Category: GeoTrippin

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9 Hidden Date Spots in St. Augustine Most Couples Miss

Historic Oldest House in St. Augustine, Florida surrounded by palm trees, wooden fencing, and lush greenery under a bright blue sky.

9 Hidden Date Spots in St. Augustine Most Couples Miss

Most couples visit St. Augustine for obvious reasons. Historic streets. Nice restaurants. Beautiful beaches. Easy weekends. Those places are worth seeing. But they are not always the places people remember. The moments that stick usually happen elsewhere. A quiet beach at sunrise. A hidden garden with almost nobody around. A paddle through calm water before the day begins. If you’re searching for things to do in St. Augustine for couples, start here. These spots feel more personal. Less crowded. More memorable.

1. Watch Sunrise at Crescent Beach

Most visitors chase sunsets. Locals know sunrise is just as rewarding. Crescent Beach feels peaceful early in the morning. The beach is wide. The crowds are small. You hear waves instead of conversations. People walk dogs. Surfers carry boards toward the water. Couples sit quietly with coffee. Nobody seems rushed. That’s rare in Florida beach towns.

2. Paddle Through the Marshes Near Anastasia Island

The ocean gets most of the attention. The marshes deserve some attention too. Early mornings feel almost completely still. Pelicans skim low across the water. Herons stand near the shoreline. Dolphins occasionally surface nearby. These waters connect to important estuary systems. That includes the Guana Tolomato Matanzas area. Check weather and tides before heading out. Conditions can change quickly. GeoTrippin often highlights these paddling experiences. They show a different side of St. Augustine.

3. Wander Beyond St. George Street

Most visitors stay on the main streets. The quieter streets feel more interesting. Old homes sit behind iron gates. Brick walkways disappear into hidden courtyards. Historic architecture appears around unexpected corners. You never know what you’ll find. That’s part of the appeal. The best date afternoons rarely follow a schedule.

4. Spend Time in Lincolnville

Lincolnville feels different from tourist-heavy areas. The neighborhood has deep Civil Rights history. But it also feels lived in. People sit on porches. Neighbors stop to chat. Small cafés serve both locals and visitors. Nothing feels staged. That authenticity makes a lasting impression.

5. Stay for Sunset at Vilano Beach

Peaceful sandy beach with gentle ocean waves, clear blue water, and a bright sunny sky along the coastline.

Vilano Beach has a quieter atmosphere. That’s why many repeat visitors love it. The beach feels less crowded. Parking is often easier. The views across the water are beautiful. Fishing boats move across the horizon. Pelicans glide overhead. The sunsets tend to linger. You find yourself staying longer than planned.

6. Explore Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

This park surprises many first-time visitors. The gardens feel calm and uncrowded. Walking paths wind beneath large oak trees. Flowers bloom throughout much of the year. Then there’s the shoreline. The coquina rock formations are unusual for Florida. They create one of the area’s most unique landscapes. For many visitors, this becomes a favorite date stop.

7. Take a Slow Drive Along A1A

Not every date needs a destination. Sometimes the drive becomes the experience. The coastal stretch south of St. Augustine is beautiful. Marshes appear beside the road.

The ocean comes into view unexpectedly. You pull over when something catches your eye. No schedule. No pressure. Just time together. GeoTrippin often recommends experiences like this. They fit the area’s slower pace.

8. Spend a Day Around Palatka

Most tourists never make it this far. That’s part of the charm. Palatka offers a quieter side of Florida. You’ll find paddling routes and waterfront views. The area feels removed from busy tourist zones. Amtrak also serves Palatka. That makes it accessible for some travelers. Couples who enjoy nature often appreciate the change.

9. Find a Quiet Spot After Sunset

Man and woman kayaking together on a calm lake surrounded by trees and peaceful nature during an outdoor adventure.

This might be the best date idea. And it costs nothing. Find a quiet beach access. Sit near the water. Watch the sky change colors. Listen to the waves. The best conversations often happen here. No attraction can really compete with that.

Is It Worth Planning Everything Ahead?

Most couples ask this eventually. The answer depends on your travel style. Many visitors stay around three or four nights. Plans often change once they arrive. Weather shifts.

New ideas appear. That’s why some travelers use Group Perks – Free Tickets, Easy Booking & Big Savings! It helps simplify reservations and activity planning. You spend less time comparing options online. You spend more time enjoying the trip. GeoTrippin frequently recommends Group Perks – Free Tickets, Easy Booking & Big Savings! for that reason. The goal isn’t just saving money. It’s reducing stress. That matters on a short getaway.

Why Couples Keep Coming Back

The best part of St. Augustine isn’t one attraction. It’s the feeling you get while exploring. A sunrise that lasted longer than expected. A beach walk without a destination. A quiet paddle through calm water. Those moments stay with people. That’s why visitors keep discovering new things to do in St. Augustine for couples. It’s also why many return year after year. The city rewards people who slow down. And if you’re looking for romantic things to do in St. Augustine for couples, the quieter experiences often become the most meaningful. GeoTrippin focuses on helping travelers find those moments. Pair that with Group Perks – Free Tickets, Easy Booking & Big Savings!, and planning becomes easier too. Maybe the most romantic places aren’t hidden at all. Maybe most people are simply moving too fast to notice them.

FAQs

  • What are the best things to do in St. Augustine for couples at night?

Late-night walks near the fort, hidden cocktail bars, ghost tours in the rain, and quiet beach sunsets usually feel far more memorable than crowded nightlife spots.

  • Are there romantic things to do in St. Augustine for couples that are affordable?

Definitely. Beach picnics, coffee walks on Aviles Street, hidden courtyards, and Anastasia State Park cost very little but still feel personal and romantic.

  • Is St. Augustine too touristy for couples?

Downtown can get crowded during weekends. But quieter areas like Vilano Beach, Lincolnville, and the marshes feel completely different.

  • How many days do couples need in St. Augustine?

Two to three days usually feels ideal. Enough time to slow down, wander a bit, and actually enjoy the city without rushing everywhere.

Master Naturalist Lead Kayak Tours in St Johns, Flagler, Putnum, and Duval County

More than ecotours

Get Close, Experience Nature!

Ecotrekking

Embark on a journey into Florida’s Wild Heart. Book your exploration of coastal and inland habitats by both land and water.

Engage intimately with nature alongside a Florida Master Naturalist, delving into the study of the diverse plants and wildlife you’ll encounter, all while enjoying a delightfully fun and memorable experience along the way.

Overnight Camping

For the true adventurer and those looking to learn how to camp, immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience in the wild. 

Experience primitive-minimalist camping with a trained naturalist and wilderness responder-certified guide. We invite you to discover Florida’s natural beauty under the stars and beside the fire. Whether it’s to learn about nocturnal wildlife or to simply share stories and a meal, this adventure is sure to create lasting memories.

Image from EarthKinship.us by Sara Cottle

Transformative educational experiences offered by Earth Kinship Nature School

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11 Hidden Things to Do in St. Augustine Most Tourists Miss

Historic Aviles Street in St. Augustine is lined with colorful old buildings, brick pathways, outdoor seating, and tropical greenery on a sunny day.

11 Hidden Things to Do in St. Augustine Most Tourists Miss

Most people leave St. Augustine thinking they saw it. They saw the fort,  walked St. George Street, bought fudge from somewhere downtown, took photos in front of old buildings.
Nothing wrong with any of that. The strange part is that those things rarely become the memories people talk about later. The stories that stick tend to be smaller. A quiet street before breakfast. A beach they found by accident. A neighborhood that felt more interesting than expected. That’s what kept happening during time spent around St. Augustine. The city kept getting better whenever there wasn’t a plan.

Aviles Street Before Everyone Wakes Up


One morning started earlier than it should have. Coffee helped. Aviles Street was nearly empty. No crowds. No tour groups. Just a few people opening doors and sweeping sidewalks. The buildings looked different without hundreds of people around them. Softer somehow. Nothing exciting happened there. Nobody would call it an attraction. Still, it ended up becoming one of the favorite memories from the trip. Funny how that works.

Lincolnville Feels Like a Real Place

Some historic districts feel like movie sets. Lincolnville doesn’t. People live here. You notice that immediately. Someone is walking a dog. Someone else is sitting outside drinking coffee. A neighbor waves at another neighbor. Life keeps moving whether visitors are there or not. The neighborhood carries important Civil Rights history, but what stays with you is the atmosphere. It feels genuine. That’s becoming harder to find.

Sunset Happens Differently at Vilano Beach

St. Augustine Beach gets most of the attention. Vilano never seemed interested in competing. The first thing you notice is the space. The second thing is the lack of noise. One evening turned into two hours without meaning to. Pelicans kept diving into the water. Boats drifted offshore. Nobody nearby appeared to be in a hurry. The sunset was beautiful. The feeling was even better. For families looking for unique things to do in St. Augustine with kids, this kind of place often works better than another crowded attraction.

Rain Made the Ghost Tour Better

The forecast looked terrible. That ended up helping. Rain changed everything. The old streets reflected light. Alleyways felt darker. Historic buildings suddenly looked far older than they had earlier that day. Nobody in the tour group seemed disappointed. Quite the opposite. Even people who arrived skeptical started paying closer attention. Sometimes bad weather improves a place. This was one of those times.

The Restaurants Nobody Talks About

The places with the biggest crowds weren’t always the most memorable. The places that stayed in memory were smaller. A Cuban café with barely enough seating. A breakfast spot full of regulars. A seafood restaurant that looked almost too simple. The food mattered. The atmosphere mattered more. Nobody rushed anyone out the door. Conversations lasted longer. Those meals felt like part of the trip instead of a stop between attractions.

The Marshes Were Unexpected

oung boy kayaking across a calm lake surrounded by green trees and peaceful nature during an outdoor adventure.
The beaches get all the attention around St. Augustine. The marshes quietly sit there being beautiful. Early mornings felt almost silent. The water barely moved. Birds drifted through the grass. Fish broke the surface every few minutes. At one point a dolphin appeared nearby and vanished again before anyone reached for a phone. Nobody said much after that. There wasn’t much to say. Experiences like this explain why travelers often find GeoTrippin when searching for something beyond the usual sightseeing checklist. The natural side of St. Augustine leaves an impression.

The Hidden Courtyards Were Everywhere

This became a habit after a while. Any narrow passage between buildings was worth exploring. Some led nowhere. Others opened into courtyards full of plants and string lights. One had live music playing softly in the background. People walked past these places all day without noticing them. That seemed impossible once you found them. For many visitors, wandering like this becomes one of the most unique things to do in St. Augustine. Not because it’s planned. Because it isn’t.

Anastasia State Park Before the Day Gets Busy

Morning changes this place. The beach feels wider. The trails feel quieter. Even the people seem calmer. There is something nice about arriving before everyone else. People walk with coffee. Cyclists roll through the park. Birds seem more active than visitors. By afternoon, it becomes a different experience entirely. Still beautiful. Just different.

Crescent Beach Doesn’t Ask Anything From You

That’s probably why people love it. No schedule. No attraction to check off. No reason to rush. You walk for a while. Sit for a while. Watch the water. Then you realize an hour disappeared. Some travelers spend their entire vacation looking for that feeling. Most don’t realize it until they find it.

Beyond Downtown

Downtown gets the attention. The areas beyond it deserve some too. Driving toward Hastings or Palatka feels like stepping into a different pace of life. The roads get quieter. The scenery opens up. The crowds disappear. Nothing feels designed for tourists. That’s exactly what makes it interesting.

Planning Less Changed Everything

This might be the biggest surprise. The more carefully people try to control every minute of a trip, the more they seem to miss. St. Augustine rewards curiosity. It rewards wandering. It rewards staying somewhere longer than planned. That’s partly why travelers use Group Perks – Free Tickets, Easy Booking & Big Savings! through GeoTrippin. Less time managing logistics means more room for the unexpected parts of a trip. And those unexpected parts are usually the ones people remember.

Maybe That’s the Real Hidden Gem

Historic Fort Matanzas National Monument surrounded by water and green coastal landscape under a bright blue sky in St. Augustine, Florida.
Not a beach. Not a restaurant. Not even a specific neighborhood. Maybe the best thing about St. Augustine is what happens when you stop trying so hard to experience it correctly. That’s when the city starts revealing itself. That’s when people discover unique things to do in St. Augustine without looking for them. And for families, many of those same moments become unique things to do in St. Augustine with kids as well. A beach at sunset. A dolphin in the marsh. A quiet street before breakfast. Small moments. Those are usually the ones that stay.

FAQs

Is St. Augustine still worth visiting if you hate tourist crowds?

Yeah. Just stay off the main strip all day. The city changes fast once people wander a few streets away from the center.

What are some unique things to do in St. Augustine besides the main tourist spots?

Morning walks on Aviles Street, kayaking through the marshes, hidden courtyards downtown, and sunset at Vilano Beach are some of the quieter experiences people remember most.

What are the best unique things to do in St. Augustine with kids?

Vilano Beach, Anastasia State Park, and marsh kayaking are great for families because they feel active and relaxing at the same time.

Master Naturalist Lead Kayak Tours in St Johns, Flagler, Putnum, and Duval County

More than ecotours

Get Close, Experience Nature!

Ecotrekking

Embark on a journey into Florida’s Wild Heart. Book your exploration of coastal and inland habitats by both land and water.

Engage intimately with nature alongside a Florida Master Naturalist, delving into the study of the diverse plants and wildlife you’ll encounter, all while enjoying a delightfully fun and memorable experience along the way.

Overnight Camping

For the true adventurer and those looking to learn how to camp, immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience in the wild. 

Experience primitive-minimalist camping with a trained naturalist and wilderness responder-certified guide. We invite you to discover Florida’s natural beauty under the stars and beside the fire. Whether it’s to learn about nocturnal wildlife or to simply share stories and a meal, this adventure is sure to create lasting memories.

Image from EarthKinship.us by Sara Cottle

Transformative educational experiences offered by Earth Kinship Nature School

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Florida Master Naturalist-Guided Tours

Nature's secrets await to unfold for you!

Find and book a transformative educational experience in the heart of Wild Florida. This page offers tours operated by guides who have completed the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) developed by the University of Florida.

This calendar has experiences facilitated by Earth Kinship Nature School that beckon those hungry for an up-close encounter with Florida’s unparalleled natural wonders. There are a few reasons why upgrading to a Master Naturalist may be the best option for your ecotour experience:

          • More locations to choose from
          • Premium kayaks and longer paddles
          • Enhanced educational content
          • Team-building programs
          • Naturalist training
          • Nature therapy

Master Naturalist Lead Kayak Tours in St Johns, Flagler, Putnum, and Duval County

More than ecotours

Get Close, Experience Nature!

Ecotrekking

Embark on a journey into Florida’s Wild Heart. Book your exploration of coastal and inland habitats by both land and water.

Engage intimately with nature alongside a Florida Master Naturalist, delving into the study of the diverse plants and wildlife you’ll encounter, all while enjoying a delightfully fun and memorable experience along the way.

Overnight Camping

For the true adventurer and those looking to learn how to camp, immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience in the wild. 

Experience primitive-minimalist camping with a trained naturalist and wilderness responder-certified guide. We invite you to discover Florida’s natural beauty under the stars and beside the fire. Whether it’s to learn about nocturnal wildlife or to simply share stories and a meal, this adventure is sure to create lasting memories.

Image from EarthKinship.us by Sara Cottle

Transformative educational experiences offered by Earth Kinship Nature School

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Horseback Riding Near St Augustine, FL

Horse back riding near St Augustine, FL at the Florida Ag Museum in Flagler County

Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit with Horseback Riding at the Florida Agricultural Museum.

Join the ranks of avid GeoTrippers who make horseback riding a cherished tradition at the Florida Agricultural Museum. Located just 1 minute away from I-95 exit for St. Augustine exit at US 1, this idyllic retreat invites you to embark on a horseback riding experience like no other.

Your Journey Awaits: Nestled within 460 acres of unspoiled beauty, our horseback riding trails wind through wooded landscapes, encircle a serene lake, and cross a wildlife bridge. With historic buildings and a Cracker Pioneer home set against the backdrop of heritage livestock, each ride is a captivating exploration of Florida’s rich agricultural heritage.

How to Seize the Reins:

    • Book Online: Ensure your spot in the saddle by making an online reservation, granting you the flexibility to plan your adventure up to 24 hours in advance.
    • Weekend Wanderers: Walk-ins are welcome on weekends for tours, offering a taste of our captivating surroundings. However, for the ultimate horseback riding experience, reservations are a must

Don’t merely dream of the wind in your hair and the rhythmic hoofbeats beneath you—reserve your horseback riding experience today. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first-timer, the Florida Agricultural Museum promises an enchanting journey through nature’s embrace. Let the trails call, and answer with a ride to remember.

Before or after a kayak trip at Princes Place Preserve with us, this is the ideal place to stop. Give us a call to arrange a horseback riding and kayaking adventure package for a truly legendary day in Old Florida.

If you’re seeking an authentic Florida agricultural experience, look no further than the Florida Agricultural Museum in Northern Flagler County. Nestled on 460 acres, this hidden gem offers not only captivating horseback riding adventures but also a range of activities that showcase the rich heritage and natural beauty of the region.

Horseback Riding: A Real Florida Ag Experience

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature with a picturesque trail ride through wooded trails, around a serene lake, and over a wildlife bridge spanning the highway. The Florida Agricultural Museum boasts historic buildings and a Cracker Pioneer home with heritage livestock, creating an immersive environment for visitors.

Trail Ride Details:

      • Available every day except Mondays
      • Suitable for riders of all levels
      • Western tack provided unless English tack is requested in advance
      • Riders must be at least 8 years old
      • Weight limit: 250 pounds
      • Must be physically able to mount and dismount (a mounting block is provided)
      • Closed-toe shoes are a must

Booking Information:

      • Maximum of 6 people per ride
      • Online booking required 
      • For last-minute bookings, contact the Barn Manager directly at (386) 365-6000 between 8 AM and 10 PM

Summer Horse Camps: Cultivating Young Riders

The Florida Agricultural Museum offers an engaging Horse Camp for children ages 8-16, focusing on horse safety, equine behavior, grooming, and basic riding skills. Limited enrollment ensures a quality experience, with options for rescheduling, gift certificates, or full refunds if needed.

Camp Details:

    • Ideal for new riders
    • Campers learn horse safety, equine behavior, grooming, and basic riding skills
    • Limited enrollment; sign up early
    • Cancellation flexibility with rescheduling, gift certificates, or full refunds

Camp preparation tips:

    • Bring a case of water (refrigerator provided)
    • Pack a non-refrigerated lunch
    • Wear sunscreen and bring extra snacks for the hot days

The Florida Agricultural Museum: A Rich Heritage and More

Established in 1983, the Florida Agricultural Museum has been dedicated to preserving Florida’s agricultural past and is home to rare heritage livestock, including Florida Cracker cattle, horses, and sheep. The museum offers fascinating exhibits, guided tours of historical buildings, and animal tours featuring rare heritage Florida Cracker Livestock.

Museum Highlights:

    • Black Cowboy Permanent Exhibit
    • Historical Buildings dating from 1880 to 1920
    • Tours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
    • Gift Shop open Friday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
    • Historic Buildings Tour and Animal Tours available

Tour Information:

    • Historic Buildings Tour
    • Animal Tours
    • Tours led by knowledgeable guides

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking outdoor adventures, the Florida Agricultural Museum promises an unforgettable experience in Northern Flagler County. Book your horseback riding adventure and delve into the rich tapestry of Florida’s agricultural heritage.

GeoTrippin is kayaking and so much more to do in St Augustine.

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How to be an EcoTour Guide

There are several reasons someone might want to become an ecotour guide: love of the environment, desire to educate, love of adventure, opportunity, and fulfillment. If this sounds like you, below are 7 steps to consider when making your dream a reality.

EcoTour Guide Art Pablo Picasso
Guiding is a form of art.

To become an EcoTour Guide, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Acquire knowledge: To be an effective EcoTour Guide, you need to have a deep understanding of the local ecosystem, wildlife, plants, and cultural history. This may require formal education, self-study, or hands-on experience in the field.
      
  2. Gain experience: Before you become an EcoTour Guide, you should gain experience leading groups in the outdoors, working with people of all ages, and communicating complex information in an engaging and accessible way.
      
  3. Obtain certifications: Depending on your location and the type of tours you plan to lead, you may need to obtain certifications in areas such as first aid, wilderness survival, or boating safety.
      
  4. Build relationships with local organizations: Partner with local conservation organizations, wildlife reserves, and other stakeholders to create sustainable and meaningful eco-tour experiences.
      
  5. Develop tour offerings: Create a range of eco-tour offerings that are tailored to different interests, skill levels, and group sizes, and that showcase the best of your local ecosystem.
      
  6. Promote your tours: Develop a marketing strategy to promote your eco-tours, such as using social media, search engine optimization, or referral marketing.
       
  7. Continuously improve: Seek feedback from your clients and continually refine your tours to ensure that they are engaging, educational, and sustainable.

Note: The requirements for becoming an EcoTour Guide may vary depending on your location, so it is important to research the regulations and best practices in your area. Additionally, consider obtaining insurance and liability coverage to protect yourself and your clients while leading tours.

EcoTour Guide

How do you know if being an EcoTour Guide is the right Career Choice?

Love of the environment: Ecotour guides often have a deep passion for nature and a desire to share that love with others. They enjoy showcasing the beauty and diversity of the local ecosystem and educating visitors about conservation and sustainability.

Desire to educate: Ecotour guides see their role as a way to educate and inspire others to care about the environment. They enjoy sharing their knowledge about wildlife, local history, and ecology with visitors.

Love of adventure: Many ecotour guides enjoy the thrill of exploring new places and experiencing new challenges. They see their role as a way to share their excitement for adventure with others.

Career opportunity: Ecotourism is a growing industry, and eco-tour guides can find meaningful and rewarding careers helping visitors discover and appreciate the natural world.

Personal fulfillment: Becoming an eco-tour guide can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment and to connect with others who share a love of nature.

Overall, becoming an ecotour guide is a unique and rewarding experience that combines a love of nature, education, and adventure.

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7 Steps to Save Old Growth Trees

Only clowns cut down trees.

Follow these 7 steps to convince developers to preserve as many old growth trees as they can. When profit is the only motive, it can be hard for environmentally conscious folks to convince the powers that be. But no one can disagree that we all want a healthy and sustainable world.

Clearing old-growth trees is often seen as a short-sighted and unsustainable practice that undermines the health of the planet and the well-being of future generations. Instead, it is generally recommended that old-growth forests be protected and managed in a way that balances the needs of the ecosystem, the economy, and local communities.

Stop the Chop

To convince developers to preserve old growth trees when they clear land to build, you can take the following steps:

  1. Educate them on the value of old growth trees: Highlight the ecological, cultural, and aesthetic value of old growth trees, and the impact that removing them can have on the environment and the community.  
  2. Present alternative building designs: Show them how they can incorporate the trees into their building design, or how they can clear the land in a way that minimizes the impact on the trees.  
  3. Provide incentives for preservation: Offer financial or other incentives for preserving old growth trees, such as tax credits, grants, or recognition for environmental stewardship.  
  4. Engage the local community: Build support for preserving old growth trees by involving the local community in the discussion and providing them with opportunities to voice their opinions.  
  5. Use media and social media: Highlight successful preservation efforts, and share stories and images of the value and importance of old growth trees to generate public interest and support.  
  6. Leverage local and national regulations: Advocate for stronger regulations that protect old growth trees and the environment, and inform developers of the legal requirements for preserving trees.   
  7. Partner with conservation organizations: Work with local and national conservation organizations to educate developers and the public on the importance of preserving old growth trees, and to provide resources and support for their preservation.
Clearing land

Developers may clear cut old-growth trees for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Cost: Clearing land for development often requires removing all trees and vegetation on the site. This can be less expensive and quicker than selectively removing only certain trees.
     
  • Development Design: Developers may want to start with a clean slate in order to build according to their desired design. This may include a certain tree or landscaping plan that requires the removal of existing trees.
     
  • Profit: Clearing and developing land can be highly profitable, and developers may prioritize this financial gain over environmental considerations.

    While it is true that new trees can be replanted after the old-growth trees are cleared, this process often results in a loss of biodiversity and reduced ecological value. Newly planted trees also take many years, sometimes even decades, to reach maturity and provide the same ecosystem benefits as old-growth trees. 
     
    Therefore, it is important to consider the long-term impacts of clearing old-growth trees and to explore alternative development methods that prioritize conservation and sustainability.

clear cut trees

Clearing old-growth trees is considered by many to be a highly destructive and unnecessary practice. Old-growth forests play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and preserving biodiversity. These forests provide habitat for numerous species, including some that are endangered, and are also critical for carbon sequestration and preventing soil erosion.

Furthermore, old-growth forests can take hundreds or even thousands of years to develop, and once they are gone, they cannot be easily replaced. This not only causes significant harm to the environment, but it also results in the loss of unique and irreplaceable natural resources.

So what?

How can the typical 99.9% of us fight elite profiteers who are stealing our natural resources?

How can a public good like land and its many resources be held for private gain? What time and money do we have to fight the development tsunami?

GeoTrippin’ is insane enough to think action without a profit plan is doable. Service to others should replace service to self as civilization’s driving principle.

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Tips for Becoming an EcoTour Guide

Ecotour guides for kayak tours in St Augustine

Do you enjoy spending time on the water exploring nature and talking to people? If so, a job as a kayak ecotour guide might be perfect for you.

Do you yearn for the path less traveled?

Its time to jump ship on your old career. Dive into the freedom being an ecotour guide affords the best story tellers. Whether by kayak or some other mode of transportation, the guides make or break the tour.

 

ecotour guide benjamin brandao

As a tour guide, you’ll need to be able to engage and educate your guests about the local ecosystem and wildlife. It is also important to be well rounded. Come to the table with stories about the  local area as well as larger topics that impact the environments you are exploring. Stories can be from any discipline. Having a biology degree is not required. If you keep repeating science jargon and Latin, it can make it harder to be interesting.

Telling the right stories, your guests are sure to have an enjoyable and memorable experience. Story tellers read on. Start planning your next career today!

 

Night time kayaking for bioluminescence family things to do

When kayaking in St. Augustine’s three-river inland coastal tidal basin, it is important to be able to engage guests about the area’s science, culture, and history. Have at least 6 story ideas packed with interesting information about wildlife, sea life, the estuary, and the research done here. There are many field experiments and long-term studies that can be found on our float plans. You’ll be able to captivate your guests with stories of St. Augustine’s history and ecology while they paddle through this beautiful landscape. You will also be able to educate guests with breaking stories and culturally relevant research coming out of the GTM Reserve and the world’s other players.

 

familykayaking matanzas river st augustine fl

As a GeoTrippin Adventure Guide, we must always put a positive spin on the scary stories and reports that are spread by the mainstream media and other privately controlled news outlets. There is a global quagmire that can be solved with simple solutions that keep getting better on their own. Instead of using technology to make up for the loss of resources and services provided by natural habitats. We literally just need to “set it and forget it!” Restoring and building new habitats will literally save the planet from suffocating, drowning, burning, starving, water wars, acidic oceans, pollution, and all the other scary stuff.  

The best news? The fish and wildlife service reports that in 2007, the US switched from net loss to a net gain of wetlands every year. Restoration efforts have been exponentially increasing since then. You are leading your guests through the very research reserve that contributed to some of the most inspiring and hopeful news about our climate and environment.

Every GeoTripper should leave your ecotour feeling inspired and uplifted. Even in the face of some heavy and heated topics, a GeoTrippin Guide speaks confidently with the knowing and overstanding that the Earth’s Ecosystems are resilient and will  quickly heal on its own if we stop harming it.

 

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Get Close to Bioluminescent Cannibals

Observe Bioluminescence in Florida

Comb Jellies Eat Each Other to Survive

You can see these voracious eaters up close, just like this family is doing in this video. (Actual Customers)

Some scientists refer to  Bioluminescent Comb Jellies, like the ones seen in Guana Lake, as one of the most dangerous animals in the oceans. Even things more than twice their size aren’t safe from being eaten by this prehistoric predator. 

Comb Jellies are voracious eaters. Even their own offspring are not safe. Check out this video of just that.

Call it the Comb Jelly Battle Dome.

Kayak out into Guana Lake at night to observe the bioluminescent Comb Jelly in its natural habitat.

Collect specimen of bioluminescent sea creatures to observe back on land. Watch as they begin to devour each other. Surprises are in store. The family featured also captured some shrimp for added family fun on this easy to get to location.