Glide quiet tidal creeks and seagrass beds on Salt Run from a comfortable kayak or SUP. This easy 1–3 hour rental is perfect for families, first-time paddlers, and wildlife watchers visiting St. Augustine.
Glide quiet tidal creeks and seagrass beds on Salt Run from a comfortable kayak or SUP. This easy 1–3 hour rental is perfect for families, first-time paddlers, and wildlife watchers visiting St. Augustine.
Book with Anastasia Watersports
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Anastasia Watersports · St. Augustine, Florida
Salt Run in St. Augustine, Florida, is a shallow tidal creek that cuts between Anastasia Island and the mainland, offering a tranquil setting for paddlers of all ages. On the 2 Hour Paddle Sports Rental you can choose a solo kayak, a tandem, or a stand‑up paddleboard and glide past salt marsh cordgrass, seagrass meadows, and scattered oyster bars while watching birds and marine life go about their day. Launch from the operator's rental site on Salt Run (meeting point details provided at booking) and set an easy pace; the water here is protected, with gentle current and depths that usually keep excursions relaxed rather than technical. Kayaks come with back‑supporting seats and doubles are a comfortable option for sharing the experience. SUPs are single use; they’re stable but benefit from a low center of gravity and basic balance. No previous experience is required, which makes this an ideal outing for families, first‑time paddlers, and travelers looking to add quiet nature time to a St. Augustine itinerary. The key features of the scene are immediate: low, grassy salt marshes; ribboned seagrass beds that host juvenile fish; exposed oyster bars at low tide; and broad sky framed by maritime live oaks. Wildlife is a highlight—expect snowy egrets, great blue herons, ospreys patrolling overhead, and playful bottlenose dolphins feeding in deeper channels. Look for fiddler crabs on mudflats and trace signs of early indigenous shell middens along certain banks. The area's flat coquina outcrops and sandy shorelines reflect Northeast Florida's coastal geology and the long history of coastal use dating back centuries. This paddle rental is special because it lowers the barrier to access. Gear comes ready; the boats are comfortable and forgiving, and the rental window (1–3 hours typical) lets you tailor a short sunset paddle or a longer wildlife‑watching tour. Operator policies are guest‑friendly: refunds for weather cancellations and 24‑hour notice for attendee cancellations help protect plans. Practical tips: tide timing affects exposed oyster bars and wildlife visibility; bring reef‑safe sunscreen and a TV pouch for your phone; wear water shoes for shallow launches. The experience pairs well with a day exploring downtown St. Augustine or a beach picnic on Anastasia Island. Whether seeking a calm morning float or a late‑day lightshow, Salt Run’s compact waters offer an accessible, wildlife‑rich slice of Florida’s coast. Reservations via the operator's online booking link are straightforward; slots fill fastest on weekends and holidays during spring and summer. Beginners benefit from a quick orientation on equipment and paddling basics before launch. Bring a dry bag for keys, hydrate before you go, and plan your route around low tide if you want to step out on oyster flats. Dogs are sometimes allowed—check rules at booking.
easy.
1–3 hours.
Suitable for people with basic mobility and light to moderate endurance; no special fitness required for short trips.
No. Rentals include a brief orientation; the sheltered waters of Salt Run are beginner-friendly.
Cancellations with 24 hours’ notice receive a full refund or credit; operator cancellations due to weather are fully refunded or credited.
Yes—PFDs are provided and required for all participants.
Children are welcome; check age and supervision policies at booking. Dogs may be allowed on certain boats—confirm in advance.
Most guests choose 1–3 hour rentals to fit tide windows and wildlife viewing—book longer if you want a relaxed exploration.
Parking availability varies; review meeting point details provided at booking and arrive early on busy weekends.
St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental U.S.; coastal shell middens attest to earlier indigenous use of these waters.
Practice leave-no-trace paddling, avoid trampling seagrass, and use reef-safe sunscreen to limit impacts to seagrass beds and shellfish.
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