“Th’ar be treasure in those depths!” Saint Augustine Inlet’s moving shoals and quickly shifting sand bars are notorious for sinking ships. Hire a guide to safely get a kayakers-eye view of the historic waterfront sights.
A view of Historic St. Augustine only the brave ever see.
How much of the inlet you see depends on a few factors. Your level of fitness. Wind, waves, and tidal currents. Which launch will you set off from? Will you leave at the wrong time from the wrong place and get swept out to sea? There are no wrong choices of where and when to start your Epic St. Augustine Adventure except heading out into St. Augustine Inlet without a well trained guide.
There’s pride when effortlessly gliding past the pedestrians exploring the St. Augustine Waterfront. How effortlessly a kayak moves along the sea wall. From water level, there are stories and Eco-treasures hiding right under the noses of the average passerby.
Weather Patterns: Inexperienced kayakers should not attempt to kayak here without a local guide. Those interested in paddling alone should think about taking a GeoTrippin’ Coastal Kayaking Workshop. The conditions at the inlet are prone to sudden changes with significant wind, current, and waves. This area has many wind breaks so it is possible to still enjoy during high tide when the inlet is not comfortably passable. Sun heats up quickly. Wind speeds generally increase as the morning progresses.
Wildlife: Early morning we get to catch the birds waking up and beginning their day before they fly off to begin hunting for food. In the evening they return to their resting grounds.
- Expect to see Wading Birds, Water Fowl, Birds of Prey, Marine Birds, and special visitors as migration seasons progress.
- Jumping Fish, Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Sharks, Whales are also possible sightings.
Topography
- A mixture of oyster beds, estuary, sand bars, beaches, and sea walls.
- Confluence of 4 bodies of water. Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Ocean, Salt Run, and the Matanzas River.
- Surrounded by Villano Beach, Anastasia State Park, Anastasia Island, and Old Town St. Augustine.
Tidal
- Complex currents.
- At times, currents may be too strong for some paddlers.
- Boat Ramp is dangerously slippery during low tide.
- Best to Avoid grass maze and beware of Oyster Beds during low tide.
- Wide channel that narrows at Bridge of Lions creating significant current and whirlpools.