Birding
Ripple Effect Ecotours
101 Tolstoy Ln
St. Augustine FL, 32080
Contact: Chris Kelley
904.347.1565
rippleeffectecotours.com
In the continuing effort to provide the best eco-educational kayaking experiences in Northeast Florida, Ripple Effect Ecotours has now partnered with Marineland and the University of Florida's Whitney Lab. This new partnership combines an incredible foundation in research, education, conservation, and natural interpretation with unique access to the southern boundary of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM-NERR). This is the perfect central location to explore the Jordon and Mellon Island Sites that are part of Faver-Dykes State Park, The Princess Place Preseve, and the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve. This biologically rich area has been described as "the cornerstone behind the nomination of the Matanzas River as the 25th National Estuarine Research Reserve of the United States". This is where the Matanzas Inlet, one of the only natural inlets on the east coast of Florida, collides with one of the most pristine, undeveloped streams in Florida, The Pellicer Creek. We are excited to offer comprehensive ecological and cultural kayak tours in this beautiful coastal system. Tours are $50 per person and include admission into the Marineland Dolphin Conservation Center, guided tour, and photos taken by your naturalist guide! Don't miss this opportunity to visit the dolphins of Marineland, including several calves born this past year, and also the chance to witness their natural habitat in the Matanzas River. All from the low-impact, unique perspective of a kayak! Reservations Required!
Ripple Effect Ecotours also host a variety of other kayaking experiences including:
- Bird Migration Tours
- Kayak Fishing Tours
- Twilight Tours
- Zen Tours
Who: Appropriate for ages 6 and up with no experience required!
Where: We launch for University of Florida's Whitney Lab just across the street for the Marineland Dolphin Conservation Center.
Duration: About 2.5 hours
When: Tours are offered daily but times are dictated by the tides to effectively use the currents to our advantage.
Cost: $50 per person for regular tour (Cost varies per tour type)
LOCALS DISCOUNTED KAYAK TOURS, Nov. 1-30, 2010
Whether you are getting ready for family & friends to visit for, or recovering from, a "hectic holiday", now is the perfect time to get out! The Guana River offers the perfect relaxing way to explore the Federally protected 77,000 acre National Estuarine Research Reserve. Local Flagler County residents will receive a 10% dcount on all kayak tours at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM-NERR) during the month of November. Discounts apply to the Guana River kayak tours only and must be booked and enjoyed by November 30th. For information or reservations call 904-347-1565.
INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION COURSE IDW/ICE Dec. 13-18, 2010
Ripple Effect Ecotours is proud to offer IDW (Instructor Development Workshop) and ICE (Instructor Certification Exam) workshops at Marineland. These courses range from Level 1 and 2 Coastal Kayaking Certifications up to Level 4 Open Water Certification, designed for paddlers of all skill levels. The courses teach safety procedures, skill set building, boat handling and over confidence for the kayaker. Certification levels will be assessed and the participant's commitment can range from 3 days for Levels 1 & 2, up to a full 6 day Level 4 Open Water Certification.
As always, the staff at Ripple Effect are excited to offer yet another opportunity to explore the water in a safe, low environmental impact and fun way. Join us if you have the drive to better your skills, enhance your abilities, and push your comfort zones. The skills learned are not just unique to this area, but will translate to most coastal situations. For more information call 904-347-1565.
More Birding
More Fishing
More Paddling
