Kayak Tours 

Earth Kinship Ecotourism and Naturalst School is offering two kayak tours to conference attendees.

To register for either or both of these kayak tours please go to https://www.earthkinship.us/event.

Friday Aug 1st 2025, 9-11:30am, 2-3 miles

Salt Run & Lighthouse Kayak Tour: Paddling to the Past

Embark on a serene and educational kayak tour with Earth Kinship Ecotours, guided by a local certified naturalist through the tranquil waters of Salt Run, nestled beside the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse. This historic waterway, shaped by shifting tides and time, offers a unique window into both the natural and cultural heritage of Florida’s First Coast.

As you paddle past the shores of Anastasia State Park, your guide will share stories of the region’s transformation, echoing the observations of William Bartram, the renowned 18th-century naturalist who once explored these very shores. His vivid descriptions help illuminate the rich tapestry of flora, fauna, and human history that defines the area.

Salt Run is a vibrant estuary teeming with life. Glide quietly through calm waters as dolphins play nearby and sea turtles surface for air. Oyster beds stretch along the shallows, bustling with marine activity and vital to the ecosystem. The tour is not just a paddle—it's a journey through time, ecology, and discovery.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful adventure, this kayak experience connects you deeply to the dynamic beauty and legacy of coastal Florida.

Sunday August 3rd 2025 9-11:30am, 3.5 miles

Castillo de San Marcos paddle: A Kayak Journey Through Time and Tide

Embark on a kayaking adventure with Earth Kinship Ecotours as you paddle through the heart of historic St. Augustine. Launching from the Vilano Boat Ramp, your journey begins with sweeping views of the Matanzas River and quickly transports you back through centuries of rich natural and cultural history.

Glide southward toward the iconic Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. This monumental coquina stronghold was once observed and admired by the famed naturalist William Bartram in the late 1700s, who noted its formidable presence and the sparsely settled lands beyond its protective walls.

From here, paddle quietly into the winding waters of Hospital Creek, leading you to a place steeped in legend: the site where Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León is believed to have first set foot in Florida in 1513. As you drift along, you’ll learn about his search for new lands—and perhaps even the fabled Fountain of Youth.

Throughout the tour, nature is your constant companion. Pods of dolphins often swim nearby, surfacing with playful grace. Keep a keen eye on the water’s surface—you might be treated to the rare sight of a gentle manatee gliding beneath your kayak, or a sea turtle breaking the surface for air. Ospreys, herons, and other coastal birds soar overhead, adding to the magic of this living estuary.

Whether you're drawn by the deep-rooted history or the vibrant ecosystem, Earth Kinship’s kayak tour offers a soulful blend of education, exploration, and connection to one of America's most storied coastlines.

How are these descriptions? Sign ups will be through my website or phone call. I don't have a link to the trip yet but should have a correct link to add by next week. I need to create it on my booking platform.