Paddle from Anastasia State Park into shallow estuaries to encounter dolphins, manatees and sea turtles on a guide-led SUP or kayak tour. This beginner-friendly, two-hour outing blends wildlife viewing with easy coastal paddling.
Paddle from Anastasia State Park into shallow estuaries to encounter dolphins, manatees and sea turtles on a guide-led SUP or kayak tour. This beginner-friendly, two-hour outing blends wildlife viewing with easy coastal paddling.
You push off from a low wooden ramp as salt air sharpens your senses and the sand dunes of Anastasia State Park rise 30 feet above the inlet. Guides give a brief skills check and you settle into the slow rhythm of paddling; the estuary opens, mangrove fingers reach like hands, and the water takes on the quick silver flash of dolphins.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Three Brothers Boards Dolphin and Manatee Paddle Board Tours · St. Augustine, Florida
You push off from a low wooden ramp as salt air sharpens your senses and the sand dunes of Anastasia State Park rise 30 feet above the inlet. Guides give a brief skills check and you settle into the slow rhythm of paddling; the estuary opens, mangrove fingers reach like hands, and the water takes on the quick silver flash of dolphins.
This two-hour excursion threads natural history and human history. St. Augustine, founded in 1565, sits where a barrier island meets the Matanzas River — a landscape shaped by longshore currents and storms that built the park’s dunes and salt flats. Cultural landmarks peek from the town across the water while the barriers protect sea grasses that feed West Indian manatees and attract loggerhead turtles.
Expect close wildlife encounters rather than guarantees: dolphins commonly bow-ride and sea turtles surface for air, while manatees graze in shallow channels. Guides follow Florida wildlife regulations — approach distances, no touching — to protect both animals and visitors.
Practical notes: the tour is beginner-friendly and includes boards, kayaks, paddles and life vests; maximum shared group size is 20 and tours run about 2 hours. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof phone case, and water; tides and wind change conditions quickly so morning launches usually mean calmer water. If you want a quieter experience, ask about less busy launch times or private bookings.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for beginners and families; requires basic balance and the ability to paddle for short periods while standing or seated.
No — tours are designed for beginners and guides offer instruction; you can also choose a sit-down kayak if preferred.
Guides maintain safe, legal distances and encourage passive observation — animals approach on their own terms, and touching or feeding is not allowed.
The operator cancels tours in unsafe weather and offers a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure; lightning or high winds commonly trigger cancellations.
Yes — children as young as 6 have participated; guardians should assess comfort with water and follow guide recommendations about life vests and seating.
St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city in the continental U.S. (founded 1565); the nearby barrier islands evolved from centuries of sediment movement and storm impact that shaped today’s dunes and tidal creeks.
Manatees and sea turtles are protected; observe posted regulations, don’t feed or touch wildlife, and use reef‑safe products to minimize impacts on seagrass and nearshore reefs.
Three Brothers Boards Dolphin and Manatee Paddle Board Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You push off from a low wooden ramp as salt air sharpens your senses and the sand dunes of Anastasia State Park rise 30 feet above the inlet. Guides give a brief skills check and you settle into the slow rhythm of paddling; the estuary opens, mangrove fingers reach like hands, and the water takes on the quick silver flash of dolphins.
You push off from a low wooden ramp as salt air sharpens your senses and the sand dunes of Anastasia State Park rise 30 feet above the inlet. Guides give a brief skills check and you settle into the slow rhythm of paddling; the estuary opens, mangrove fingers reach like hands, and the water takes on the quick silver flash of dolphins.
This two-hour excursion threads natural history and human history. St. Augustine, founded in 1565, sits where a barrier island meets the Matanzas River — a landscape shaped by longshore currents and storms that built the park’s dunes and salt flats. Cultural landmarks peek from the town across the water while the barriers protect sea grasses that feed West Indian manatees and attract loggerhead turtles.
Expect close wildlife encounters rather than guarantees: dolphins commonly bow-ride and sea turtles surface for air, while manatees graze in shallow channels. Guides follow Florida wildlife regulations — approach distances, no touching — to protect both animals and visitors.
Practical notes: the tour is beginner-friendly and includes boards, kayaks, paddles and life vests; maximum shared group size is 20 and tours run about 2 hours. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof phone case, and water; tides and wind change conditions quickly so morning launches usually mean calmer water. If you want a quieter experience, ask about less busy launch times or private bookings.