Glide through mangrove tunnels and salt marsh flats on a 2½–3 hour coastal paddle in the St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. This wildlife-rich trip from Ozello, Florida, pairs premium Crescent kayaks with Florida Master Naturalist guides for an immersive, informative Gulf Coast experience.
Glide through mangrove tunnels and salt marsh flats on a 2½–3 hour coastal paddle in the St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. This wildlife-rich trip from Ozello, Florida, pairs premium Crescent kayaks with Florida Master Naturalist guides for an immersive, informative Gulf Coast experience.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Nature Coast Eco Tours · Homosassa, Florida
challenging.
2–3 hours.
Good cardiovascular fitness and upper-body endurance; comfortable paddling for multiple continuous miles in variable wind and tide.
Launch locations vary by season and tide; your booking confirmation will list the exact Ozello meeting point for the date selected.
This trip is best for experienced paddlers with good endurance due to longer on-water time and potential open-water conditions.
Tandem kayaks are available by request—note your preference when booking to confirm availability.
Expect white pelicans, roseate spoonbills, dolphins, manatees, turtles, osprey and occasionally alligators and deer along the marsh edge.
Trips are weather dependent; the operator will check forecast and tides and may reschedule or cancel for safety.
For questions text or call Captain Jodi at 352-422-1122; for scheduling adjustments call Rachel at 352-462-1377.
Ozello developed as a small fishing village in the 1800s; traces of that heritage remain in place names and shoreline structures along Ozello Trail.
Mangrove systems here are critical coastal buffers—practice no-wake etiquette, avoid disturbing wildlife and pack out all trash to protect nursery habitats.
Nature Coast Eco Tours is a Homosassa, Florida-based outfitter that offers guided kayak trips and river cruises highlighting the Nature Coast’s springs, estuaries, and wildlife. The company runs multiple experiences on the Chassahowitzka and Homosassa rivers, including kayak tours to Seven Sisters Springs and headsprings cruises where manatees congregate. Guides lead paddles and boat excursions focused on safe, respectful wildlife viewing of manatees, dolphins, otters, bald eagles and other coastal species. Trips include seasonal manatee-focused outings, scenic sunset and full moon paddles, meteor shower night kayaks, and Gulf discovery cruises that explore barrier island estuaries. Several tours visit historic Monkey Island and offer opportunities to swim in clear spring waters such as Crack Spring and Seven Sisters Spring. A Manatee Observation Cruise includes a stop near Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park and views of the park’s underwater aquarium. Guides emphasize environmental stewardship, wildlife behavior, and local natural history while maintaining safety and a high regard for protected species. Tours use kayaks and small cruise vessels appropriate for shallow rivers and estuary conditions. Group sizes, durations, required gear, and seasonal wildlife activity vary by trip; prospective guests should review specific trip descriptions for logistics and age or fitness requirements. Nature Coast Eco Tours’ combination of guided expertise, focused itineraries, and direct access to well-known springs and riverheads makes it a practical choice for visitors seeking wildlife-centered outdoor experiences on Florida’s Nature Coast. Booking information, seasonal availability, and safety guidelines are provided on each trip description to help guests prepare and pack.
Book with Nature Coast Eco Tours