We love this location for its grass maze and history. Located near the little known site of Ponce De Leon’s first footsteps in the New World. Giving the lush estuary river it’s name. Fascinating history and sociological influence through out our local and global history.
Feel safe in a shallow protected area that large boats can not access. There is an education center offering scientific seminars for children and adults. Go on a self guided hiking trip. Find archeological ruins. Sensory and other blazed trails to bike, hike, horseback. Kayak, paddleboard, fishing boat and bicycles available for rent on location.
Facilities Situation is as good as it gets at our launches. A convenience store to get water at near entrance to park on A1A. There is a museum and Welcome Center, Kayak Rental and Supplies Shop, ample picnic areas, restrooms, blazed trails, fishing, and active ranger presence.
Weather Patterns: winds pickup predictably in the afternoon increasing speed until sunset when the wind dies down. Afternoon showers stay to the west. But predominant east north easterly winds can make for more challenging paddles. Your guide will plan your trip to make the most of marsh grass and forested dunes for wind break.
Wildlife: mornings will 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.
Topography: Actively growing barrier dunes with some human development. Sound of Ocean Waves effectively camouflage the sound of passing nearby highway traffic. Easy water access but difficult to navigate during low tide. Submerged oyster beds and grass fields. Experience multiple distinct ecosystems in close proximity. Everything from deep sea, marine, beach, dune, hammock, lowlands, wet lands, estuary, midlands, pine scrub, and tidal creek.
Tidal: typically most accessible from mid tide to mid tide. Currents do not get strong but can still cause difficulty for uncomfortable paddlers when combined with wind possibility. If lost in a grass maze, follow moving tidal currents back to open water.