Nestled in a gentle dip on the Northeast Florida coast, St. Augustine has miles of waterways just waiting to be explored. The Intracoastal Waterway, comprised of two main rivers, the Tolomato and Matanzas, meanders through the Nation’s Oldest City and is teaming with wildlife.
Florida Water Tours specializes in boat tours that show passengers the beauty of St. Augustine’s maritime ecosystem. Departing from Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, Florida Water Tour’s Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure is a chance to enjoy wildlife viewing with captains and crew who are passionate environmental advocates.
“I started Florida Water Tours so I could share my love of dolphins and the great outdoors,” said Jessica Jadick, founder and owner of Florida Water Tours. “If you had asked me what my dream job was as a child, it would be this – I’m doing it right now! When I started this business, I knew I wanted to stoke this same fire for the marine environment in the next generation. Our Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure is the perfect place to start learning about our local wildlife – it’s captivating for adults while still engaging for children.”
The Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure Tour has professional marine naturalists who take passengers to the best places to view the plethora of wildlife that call the waters of St. Augustine home. The guide creates a dynamic and interactive learning environment, revealing fun and fascinating facts, all while searching for birds, dolphins, manatees and turtles.
Although the wildlife is the star of the show, the historical stories and landmarks of St. Augustine can’t help but make an appearance.
The Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise is a 90-minute excursion and departs daily at 10 a.m., noon and 4:30 p.m. Florida Water Tour’s two vessels, The Osprey and The Island Breeze, are docked at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, just north of downtown St. Augustine, with plentiful, free parking.
The Dolphin and Wildlife Tour is $29 for ages 13 and older, $16 for ages 3 to 12, and $7 for children 2 and under.
Water, soft drinks and snacks are available for purchase on both boats. Guests may purchase alcoholic beverages on board The Osprey, while The Island Breeze is BYOB. Guests can check availability at floridawatertour.com/cruises/dolphin-cruise.
“Our focus has always been creating a living classroom, where people of all ages can come and learn about the marine environment while having a really good time,” said Jadick. “This area has a dynamic ecosystem made up of wetlands, coastal marshes, and active wildlife — we enjoy it every day, and we love being able to share it with our passengers.”
