St. Augustine: Dolphin & Manatee Kayak Tour with Wildlife

Paddle into Florida's Wildlife: Dolphins and Manatees from Your Kayak

You paddle St. Augustine's shallow waterways with a guide who knows where dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles congregate. The tour includes your kayak, paddle, and life vest, plus a stop on a beach where your guide covers local history while you're in the water. Most departures run 2 to 3 hours, and the company has been running these tours for 17 years, so the route and timing are locked in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak wildlife tour in St. Augustine

• Paddle down St. Augustine waterways
• Spot manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles
• Observe bald eagles and pink spoonbills
• Stop at beach to see starfish and conch shells
• Learn history of St. Augustine and Florida

The experience

You push off from the shore and the kayak glides into the shallow waterways of St. Augustine, paddle dipping quiet into the water. Within the first few minutes, your guide points toward a cluster of mangroves where manatees often gather in the cooler months, or where dolphins surface without warning. The pace is slow enough that you're not fighting the current, but fast enough that you cover the areas where wildlife congregates. The guide knows the routes after 17 years of running these tours, and it shows. You're not paddling blind or hoping to see something. You're being taken to where the animals actually are.

The kayak tour down St. Augustine's waterways includes stops where starfish and conch shells line the sand, and your guide talks through the history of the area while you're standing in shallow water, catching your breath. Bald eagles, pink spoonbills, sea turtles. The wildlife list is long, but the guide doesn't rattle it off like a checklist. You see what shows up that day. Some departures bring pods of dolphins. Others are quieter. The company has run over 70,000 tours across Florida and was featured on the Travel Channel, which matters less than the fact that they know which channels to paddle down and when. They've also landed in the top 10% globally, which tells you the experience holds up to scrutiny.

Your kayak, paddle, and life vest are all included, so you show up and get in. The tour runs 2 to 3 hours depending on what you encounter and where the wildlife is that day. Groups stay small enough that the guide can actually talk to you, not just point and move on. If you've never kayaked before, the shallow waterways and the slow pace mean you're not learning to paddle while panicking. The guide handles the routing, and you handle the paddle strokes at your own speed.

What’s included

• Your kayak tour includes the kayak itself, paddle, and life vest.
• Your guide leads you through the waterways of St.
• Augustine for 2 to 3 hours, stopping on beaches where you'll see starfish and conch shells while learning about the area's history.
• Wildlife sightings (dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, bald eagles, and pink spoonbills) are part of the route, though what you see depends on the day and season.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 10:30 and 13:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (9 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Three Brothers Boards Dolphin and Manatee Paddle Board Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Florida's wildlife without arranging your own boat or spending hours searching for animals: the guide's 17 years of experience means you're paddling the routes where they actually congregate, not guessing where to go.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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 wildlife will I definitely see?

Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and bald eagles are common, but sightings depend on the season and conditions. The guide takes you to areas where they're known to gather, but no wildlife encounter is guaranteed.

How long is the tour?

Most tours run 2 to 3 hours on the water.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. The waterways are shallow and the pace is slow. The guide leads the route, and you paddle at your own speed.

What's included?

Kayak, paddle, and life vest. The guide is included. Lunch and transportation to the launch point are not.

Can I bring my phone or camera?

Yes, but keep it secure. Waterproof cases or dry bags are recommended since you'll be on the water.

What if the weather is bad?

Tours may be rescheduled or cancelled in severe weather. Check with the operator about their weather policy when you book.

How many people are in a typical group?

Groups are kept small so the guide can interact with everyone, but the exact number varies by departure.