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Start your day with a peaceful guided paddle through Salt Run at Anastasia State Park. Witness dolphins, seabirds, and a spectacular sunrise in this accessible, one-hour adventure just outside St. Augustine.
Start your day with a peaceful guided paddle through Salt Run at Anastasia State Park. Witness dolphins, seabirds, and a spectacular sunrise in this accessible, one-hour adventure just outside St. Augustine.
Book with Anastasia Watersports
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Anastasia Watersports · St. Augustine, Florida
Located just minutes from historic St. Augustine, Florida, Anastasia State Park offers an extraordinary gateway to the Atlantic coast’s unique blend of dunes, salt marshes, and serene waterways. "Dawn on the Dunes: A Guided Sunrise Paddle" invites adventurers to greet the day with a quiet glide over Salt Run’s calm waters, where the horizon transforms under a kaleidoscope of sunrise colors. This hour-long excursion provides an intimate encounter with one of Florida’s most captivating natural environments, framed by coastal dunes with lush maritime vegetation and the gentle sounds of waking wildlife.
The experience is accessible to paddlers of all skill levels, making it a perfect outing for beginners and seasoned kayakers or stand-up paddleboarders alike. Participants can choose their preferred watercraft—either a stable kayak or a nimble paddleboard—equipped with all necessary safety gear, including life vests and custom-fitted paddles. An expert guide leads the journey, sharing insights on the local ecosystem, spotting playful dolphins, and identifying seabirds that frequent Salt Run. The chance to witness dolphins surfacing in the early morning light or herons poised along the banks brings nature’s theater to life.
Anastasia State Park’s salt marshes and dune ridges create a distinct habitat supporting a variety of coastal flora such as sea oats and palmettos, offering a window into Florida’s barrier island ecology. Beyond its ecological importance, the park has cultural significance rooted in its proximity to America’s oldest city, St. Augustine, where natural preservation blends with rich history. This paddle tour uniquely connects you to the rhythms of the coast before the crowds arrive.
Starting from the Anastasia Watersports meeting point, the guided dawn paddle balances tranquility with the energizing embrace of the fresh morning air. Essential tips include dressing in lightweight layers to accommodate the cool dawn, bringing sunscreen and a hat to guard against the rising sun, and carrying water to stay hydrated. Don’t forget a camera or smartphone to capture the vivid sunrise and potential wildlife encounters.
Whether you seek a peaceful morning ritual or a fresh perspective on Florida’s coastal landscape, "Dawn on the Dunes" offers a memorable, environmentally conscious adventure. The tour supports the park’s conservation efforts by encouraging respectful interaction with the delicate ecosystem, ensuring the magic of Salt Run endures for future paddle lovers. Book your spot to experience the captivating calm of Florida’s coast at daybreak, and discover why this guided paddle is a standout offering in the St. Augustine outdoor scene.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for all fitness levels; basic paddling ability helps but beginners are welcome.
No prior experience is necessary; the guides provide a safety briefing and basic instruction suitable for beginners.
Tours may be postponed or canceled due to inclement weather to ensure participant safety, with options to reschedule.
Participants must be 18 or older to paddle alone; those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
This tour provides the paddleboards and kayaks needed; bringing your own equipment is generally not required or recommended.
Yes, all participants receive a personal flotation device that must be worn at all times on the water.
Meet at Anastasia Watersports located within Anastasia State Park for check-in and equipment fitting.
Anastasia State Park protects one of Florida’s last undeveloped barrier islands, established in 1949 to conserve its unique coastal ecosystems.
The park actively promotes Leave No Trace principles to minimize human impact on the fragile salt marsh and dune environments.
Anastasia Watersports operates professional paddlecraft rentals and guided excursions focused on Salt Run and the waters around Anastasia State Park. The business offers single and double kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) for one-, two-, and three-hour rentals, with half-day and full-day beach rental options available through the Island Beach Shop and Grill. Guided experiences include wildlife-focused Salt Run tours led by knowledgeable guides, Dawn on the Dunes sunrise paddles, Paint & Paddle art sessions that combine a short guided paddle with canvas painting, and family-oriented events such as Paddle, Picnic, and Play. Equipment options list 1-hour, 2-hour, and 3-hour canoe and kayak rentals alongside single and double kayak choices to match groups of every size. Safety, accessibility, and low-impact recreation are emphasized. Comfortable seating, beginner-friendly instruction, life jackets, and pre-launch briefings make trips approachable for first-time paddlers and families. The Sea Turtle pavilion provides an outdoor event space for up to 150 guests with picnic tables, grills, and direct beach access for celebrations and group gatherings. Anastasia Watersports supports responsible enjoyment of local ecosystems by encouraging sunscreen use, wildlife respect, and guided education about the area’s plants and animals. For visitors seeking dependable rentals, guided wildlife viewing, creative outdoor events, or a relaxed day on Salt Run, Anastasia Watersports provides a broad selection of experiences tailored to different skill levels and group needs.
Book with Anastasia Watersports