Guided Fishing in Simpson Creek: Kayak & Paddle Board

Paddle through winding salt marshes while casting for inshore species

A guided fishing activity on Amelia and Talbot Islands where you paddle a kayak or stand-up paddle board through Simpson Creek and the surrounding salt marshes, targeting inshore fish with gear and instruction provided by a licensed guide. You choose your vessel (tandem kayak, single kayak, or stand-up paddle board) at checkout. The outing runs roughly two hours and covers protected Talbot Islands State Parks and the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.

The experience

You launch from PADL on Amelia and Talbot Islands and paddle into Simpson Creek, moving through salt marshes and maritime hammock habitats that feel untouched by time. The guide shares local fishing techniques as you cast, helping you target inshore species while pointing out dolphins, rays, herons, egrets, ospreys and other coastal birds that inhabit this corner of Northeast Florida. All fishing gear is provided (rods, tackle, whatever you need to cast) along with a waterproof bag to keep your phone and wallet dry while you're focused on paddling and the line.

The paddle itself is the work: you're moving your own vessel through the water, not sitting while someone else steers. A safety briefing and paddle instruction happen at the start, and US Coast Guard approved life jackets come with every booking. The guide stays with your group, offering technique tips and pointing out the ecosystem as you move through the preserve, but the casting and the paddling are yours to do.

What’s included

• Paddle board or kayak rental (your choice of tandem kayak, single kayak, or stand-up paddle board).
• paddles.
• US Coast Guard approved life jacket.
• waterproof bag for phone, wallet and keys.
• all fishing gear.
• paddle instruction and safety briefing.
• licensed guide in English.

Options for this experience

3 options

Tandem KayakGuide in English · 07:00A kayak with two seats for paddlers.

Paddle board, stand upGuide in English · 07:00A board with a leash, for one paddler.

Single KayakGuide in English · 07:00A kayak with one seat for a single paddler.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (under 18)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by PADL

Is this one for you?Choose the stand-up paddle board if you want a different balance and core engagement than kayaking offers. Pick a tandem kayak if you're paddling with someone and want to share the work. The single kayak suits solo paddlers who want full control of their pace through the marshes.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 18).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the tandem kayak, single kayak and stand-up paddle board options?

The tandem kayak seats two paddlers and is a good choice if you're going with a partner or want to share the paddling work. The single kayak is for one person. The stand-up paddle board is a different platform. You stand and use a single long paddle instead of a double-bladed kayak paddle. All three come with the same guide, fishing gear and instruction. You pick the one that fits how you want to move through the water.

Will I actually catch fish, or is this more about being on the water?

The guide teaches you local fishing techniques and helps you target inshore species, so you have a real chance to catch. Whether you land anything depends on the day, the water conditions and how the fish are biting, but you're fishing with proper gear and guidance, not just paddling around.

What wildlife will I see out there?

Simpson Creek and the surrounding marshes are home to dolphins, rays, herons, egrets, ospreys and other coastal birds. The guide points out what's around as you paddle through the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve and the protected Talbot Islands State Parks, so you'll spot animals as part of the day, though sightings depend on the season and time of day.

How much paddling experience do I need?

You get a paddle instruction and safety briefing before you launch, so beginners can join. The guide expects a moderate level of physical fitness (you're paddling for roughly two hours through salt marshes), but the instruction covers what you need to know to move safely and comfortably on the water.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The outing runs in the waters around Amelia and Talbot Islands, which are exposed to coastal conditions. Specific cancellation or rescheduling policies depend on the operator's weather guidelines. Confirm those details when you book.