Two Hours on the Flats: A Private Wildlife Run out of Fernandina Beach

FERNANDINA BEACH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Two Hours on the Flats: A Private Wildlife Run out of Fernandina Beach

A private, two-hour nature and wildlife boat tour from Fernandina Beach aboard a shallow‑draft flats boat — this guide explains what you’ll see, what to bring, and who it’s for.

Two Hours on the Flats: A Private Wildlife Run out of Fernandina Beach.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Fernandina Beach
Operator
Amelia Island Charters
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Aboard a 22‑foot flats boat from Amelia Island Charters, this two‑hour private wildlife tour threads the skinny water around Fernandina Beach and nearby islands, putting passengers close to dolphins, manatees, marsh life and the famed wild horses of Cumberland Island.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

A shallow‑draft flats skiff built for skinny water
THE BOAT

A shallow‑draft flats skiff built for skinny water

The tour runs aboard a 22‑foot flats boat with a shallow draft that lets the captain reach skinny water and sit up close to estuaries and shorelines where wildlife congregates.

Dolphins, manatees and marsh animals on a single run
THE WILDLIFE

Dolphins, manatees and marsh animals on a single run

Expect to encounter dolphins and manatees and to scan marshes for a wide variety of birds and marsh animals such as sea otters and sea turtles during the outing.

Cumberland Island’s wild horses from the water
THE SPECTACLE

Cumberland Island’s wild horses from the water

One signature sighting on these private tours is the wild horses on Cumberland Island, visible along shorelines where the boat can approach without disturbing habitat.

What the day feels like

What the two hours feel like

The trip is a compact, private run: launch, slip into skinny water aboard the 22‑foot flats boat and move deliberately from open channels into quieter estuaries where dolphins and manatees surface and birds pepper the marsh. The captain will pick lines that maximize wildlife viewing in the two‑hour window for up to four guests.

A shallow‑draft flats skiff built for skinny water

THE BOAT

A shallow‑draft flats skiff built for skinny water

The tour runs aboard a 22‑foot flats boat with a shallow draft that lets the captain reach skinny water and sit up close to estuaries and shorelines where wildlife congregates.

Dolphins, manatees and marsh animals on a single run

THE WILDLIFE

Dolphins, manatees and marsh animals on a single run

Expect to encounter dolphins and manatees and to scan marshes for a wide variety of birds and marsh animals such as sea otters and sea turtles during the outing.

Cumberland Island’s wild horses from the water

THE SPECTACLE

Cumberland Island’s wild horses from the water

One signature sighting on these private tours is the wild horses on Cumberland Island, visible along shorelines where the boat can approach without disturbing habitat.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Small private groupsIdeal for parties of up to four who want a private, focused wildlife outing rather than a larger tour boat experience.
2
Families with childrenAppropriate for all ages — families can bring kids aboard for close encounters with dolphins and shorebirds in a private setting.
3
Dog ownersDog friendly: guests may bring dogs on these private charters, making it a good option for travelers who don’t want to leave pets behind.
4
Wildlife watchers and photographersGood for those seeking intimate wildlife viewing from a flats boat that can reach skinny water; keep in mind the two‑hour duration when planning gear and shooting windows.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Start Times

Two‑hour private tours run with selectable start times between 7am and 3pm; you choose your start time on the booking page.

Cost & Capacity

Rate for the two‑hour private tour is $300 and covers up to four passengers.

What to Bring

Bring anything you want to eat or drink; adult beverages are permitted if consumed responsibly. Ice chests and ice are provided onboard for convenience.

Boat & Accessibility

Tours run aboard a 22‑foot flats boat with a shallow draft that enables access to skinny water and estuaries.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The private nature/wildlife tour is two hours in duration.

How many people can join the tour?

The private tour accommodates up to four passengers.

When do tours start?

Start times are selectable between 7am and 3pm at booking — you pick the start time on the next page.

Are dogs allowed on board?

Yes — these private wildlife boat tours are dog friendly.

What wildlife will we see?

Trips commonly encounter dolphins, manatees, a wide variety of bird life and marsh animals, and include viewing of Cumberland Island’s wild horses; sea otters and sea turtles are also mentioned among marsh animals you may see.

What should we bring?

Bring any food or drinks you want; adult beverages are permitted if consumed responsibly. Ice chests and ice will be provided onboard.

How much does the tour cost?

The rate for the two‑hour private tour is $300 for up to four passengers.