of day trip from Amelia Island yourself.

We drifted past another couple who waved; they’d done this tour before and said they always see something new. Jamie snapped photos for us (he promised to send them later), which was nice since my phone would’ve ended up in the water otherwise. At one point, I dipped my hand in — the water’s cooler than you’d think, almost silky feeling. We talked about local history too; apparently this creek has been used by people here forever. I kept thinking about how close we were to town but how far away it felt at the same time.

I still think about that patch of sunlight on the water and how time slowed down for those two hours. If you’re looking for something real — not flashy or rushed — this guided kayak eco tour is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided kayak tour on Amelia Island

• Meet at Paddle Jax Amelia
• Receive safety briefing and gear
• Begin 2-hour guided kayak tour
• Explore Lofton Creek wetlands
• Observe wildlife and plants
• Enjoy complimentary photos
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How long is the guided kayak eco tour on Amelia Island?

The kayak tour lasts approximately 2 hours along Lofton Creek.

Is this kayak tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, the tour is designed for beginners as well as experienced kayakers.

Are children allowed on the Lofton Creek kayak tour?

Children aged 4 and up are welcome; under 12s must ride tandem with an adult.

What is included in the Amelia Island kayak eco tour?

The tour includes use of kayaks, paddles, life vests, bottled water, and complimentary photos.

Will I see wildlife during the Lofton Creek kayak trip?

You may see fish, birds like herons, turtles, alligators, and various plants along the way.

Is hotel pickup included in this kayak tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the starting point for the tour.

Do I need previous kayaking experience?

No previous experience is required; guides provide instruction at the start.

What should I bring for this guided kayak eco tour?

It’s recommended to wear sunblock or swimwear and consider bug spray in summer; bring a change of clothes if desired.

What’s included

Your day includes use of comfortable sit-on-top kayaks with paddles and life vests provided by your guide. Bottled water keeps you refreshed throughout your paddle down Lofton Creek, while complimentary photos are taken during your guided eco tour so you can focus on enjoying each moment instead of worrying about your phone staying dry.