THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Explore the rich coastal ecosystem of Salt Run at Anastasia State Park with a one-hour guided wildlife tour. Spot dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees while learning about this vital Florida estuary.
Explore the rich coastal ecosystem of Salt Run at Anastasia State Park with a one-hour guided wildlife tour. Spot dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees while learning about this vital Florida estuary.
Book with Anastasia Watersports
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Anastasia Watersports · St. Augustine, Florida
Set along Florida’s northeast coast, Anastasia State Park is a vital stretch of barrier beach, dunes, and tidal lagoons that offer a rare window into coastal ecology. One of the park’s most captivating features is Salt Run, a tidal estuary channel that serves as a rich habitat for diverse marine life. Wild Tides: Life Between the Dunes and the Sea is a one-hour guided tour led by expert wildlife interpreters, designed to immerse visitors in the fascinating wildlife that thrives here, while illuminating the environmental importance of these waters.
Launching from Anastasia Pike Drive in St. Augustine, this tour ventures out on calm waters teeming with dolphins, sea turtles, and the elusive West Indian manatees, whose gentle presence is a highlight for guests. The shallow Salt Run passages weave between mangrove clusters and salt marshes, offering glimpses of wading birds, fiddler crabs, and the unique coastal vegetation that stabilizes and nurtures the ecosystem.
What makes this experience distinct is the blend of natural observation and education. Guides share insights on how Salt Run functions as a nursery ground for many species and how the delicate balance of tides sustains this system. The tour also touches on the human history tied to the area, including early maritime activities and ongoing conservation efforts led by local initiatives.
Anastasia State Park itself, established in Anastasia’s dunes and maritime hammocks, invites visitors to explore beyond Salt Run with hiking trails, picnic areas, and pristine beaches. This guided adventure is a standout reason to explore the park — especially for travelers craving a manageable, rewarding outdoor experience that combines wildlife viewing with responsible stewardship.
St. Augustine offers all the amenities of a historic city, just minutes from the park. Whether you're staying to wander Florida’s oldest city on land or head farther into the water with Wild Tides, this tour brings nature’s understated coastal drama to life. It's perfect for families, casual explorers, and anyone interested in Florida’s marine inhabitants without the need for technical skills or strenuous exercise.
Discover Salt Run’s quiet power and the wildlife that depend on it. This tour offers more than sightseeing — it’s a chance to connect with the thriving life between the dunes and the sea, gaining a new appreciation for one of Florida’s coastal jewels.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for all fitness levels; the activity is gentle and seated on a small boat.
Yes, the guided tours are family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages.
Private kayaking is possible in some areas, but the guided tour offers expert wildlife insights not available on your own.
Dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and various shorebirds are commonly spotted during the tour.
Yes, the boat is designed for easy boarding, making it accessible for most mobility levels.
No prior experience is needed; the tour is suitable for beginners and casual visitors.
Bring sun protection, water, binoculars if you have them, and dress comfortably for outdoor conditions.
Anastasia State Park was established in Anastasia’s dunes and maritime hammocks, 1949 and is part of a series of coastal salt marsh ecosystems important to early Florida settlement and wildlife migration routes.
The park promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging reef-safe sunscreen and mandating conservation guidelines to protect fragile coastal habitats.
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