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

How do you get to St. Augustine, FL?

St. Augustine is located minutes off of I-95 between Jacksonville Beaches and Palm Coast. If flying, the closest airport to St. Augustine is Jacksonville (JAX) about 30 minutes away.

When is the best time to visit St. Augustine?

The best times to visit are March–May and September–November. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds than summer, and access to the area’s top events, including Sing Out Loud Festival and Founder’s Day. Spring is ideal for beach lovers and garden tours, while fall is perfect for history buffs, culinary travelers, and ghost tour enthusiasts.

What's the best way to explore the historic district in St. Augustine?

The Old Town Trolley Tours are a favorite for first-time visitors, offering hop-on/hop-off convenience and guided narration through the city’s landmarks.

Where can I find authentic local seafood in St. Augustine?

Try local favorites like Aunt Kate’s, Cap’s on the Water, or Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille for fresh coastal fare with a St. Augustine twist.

What is St. Augustine known for?

St. Augustine, Florida is known as the nation’s oldest capital and oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. It was founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez and Spanish settlers 50 years after Ponce de León claimed Florida for the Spanish crown. The majestic Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., remains a central attraction for visitors to St. Augustine.

What are the biggest events in St. Augustine, FL?

St. Augustine provides a rich calendar of events at any time of the year. The city’s Nights of Lights (Nov – Jan) is listed by National Geographic as among the top 10 holiday light displays in the world. Come spring, The Players Championship takes place at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra just minutes from St. Augustine. The city is also home to several festivals showcasing historic reenactments, Spring bird watching, film, food, and pirates.

What's the best way to spend one day in St. Augustine, FL?

Any trip to St. Augustine should undoubtedly include a visit to the monumental Castillo de San Marcos on the western shore of Matanzas Bay. The national monument, built by the Spanish over 300 years ago, remains a steadfast reminder of the area’s colonial past.

In addition, one of the best ways to catch all the must-sees in St. Augustine in just one day is to hop on the Old Town Trolley. This will take you to iconic spots including the Old City Gates, the famed Fountain of Youth, and across the Bridge of Lions.

Closer to the coast, step into the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum where you can climb up into the historic 165-foot-tall lighthouse for a view of the area. Stop over for lunch at Salt Life Food Shack near St. Augustine beach for the laid-back vibe and eclectic seafood dishes.

Be sure to take time during the day to explore the shops, boutiques, and cafés along St. George Street in the historic center. This pedestrian-only street was historically the heart of the city and continues to be a thriving hub of activity lined with restaurants, shops, and history galore.

Wind down the evening by treating yourself to dinner at Columbia in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district. Named as one of Florida’s top restaurants since 1967, the Columbia is the largest Spanish restaurant in the world and family-owned and operated since 1905.

How is parking handled in downtown St. Augustine?

Downtown has metered street parking, garages, and park-and-ride options. During peak times (especially Nights of Lights), it’s best to arrive early or use public shuttles.