Paddle a guided sunset eco tour with a lighted firefly kayak
2 hours
4 person minimum people
Kayak, paddle, lifejacket
Explore coastal waterways at sunset with a certified Florida Master Naturalist guide. Paddle in a lighted firefly kayak and learn about the local estuary system.
Ages 10+ and no kayaking experience is necessary. Tours have a 4-person minimum unless you book a private tour; if the minimum isn't met, the trip may be rescheduled or canceled.
Full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or any other reason. 4-person minimum; if not met, they may reschedule or cancel with reschedule or full refund.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, water, and weather-appropriate clothing. You can also bring a camera and/or binoculars. Water shoes are recommended.
No kayaking experience is necessary. This tour is suitable for ages 10 and up.
Your ticket includes a kayak, paddle, lifejacket, and a dry bag if needed.
St. Augustine, FL
Step into the water at Marineland Dolphin Adventure and feel the cool Atlantic current against your skin as a bottlenose dolphin glides alongside you. This storied St. Augustine institution puts you face to face with some of the ocean's most intelligent residents in a setting that feels personal rather than performative. Marineland Dolphin Adventure has long set itself apart by prioritizing genuine connection over spectacle, making every visit quietly memorable.
This kayaking operation has clearly found its secret weapon: phenomenal guides who genuinely love what they do. Names like Cali, Sumo, Kacy, and Nick pop up repeatedly, with visitors raving about how knowledgeable and engaging they are. People aren't just paddling around aimlessly – they're getting mini education sessions on the estuary ecosystem, local wildlife, mangrove systems, and the area's history. The tours seem to strike that sweet spot between adventure and learning, with one reviewer actually comparing it favorably to Disney (high praise from someone traveling with kids). Equipment gets solid marks too, and the staff apparently handles everything from complete beginners to large corporate groups with equal skill. As for wildlife, this is where setting expectations matters. Many visitors lucked out with dolphin sightings, sea turtles, manatees, wild boars, and various birds including the occasional spoonbill or eagle. But nature doesn't perform on command, and one family left pretty disappointed after seeing mainly mangroves and distant birds during high tide. The guide was great, but they felt the marketing oversold the wildlife guarantees. Everyone else seemed thrilled with whatever showed up, though several mentioned timing and tide levels made a real difference in what they encountered. If you're coming primarily for guaranteed up-close animal encounters, you might want to adjust those expectations – but if you're after a quality eco-tour with passionate guides and the possibility of some cool wildlife moments, this sounds like a winner.
The most amazing experience in St. Augustine! Toured through mangroves, watched a dolphin pod swim past - we were in pure awe of natural Florida. Our guide Zach was knowledgeable and fun - best thing we did on our trip by far.
Sara Virks
May 1, 2026
The most amazing experience in St. Augustine! Toured through mangroves, watched a dolphin pod swim past - we were in pure awe of natural Florida. Our guide Zach was knowledgeable and fun - best thing we did on our trip by far.
Sara Virks
May 1, 2026