ST. AUGUSTINE KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddling Salt Run: A Two‑Hour Eco Tour From St. Augustine Lighthouse That Puts Dolphins Within Reach
A beginner-friendly, small-group kayak eco tour from St. Augustine Lighthouse Park through Salt Run and along Anastasia State Park, complete with expert guides, safety briefings, and a dolphin/manatee guarantee.
Paddling Salt Run: A Two‑Hour Eco Tour From St. Augustine Lighthouse That Puts Dolphins Within Reach.
Set out from St. Augustine Lighthouse Park and slip into the glassy channels of Salt Run, where the hush of mangroves and the bright sweep of the Atlantic corridor frame a short, accessible paddle. The tour—led by a naturalist guide and tailored for first-time kayakers—moves at a relaxed pace, pairing basic instruction and safety briefing with wildlife watching along Anastasia State Park.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
See a Dolphin or a Manatee — or Get Credit
The operator offers a dolphin/manatee guarantee: if you don't see at least one dolphin or one manatee on your outing, you will receive a credit equal to the value of your booking.
Salt Run and Anastasia State Park
The eco tour threads through Salt Run and travels along Anastasia State Park, giving paddlers intimate access to coastal waterways and shoreline habitat starting from St. Augustine Lighthouse Park.
Beginner-Friendly with Expert Guidance
Designed for newcomers, the trip begins with a friendly, informative tutorial and safety briefing; guides fit you with gear, run a paddle clinic, and lead a small-group excursion suitable for first-time kayakers.
What the day feels like
What the Two‑Hour Outing Feels Like
From check‑in at the lighthouse beach and a concise safety clinic to the steady rhythm of paddling through protected channels, the two‑hour tour balances instruction and observation. Guides outfit participants, run through paddle technique and safety, then glide the group along Salt Run—keeping an eye out for bottlenose dolphins and manatees while keeping the pace easy for beginners.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and where to consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs approximately 2 hours.
Meet at 446 Ocean Vista Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32080 — specifically at the beach next to the boat ramp near St. Augustine Lighthouse Park for check‑in and waiver completion.
Bring a change of clothes, water shoes or other footwear that can get wet, towel, extra water, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a smile.
Tours are fully refundable or reschedulable for weather‑related events; for non‑weather cancellations, full refunds are issued if notified at least 24 hours before the tour.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What happens if it rains?
Tours are fully refundable or reschedulable for any weather‑related events.
If I cancel, can I get a refund?
If you cancel at least 24 hours before your tour, the operator will issue a full refund.
What wildlife will I see?
While many local species are commonly observed, no specific animal is guaranteed; the operator offers a dolphin/manatee guarantee — if you don't see at least one dolphin or one manatee you'll receive a credit equal to the value of your booking.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes — the tours are pet friendly, but guests should consider other participants; if a pet has never been on the water and is unlikely to handle the experience well, it may be best to leave them at home.
Are there weight limits for the kayaks?
Yes — solo kayaks have a 300 lb weight limit and tandem kayaks have a 480 lb weight limit; contact the operator if a participant exceeds these limits.
Where do we meet for the tour?
Meet at 446 Ocean Vista Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32080 — at the beach next to the boat ramp near St. Augustine Lighthouse Park.