Trout Creek Fish Camp

From here, Geotrippin’ Adventure Co. offers guided kayak tours and ACA accredited lessons.

Kayak Lessons

GeoTrippin’ Partners with Sea Serpent Tours at the Trout Creek Fish Camp. Operated by Michael Blount, a veteran of the United States Navy.

Facilities: Boat Dock, marina, boat ramp, convenience store with restrooms, Airboat Tours, Rentals: Kayaks, Hydro Bikes, Paddle Boards, pontoon boats.

Count on Trout Creek to be calm and wind free. Trees rustling over head, means only only cool shade breezes below. Lazily paddle up the tidal creek stretching into the Deep Creek Preserve… Or, a big ‘ole swamp if you will. Sea Serpant Tours welcomes you here.

Rentals On-site:
Kayak, SUP, and Pontoon Rentals in addition to AirBoat Tours!
Price of rental included with all kayak tours.

Book online now!

October 7, 2019March 1, 2022

Up a Creek…

WARNING – No cliche to see here folks! Careless kayakers are prone to strand themselves Up a Creek for hours.

Tide Rules

Tides on the day and time you are available dictates which creek will be best. If a specific creek is your aim, total flexibility in time or day is necessary.

best tide for kayaing — Tides Dictate Launch Times

Deep Creek

Wild and remote! Fresh water creek and swamp. Rural St. John’s county. Near Hastings, FL at the intersection of 206 and 207.

Paddling under the Florida Scenic Trail, Deep Creek is going to take us farther away form civilization than any other tour. This winding tree covered swamp creek is both a pleasure and exciting.

Moultrie Creek

Good for two different tours. Up or Down Creek. Marsh or Matanzas Side.

Florida Seminoles lost claim to land in Florida after Chief Osceola was captured in this area. The 4th US Infantry Division brought the Seminole Wars to an end in 1837 right here.

A fine choice.

Journey up creek under US1. Wind through oyster reefs into grass mazes followed by forrest. Ride the tide along cliffs of sand. Created when Moultrie Creek cut a valley through ancient sand dunes.

A fine choice.

Turn down creek to round oyster flats into the Matanzas River. Explore along Shore Drive Grass Mazes. Cross the Intracoastal Boat Channel to get into wide estuary tidal creeks that coil into Anastasia Island.

Pelicier Creek

The mightiest of all tidal creeks in St. Johns County. Use up your Six Pack of Tickets here. It would take 16-20 hours of brisk paddling to cover the full Pellicier aquatic preserve. There are dozens of great launches for this area. Float plan depends on weather, tide, and group preference. We typically launch from two locations:

Lower Pellicier Creek

Middle Pellicier Creek

Upper Pellicier

Go Swamp Hopping six miles to the west past US 1. Pellicier Creek turns into dense alligator infested freshwater swamp. Physically fit individuals can make it out and back. Click here to book a full day tour for your group if interested in swamp hopping your kayak.

San Sabastian River

Downtown St. Augustine.

Sites include The St. Augustine Distillery, San Sebastian Winery, Hurricane Patty’s. Spend time navigating estuary grass mazes. Get a long view south on the Matanzas river of The Bridge of Lions and the historic St. Augustine waterfront.

Guana River

Did you say GRASS MAZE? Located near the little known site of Ponce De Leon’s first footsteps in the New World. There is a fascinating history. This tour explores dense estuary grass beds while discussing the sociological influence humans have on themselves and the ecology of America’s First Coast.

GTM’s Guana Dam and Museum:

$3.00 entry fee gets access to parking, trails, museum, and 3 additional secluded beach access points to the north. Safely enjoy this protected area that large boats can not access.

October 7, 2019February 1, 2022

We’re Duned

No Giant Worms on this Dune. But there are adorable endangered chubby cheeked Anastasia Island Beach Mice. It’s not erosion that threatens this one-of-kind species.

Discover one of St Augustine’s many barrier islands and river spoils. Spend time in a private paradise with this tour. See the most powerful forces threatening our wetlands up close.

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Yadda...

St Augustine Dune Tour — Anastasia Island Dunes

“…Yada Yada. So land is washing away before our eyes. No biggie. The sea is reclaiming the shore! What’s to do?”

Go kayaking and have a picnic on a disappearing beach of course!

Choose from two secluded beach escapes:

Rattle Snake Island

Get a close up look at restoration efforts to restore Crescent Beach Waterfront Homes.

Kayak tour secluded beach picnic — Will this beach do? Not at high tide.

Ponder strategies to control nature’s power. Ride through a man-maintained tributary connecting Matanzas Bay to the Pellicier Aquatic Preserve. Spend time playing on the sandbars and beaches in this out of sight waterway.

Francis Point

Take in the sights and each other’s company as we paddle to strand ourselves on an isolated beach.

Great Blue Heron St Augustine Inlet tour — Tidal pool, Anastasia Island

We admit, adventure isn’t alllll about kayaking. It is also pleasant to get out and stretch our legs. Spend time hiking through sand dunes. Climb rocks, swim, splash in tidal pools, relax on the beach, comb for treasure, and whatever else your fancy delights on a magical shore. No really! Its magical. In 1964, miles of dune mysteriously appeared.

sea turtle kayak tour — Sea turtle trapped in tidal pool pictured above.

Get up close with issues of storm predictions, shoreline erosion, resource preservation, shoreline restoration, changing climate, rising sea levels, pollution, extinction, over population… then rejoice with the many ways we are all working together to turn things around.

What to bring: all the yadda plus + Beach blanket, towel, small cooler with refreshments and treats, extra water, dark tanning oil, something to read, a bag to collect sea glass, sharks teeth, and shells.

Guide brings: the rest of the yadda plus + Beach Umbrellas, fishing gear, body boards, fresh fruit, interesting beverages, and something crunchy or chewy to snack on.

What to wear: All that plus + activity appropriate attire for swimming, hiking on trails which may have thorns, sun bathing, climbing granite boulders, chasing Fairies and Anastasia Beach Mice.

October 7, 2019June 28, 2024

Swamp Thing

The shaded freshwater kayak launch sites on our menu of GeoTrips. Get this, they are still tidal, affected by the mouth of the St. Johns River at Mayport in Jacksonville, FL.

Fresh Water Tours

Cow Dock in Florida Swamp Tour — Cow Dock, Trout River

Launch your guided kayak tour from one of two fresh water rivers inland.

Both are tributaries of the St. Johns River.

Both excellent choices for an epic shaded Florida Swamp Adventure.

Both 20 minutes from Downtown St. Augustine.

Deep Creek

Wild and remote! Fresh water creek and swamp. Rural St. John’s county. Near Hastings, FL at the intersection of 206 and 207.

Paddling under the Florida Scenic Trail, Deep Creek is going to take us farther away form civilization than any other tour. This winding tree covered swamp creek is both a pleasure and exciting.

Trout River

Count on Trout River to be calm and wind free. Wider and almost seeming to be manicured it so pretty.
Trees rustling over head, means only cool shade breezes below even in the summer. Lazily paddle up the barely brackish tidal creek stretching into the Deep Creek Preserve… Or, a big ‘ole swamp if you will.

October 7, 2019July 21, 2021

Oyster Roast

A One-of-kind Kayak Party that Comes with a WARNING!!

oysters picked in the wild.

Special Thanks

Take take home up to 120 lbs of oysters per kayak. To collect oysters yourself, Florida Residents and Visitors need to acquire a Florida Saltwatrer Fishing License .

Genung's Fish Camp sunset — Sunset from Genung’s Back Yard

Harvest oysters and hangout on deserted islands. St. Johns County is one of the few places in Florida where the water is more than clean enough to harvest oysters. Start off at a legendary Kayak Launch. From Genung’s Fish Camp get directly into the Matanzas River Oyster Fields under the SR 206 bridge in Crescent Beach.

Pluck plump oysters from the pristine waters of the Matanzas River. Encounter an ecosystem with a critical role in human survival and health of our environment. Learn about the role Oysters play in combating rising sea levels, overcome erosion, and built the foundation of diets for eons of explorers and settlers in the Ancient Land of Flowers, Florida.

Oyster harvesting is only allowed by law November – May.

Fishing license is required if you wish to collect live Oysters. Everyone with proof of a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License may collect upto two 60lb bushels per day. Florida Residents and Visitors will have to purchase Florida Fishing and Hunting Licenses from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission before arriving for the Oyster Picking Adventure.

Explore a world that is only there a few hours a day, then vanishes for the rest. Glide over oyster mounds that just an hour before were islands of living crystallized calcium pods encapsulating the salty buttery fresh flavor of Matanzas Oysters… Maybe even a pearl! Oh, they clean fish poop and pollution out of the water too! But hey… eat away.

Only Oysters 3 inches or longer. Be sure to return all oyster shells from where they came to prevent Oyster Reef Collapse.

Get a taste for restoring the Oysters Habitat

See how the Oysters’ Biosphere is rebounding after a long history of habitat destruction by human activity.

Oyster restoration is a good reason to get your hands dirty. Or, just let the guide get dirty bringing you a first hand experience with these unassuming and underestimated heroes… Not many places remain where it is safe and delicious to eat oysters. Matanzas Oysters fetch a premium being a delicacy for their clean texture and limited supplies.

Consumption of raw or under cooked shellfish can lead to serious injury or death. GeoTrippin’ does not provide harvesting, shucking, or roasting services. They only provide the education and a means to the end for those who wish to partake.

Available October – May. For water quality safety, we may reschedule if trip falls withing 72 hours after large rains.

WARNING ABOUT CONSUMING RAW OYSTERS FROM THE MATANZAS RIVER. EATING OYSTERS, NOT JUST RAW, MAY CAUSE SEVERE ILLNESS AND EVEN DEATH IN PERSONS WHO HAVE LIVER DISEASE (FOR EXAMPLE ALCOHOLIC CIRRHOSIS), CANCER OR OTHER CHRONIC ILLNESSES THAT WEAKEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM.

If you are unsure if you are at risk, please consult your physician before purchasing your tickets. If you eat raw oysters and become ill, you should seek immediate medical attention.

October 7, 2019February 1, 2022

Marsh Maze

Marsh Maze

Get eyelash distance from the estuary.

Kayak Shallow Tidal Creeks — Shallow Grass Maze, Guana Lake

Find Zen in getting turned around.

Getting stuck in a marsh maze is a real possibility if you let the tide get out from under you. Leave for adventure as the tide rises to ensure plenty of time to glide through winding trails carved by the rhythmic ebb and flow of the ocean.

Vilano Boat Ramp

A tricky launch with great rewards.

Early morning kayak tours catch the birds waking up and beginning their day. Get up close to the historic downtown St. Augustine sights.

Expect to see Wading Birds, Water Fowl, Birds of Prey, Marine Birds, and special visitors as migration seasons progress. Jumping Fish, Sea Turtles, Dolphins, and Sharks.

Whales are also possible sightings December to April. Sightings are rare, as only about 100-150 whales visit the area each year, but if you know what you’re looking for, you may get lucky.

Guana River

The stories are fascinating at this little known local fishing and duck hunting spot. No longer an under-appreciated body of water with its multi-million dollar NOAA Research Center.

Mornings kayak tours at Guana deliver more bird sightings. Still all day, expect to see birds of prey, wading birds, song birds, marine birds. Land animals occasionally spotted are wild hogs, raccoons, otters, bob cats, dear, alligators, even Florida Panthers are reported throughout the area. Bald Eagles use this area as a nesting site. See their nests year round. The Bald Eagle Couple return every year in late summer and Fall. Being a tidal creek high tide can bring in Dolphins, Sharks, and other apex predators following the fish upstream.

You might also consider ticket for Guana Night Kayaking

Princes Place Preserve

Old Florida Vacation Destination makes for an Epic Adventure.

This area of Princess Place Preserve is half wild and half what-the?! Optical illusions make satellite imagery on Google maps seem off track back here… What way did we just come from? Is that the straight channel or is this crooked one… Just follow the moving water and you’ll be fine. Get off the main pathways, you may have to push your way through reeds and muck.

Wooden bridge on kayak tour at princess place — Turn left before the bridge.

Dock Site 1: From Princess Place Road, take last left before the Wooden Bridge. Follow the winding sand road. Proceed to the first doc site. During High Tide your guide will contact you in advance if you are to go to the public Kayak Launch.

High tide restricted tour.

gtm grass maze kayak tour — #EcoMazeChallenge

Spend time searching in and out of a dense living carpet of wildlife, aquatic plants, insects, reptiles, birds, and shell fish. Kayak along with a local GeoGuide familiar with with ever changing marsh and estuaries system in the St. Augustine, FL area. Also spend time in the open water spotting dolphins, manatees, sharks, and other marine life.

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October 7, 2019February 1, 2022

Ride the Tide

kayak tour guide matanzas river named Ben

May the power of the wind, water, air, earth, and fire unite to carry us away farther and faster on the most radical tidal rides.

Actual location determined 72 hours prior. Check email and texts day of.

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Every tidal trip is fun and exciting, some however… are epic.  Learn about the influences that govern the tide. Dabble in concepts that explain how life wouldn’t exist as it does without the rhythm of the tides.

Matanzas inle kayak adventure — Aerial view of Matanzas Inlet

Tight, constantly changing windows exist to ride the exaggerated tidal flows. Atypical currents at a couple locations near St. Augustine, FL are created by multiple inlets, stiff sea breezes. Exacerbating things is the the Intracoastal Canal. Humans altered the topography of the coast. The effect is particularly exaggerated at these two favorite kayaking spots. Flexibility in location and time is crucial to ensuring the most exciting alignment of the Sun, Moon, Earth, and weather. If things time out right, we can create one epic adventure for you. On opposite ends of the county, these two launches deliver extra wow factor with the right timing. Watch texts and emails for changes. Helen Mellon Schmidt Park

Kayak Launch Helen Melon Schmidt Park — Kayak Launch to Intracoastal or Inlet

Three directions to get swept along in currents. This tour launches one hour before high tide. When conditions line up, we may travel 10mph without a single stroke. During Hightide spend time exploring otherwise impassable shallow estuary tidal flats. Nocatee Landing

Kayak GTM Reuins — Erosion threatens ruins at the GTM

Ride the falling tidal ride around Pine Island to explore Plantation Ruins at the GTM. To catch it, we shove of an hour before low tide. Ride out and around the draining oyster flats. Getting into full current on the south end of the natural Tolomato River Bed. From there it is 3 miles to the GTM shore. Explore the ruins for a few minutes before heading back on the ebbing tide to the landing point.

October 7, 2019February 1, 2022

Nocatee Landing

The tide may not be sure which way to go… But your guide sure knows the way to an Epic Adventure!

If you encounter a grumbly ‘ole fisherman on the flats, smile and wave. He’s bummed his isolated fishing hole recently got blazed for kayakers to land. Previously a five mile paddle to reach this Tolomato River Estuary slashed by the Intracoastal canal. A confused tidal ride around the New Pine Island (as in 1928 new) is a great adventure. You’ll be sore for sure if you fail to plan properly and get stranded without shade or enough water. Don’t risk it! Hire a local guide.

Mullet Fish jumping. Crabs scurrying. Flounder darting. Schools of Drums and Snook boiling in this shallow incubator of life. This tour emphasizes the importance of wildlife management, resource preservation, shoreline restoration, changing climate, rising sea levels, pollution, extinction, over population… then rejoice with the many ways we are all working together to turn things around.

Currents are swift and empty rapidly in this narrow straight away between Marsh Landing and the Tolomato River Basin connecting the two estuaries leaving the ancient creek bed creating the Pine Island Loop. The center between the mouth of the St. Johns River and the Matanzas Inlet. Where making Long distances short business the hour before low tide and hour before high tide. Just time it right or you are up against serious knotage to get back.

Falling tidal ride to Plantation Ruins is a must. To catch it, shove of an hour before low tide. Ride out and around the draining oyster flats. Getting into full current on the south end of the natural Tolomato River Bed. From there it is 3 miles to the GTM shore. If timed right paddle back on the ebbing tide, may be slight current helping out. Oyster fields now mudflats. It will be at least 3 hours before they are passable again. Bless the soul who gets their kayak stranded in the mud. If you find porting your kayak adventurous, have at it. Just wear your oyster proof shoes. If you sink in quicksand, remember, we are buoyant, lay back and relax to gently float feet to the surface. Role or crawl to firmer sand close by. Struggle makes you sink deeper.

Location: 30°03’57.2″N 81°22’18.8″W
Nocatee Kayak Launch located at the base of the southern trailhead of Nocatee’s Preserve, adjacent to the Tolomato River (Intracoastal West). The connector road off Crosswater Parkway, Nocatee Landing Trail, and is approximately 1 mile north of Crosswater.Parking: large parking lot.

Facilities: solar powered restroom, pavilion, shallow sandy kayak launch, trash cans, 1650 acre nature preserve trails. With fossil making mud flats and sand bars around Pine Island at low tide

October 7, 2019January 25, 2023

Genung’s Oyster Fields

From here, Geotrippin’ Adventure Co. offers guided kayak tours and ACA accredited lessons. Exclusive kayak launch located along the Central Matanzas River in Crescent Beach, FL

EcoTours

Kayak Lessons

Facilities: Restroom, Bait Shop and Convenience store, boat charters, kayak and paddleboard rentals.

Walk-in kayak rentals welcome. First come first serve to rent single, double, and fishing kayaks an hour or whole day. Located south of St. Augustine in Crescent Beach, this is a popular spot for both locals and visitors to set out on the Matanzas River to fish and enjoy the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife viewing.

This tour emphasizes the importance of wildlife management. Talk about resource preservation. See shoreline restoration in progress. Discuss changing climate, rising sea levels, pollution, extinction, over population… then rejoice with the many ways we are all working together to turn things around.

kayaking cescent beach genungs fishcamp — 206 Bridge from Genung;s Fish Camp

Dolphins frolic and yachts cruise by. Since 1948, a legendary Fishcamp launches directly into the Matanzas River Oyster Fields under the SR 206 bridge in Crescent Beach.

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Get a taste for restoring the Oysters Habitat

See how the Oysters’ Biosphere is rebounding after a long history of habitat destruction by human activity. Oyster restoration is a good reason to get your hands dirty. Or, just let the guide get dirty bringing you a first hand experience with these unassuming and underestimated heroes… Not many places remain where it is safe and delicious to eat oysters. Matanzas Oysters fetch a premium being a delicacy for their clean texture and limited supplies.

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October 7, 2019February 1, 2022

St. Augustine Inlet

Dolphin Kayak Tours St Augustine — Atlantic Bottle Nose Dolphin

Take in waterfront sights of Historic St. Augustine Bay while you spot your favorite marine animals. They are sure to be around: Dolphins, Sea Turtles, Birds, Sharks, and Pirates!

Safely navigate this historic inlet to get a kayakers-eye view of the historic waterfront sights. See from the Atlantic Ocean past Castillo San Marco, the Great Cross, to the Bridge of Lions.

Sights of St. Augustine

Why we love this location

Ocean views of Sunrise. Sunsets over Old Town.

Get close to historic and cultural landmarks in St. Augustine.

Complex estuary system, sandbars, and spoil islands.

Cruising along Downtown St. Augustine’s waterfront people watching, historic architecture, sail boats, and the busy Bridge of Lions.

St. Augustin Lighthouse Park

st augustine lighthouse tours — Marina view of Lighthouse

St. Augustine Lighthouse Marina for closeups of Salt Run, Anastasia Island, and a don’t miss long view of the St. Augustine Waterfront from the mouth of the Inlet. Epic Adventures from the Lighthouse Marina gets us under the Bridge of Lions and back.

Vilano Bridge Boat Ramp

Launching our kayaks at Vilano Bridge Boat Ramp brings us near the Florida School for the Def and Blind then right under the Great Cross. Travel through winding estuary to come up behind the Castillo de San Marcos. Glide along the sea wall under the bridge of lions to explore the Pirate ships moored at St. Augustine Marina. Current and weather willing we will make it all the way to turn around at the National Guard Armory.

Alternates

Additional vantage points for the GeoTrippers who just gotta see it all.

Usina Boat Ramp to explore the restaurants and marshes in the Intracoastal north of the inlet.
Crane Park to explore south from Flagler Hospital to also see San Sebastian River and Lincolnville.

St Augustine Pirate Ship Tour — Pirate Ship , St Augustine Marina

“Th’ar be treasure in those depths!” Saint Augustine Inlet’s moving shoals and quickly shifting sand bars are notorious for sinking ships. Safely navigate this historic inlet to get a kayakers-eye view of the historic waterfront sights. See from the Atlantic Ocean past Castillo San Marco, the Great Cross, to the Bridge of Lions. 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.

Saint Augustine Inlet Kayak Tours — St. Augustine Inlet

Athletic individuals have no problem spending an entire day exploring most of the natural and historic treasures in St. Augustine. Even still, breaking up this adventure into three to four trips would be the most relaxing and Epic Adventure. May we also recommend our friends who offer adventures by helicopters, boats, buggies, and trains to fill in the gaps? Complete the long checklist of St. Augustine Inlet’s legendary sights in a single trip. But to get up close to all of it takes endurance. Most folks 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.

Shark Eco Tour St Augustine — Unlikely to See Sharks

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.

bridge of lions kayak tour — Strongest currents under the bridge.

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.