St. Augustine isn’t just about its charming streets and historic landmarks — it also offers fantastic opportunities for water-based adventures. Whether you’re paddling through salt marshes, spotting dolphins, or cruising past iconic sights like the Castillo de San Marcos, this city’s waterways add a whole new dimension to your visit. We especially love the Dolphin, Manatee and Sea Turtle Kayak Adventure for its wildlife encounters and the Boat Cruise & Kayak Eco Tour for a scenic, history-rich experience. Both give you a chance to see how the region’s natural beauty and history come together on the water.
If you prefer a shorter, more focused paddle, the Guided Salt Marsh Kayak Tour offers a peaceful, wildlife-filled outing with a local guide. Each of these options offers something distinct, whether it’s your first time kayaking or you’re a seasoned paddler looking for something special.
1. Dolphin, Manatee and Sea Turtle Kayak Adventure
At number one on our list, this private kayak tour is perfect for those wanting a personal wildlife encounter in St. Augustine’s waterways. Priced at $65 per person and lasting about 2 hours, it’s an excellent way to combine outdoor activity with wildlife watching. Your expert guide will steer you through waters where you’re likely to see dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and even bald eagles. The tour also includes a stop on a beach, giving you the chance to soak up the sun and observe conchs and starfish up close.
What makes this tour stand out is its small-group, private setting—you won’t be lost in the crowd. Many reviews praise Ryan and Noah for their knowledge and helpfulness, making the experience both fun and educational. The calm waters and scenic scenery make it suitable for beginners and more experienced paddlers alike. Plus, the guide’s commentary enriches your understanding of both St. Augustine’s wildlife and its history.
Bottom line: If spotting wildlife in a peaceful setting sounds like your ideal day, this tour offers excellent value and an intimate experience.
2. St. Augustine Wildlife Adventure: Boat Cruise & Kayak Eco Tour
For a combined water experience, the St. Augustine Wildlife Adventure at $44.70 per person takes you on a scenic boat cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, followed by a kayaking adventure near Anastasia Island. This roughly 2-hour tour provides a unique blend of sightseeing and paddling. You’ll pass notable landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the Bridge of Lions while learning about the area’s coastal history and ecology.
Once near Anastasia Island, you’ll paddle through salt marshes and tidal creeks, with chances to see playful dolphins, manatees, and wading birds. The boat ride itself offers spectacular views of the coastline and the iconic 165-foot lighthouse, making this tour perfect for travelers who want both a scenic cruise and active exploration. The guides are engaging and knowledgeable, helping you identify wildlife and explaining the region’s ecological importance.
This experience is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and paddling and want a more relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities for photo stops. The high rating (5.0 based on 5 reviews) reflects how highly visitors regard the combination of boat and kayak.
Bottom line: This eco-tour offers excellent value for travelers seeking a balance of scenery, history, and wildlife in a comfortable setting.
3. Guided Salt Marsh Kayak Tour
Coming in at number three, the Guided Salt Marsh Kayak Tour offers an authentic, history-rich paddling experience right from downtown St. Augustine. For $50, this 2-hour tour begins at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina and is perfect for those wanting a more educational and historical perspective. The tour includes a paddling clinic, so it’s accessible even for beginners.
During the paddle, your guide takes you under the historic Bridge of Lions, past the Spanish Fort, and into the saltwater marshes. The route provides chances to see a variety of wildlife, including wading birds and turtles, all set against the backdrop of the city’s most iconic sights. The tour’s emphasis on local ecology and history makes it a great choice for travelers interested in the story of St. Augustine, along with some wildlife viewing.
The small-group format and experienced guide, Izzie, make this tour engaging and educational. Many reviews highlight how much fun and informative the experience was, with the guide’s knowledge of both nature and local history shining through. It’s an excellent option for those who want an active experience that also connects them to the city’s past.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a short, informative paddle that combines natural beauty with local history, this guided tour delivers great value.
$50.00 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these kayak and boat experiences, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If wildlife sightings are your top priority, the Dolphin, Manatee and Sea Turtle Kayak Adventure provides intimate encounters with animals in a peaceful setting. For those who want a scenic, multi-sensory experience that combines sightseeing with wildlife, the Boat Cruise & Kayak Eco Tour offers a wonderful mix. Meanwhile, history buffs and beginners will appreciate the Guided Salt Marsh Kayak Tour for its educational focus and ease of access.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot. Each tour offers a different slice of what makes St. Augustine’s waters special—so pick the one that best suits your style and interests.
St. Augustine’s waterways provide a fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective. Whether you’re paddling alongside dolphins, exploring salt marshes, or cruising past historic landmarks, each of these tours offers a memorable water adventure. For wildlife lovers, the Dolphin, Manatee and Sea Turtle Kayak Adventure is hard to beat. If scenic scenery and history are your game, then the Boat Cruise & Kayak Eco Tour makes a perfect choice. And for a more relaxed, educational outing, the Guided Salt Marsh Kayak Tour hits the mark.
No matter which you choose, booking early will help you secure a spot on these popular experiences. Prepare your gear, bring your curiosity, and enjoy seeing St. Augustine from the water—an experience that will linger long after your kayak is back on shore.