Guest Column

Football, kayaks, motorboats: All part of the area’s fun

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When one hears the names Georgia and Florida in the same sentence, the first thing that comes to mind is the Georgia-Florida Game or Florida-Georgia Game, depending on the fan’s point of view!

In addition to this well-known phrase, there is a guided kayak trip that Amelia Island Kayak Excursions (AIKE) offers in which paddlers cross the Florida-Georgia line via kayak. So, for a few moments while paddling in a tandem kayak, the person in the back is in Florida while the person sitting in the front is in Georgia! Caution — don’t let your tandem kayak be divided!

Discover Cumberland Island National Seashore — a wonderful mix of maritime forests, miles of sand dunes and rich in history. This barrier island north of Amelia Island is a rich jewel with undeveloped beaches adding to its allure. Paddling options include a waterfront view of Amelia Island’s historic Fort Clinch, and depending on the season, there are opportunities to see dolphins, sea turtle, manatee and shore birds. Then, on to Cumberland Island National Seashore, where guests can experience the beautiful coastal atmosphere that this island has to offer. Upon arrival, depending upon the tide, stop off on the shore and enjoy shelling, and see marine life in tidal pools, or paddle into an interior creek that flows behind the beach. AIKE also offers an extended five-hour excursion in which kayaking guests can explore not only the beautiful coastline and interior waterways and marshes but will also spend time on the island getting a close-up experience of the grounds of the historic Dungeness ruins, the Icehouse Museum and the maritime forest. On each visit to Cumberland Island, don’t forget to be on the lookout for the wild horses!

Want more of Cumberland Island?  AIKE offers a motorboat/hiking experience. On this tour, travel to Cumberland Island National Seashore and cross the state line in a private motorboat while watching for the area’s wildlife. Upon arrival, guests will disembark on Cumberland Island National Seashore to enjoy a Master Naturalist-led walking/hiking tour. This tour is customizable, based on the guide’s recommendations and guests’ interest. AIKE’s guides have routes that encompass a variety of natural and historical sites from the maritime forests to the Dungeness ruins (Carnegie mansion) and Icehouse Museum. This is an exclusive excursion for all experience levels.

All these tours give a “touchdown” experience on Florida and Georgia. For a more relaxed experience, AIKE offers a variety of other tour options — where the Gators and Dawgs are not so competitive!  

I don’t necessarily have immense football knowledge, but I can guide you on a water adventure crossing the Florida-Georgia Line!

We live in such a special place with so many waterways and trails to explore. Want to cross the state line in a kayak or boat to embark on a memory-making journey? AIKE is just a phone call away at 904-557-5307, or visit online at www.AmeliaIslandKayak.com. Whether you are a Florida fan or a Georgia fan, being on the water with AIKE is a win-win.