Ripple Effect EcoTours

101 Tolstoy Ln, St. Augustine, FL 32080

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Hours

Tours last approximately 2.5 hours. Contact them directly to book times as start times change based on the season. Tours are suitable for ages 6 and up.

Cost

Adult (16+) $60

Child (15 and under) $50

Private tour $480

Four person minimum on all tours, unless it's a private tour.

904-347-1565

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About

Set off on a kayak or boat and learn all about the ecological and cultural aspects of Northeast Florida! On this tour, you will be accompanied by a professional guide.

Marineland has partnered with Ripple Effect EcoTours to provide visitors with eco-educational experiences. Through their sustainable efforts, Ripple Effect EcoTours is able to offer an ethical alternative to ecotourism. The boat engines run on recycled vegetable oil collected from restaurants. As a result, they are able to use a recycled fuel source to reduce carbon emissions!

To make these tours possible, Marineland has also partnered with Florida's Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience. Through the combined efforts of their partnerships, they are able to make strides in the research, education, and conservation of Florida ecosystems.

Kayak Tour

Get in some light exercise on this low-impact tour kayak tour. The tour will take you through various landmarks considered to be "biologically rich." You will explore a number of natural parks including the Princess Place Preserve and Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve. Additionally, you will learn about the Matanzas Inlet, one of the most historical sites in St. Augustine.

Boat Tour

Sit back and relax on this outdoor classroom boat experience! Ripple takes pride in providing ethical ecotours. Not only do they use recycled oil as fuel, but they also us water-jet propulsion with no exposed propeller. As an effect, these boats are just as safe for marine animals as they are for people!

On these tours, you may be able to see dolphins in their natural habitat! If not, you will still be able to visit them in Marineland. Free admission to the park is included in your ticket.

Local Tips

Reservations are required.
Trips leave daily from Ripple Effect's headquarters in the Marineland Marina.

Location

101 Tolstoy Ln, St. Augustine, FL 32080

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to get to Palm Coast, FL?

Palm Coast is located between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach. When traveling by car, Palm Coast is just off the I-95 and the closest exist from the Interstate to Florida’s beaches. Palm Coast’s central location makes it ideal to plan side trips to the neighboring cities, as well as to historic St. Augustine, or inland to Orlando.

The nearest airports to Palm Coast include Daytona Beach (DAB) at about 30 miles and Jacksonville (JAX) at 70 miles.

When is the best time to visit Palm Coast, FL?

The best time to visit is March through May when temperatures are ideal for beach days, kayaking, festivals, and eco-touring. October is another favorite, especially for events like Biketober Fest and Creekside Music & Arts Festival, with fewer crowds and crisp coastal air. Visitors often describe this time of year as “perfect Florida”—scenic, quiet, and comfortably warm.

What's the weather like in Palm Coast, FL?

Any time of the year is the perfect time to plan a vacation getaway to Palm Coast! You can expect fantastic weather in Palm Coast year-round, with the warmest months being June through September, along with higher humidity. In the cooler months, from December through March, daily average high temps hover just below 70. August tends to be the hottest month, while best water temps stretch from May through October.

Are the beaches in Palm Coast family- and pet-friendly?

Yes! Spots like Bay Drive Park and Old Salt Park are great for kids and leashed dogs. Most beaches have easy access and nearby parking.

Where can I go kayaking or take an ecotour in Palm Coast, FL?

Princess Place Preserve and the River to Sea Preserve are top picks for wildlife-rich paddling trails and guided tours.

What are must-see festivals or events in Palm Coast, FL?

Events like the Palm Coast Songwriters Festival (May), Strawberry Festival (March), and Creekside Music Fest (October) are local highlights worth planning a trip around.

The biggest event is the Palm Coast Songwriters Festival in May. This multi-ticketed event includes concerts by acclaimed Nashville and Florida-based artists.

What is a good one-day itinerary in Palm Coast, FL?

Specializing in breakfasts, Rodie’s Place along Palm Coast’s scenic and historic coastal byway is a bright way to start your day. The family-style restaurant is near local parks and beaches, making it a perfect morning destination. On the lighter side, be sure to check breakfast options at Tropical Smoothie, including breakfast flatbreads, tropic bowls, and smoothies. They say breakfast is served all day in the tropics!

To fully embrace Palm Coast’s outdoor lifestyle, visit one of the many parks and beaches lining the shore. Near Rodie’s, Jungle Hut Park offers easy beach access for a day soaking up the Florida sun. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is definitely worth a visit as home to formal gardens and the second-largest outcropping of coquina rock on the Atlantic Coast. The 425-acre park provides plenty of hiking trails and a chance to explore tidal pools, as well as biking, fishing, or bird watching.

For lunch, head to the quaint surroundings of Palm Coast’s European Village. In addition to several dining options, the European Village offers shopping and entertainment for the whole family. If visiting on a Sunday, you may even catch the local Palm Coast Farmers Market.

For golf aficionados, book a tee time at Palm Harbor Golf Club. Or, if looking to spend more time in nature, be sure to add Bing’s Landing to your itinerary. The 8-acre intracoastal waterway park provides the opportunity for hiking, kayaks, boating, and more.

Finish the day with an exquisite shore-to-table meal at Atlantic Grille with stunning ocean views from the terrace. Delight in one of the restaurant’s award-winning dishes to wrap up a phenomenal Palm Coast experience.