NAUTICAL ESCAPES specializes in guided kayaking, canoeing, and hiking eco tours tailored to novice as well advanced paddlers both in Jacksonville, Florida and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Originally created in Jacksonville, Florida in 1990, it pioneered beginner kayaking in the Northeast Florida area as well as in Argentina. In 1999, it expanded its operations to the Parana River Delta Islands, in the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Its main philosophy is to provide the general public regardless of age or gender with a fun, easy, safe, and healthy way to interact with our natural habitat via friendly non-motorized watercraft. Our ultimate goal is to bridge the wide gap that exists between Mankind and Mother Nature by raising awareness on the benefits of preserving our delicate eco systems that we ultimately rely on for our survival.

Our American territory spans from the subtropical oceans and inland waterways of North Florida to the lush Buenos Aires Delta in South America. Our scope of operations includes boat rentals, eco-tours, instruction and sales of kayaks, canoes, sailboats, and pedal boats from our bases in Jacksonville, Florida and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

KAYAKING / CANOEING TOURS AND RENTALS IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

Guided Kayak/Canoe/Dolphin Eco Tours Join us for the ultimate paddling adventure! After a short orientation/introduction on land you board our user-friendly 14-person canoe or ultra stable sit on top kayaks (single, double, triple, or quad kayak) for a complete immersion into one of the most important costal estuarine marine habitats on the East Coast. During this beginner oriented eco friendly excursion into the Timucuan Ecological Preserve you will paddle along a protected cove of the St. John's River and briefly paddle into a meandering marsh creek teaming with wildlife. This is perhaps the only place in Jacksonville where you can expect to see dolphins, manatees, turtles, pelicans, fish eagles, bald eagles, egrets, great blue herons, king fishers, shrimp skipping across the water, and much, much more...in just one setting! This Nature Tour/Historical Paddle includes a brief stop and walk at Fort Caroline; the very place where the French tried to lay claim to the Florida Peninsula before it was fully conquered by the Spaniards. Along the way our expert guide will show you where most of the life in our blue planet is spawn; Mother Natures very own uterus (Earth’s Wetlands).

• Fee From $40 /person to as low as $ 30 /person for adults, children 12 & under pay $25. Price includes kayak (single, double, triple, or quad sit on top kayak) or a seat on our 14-passenger “NAUTILUS” BIG CANOE as well as safety gear, snacks, refreshments, international guide, and all the fun or solace you seek. Inquire about our group rates.
• (BOOK THIS TOUR) or check out our alternative tours.
• OR If you prefer to venture out on your own, WE'LL RENT YOU A CANOE OR KAYAK (boat delivery and pick up included in rental price- see rental rates below) and supply you with life jackets, paddles and a topographical map with suggested routes and creeks that you may explore from the innumerous public access ramps that we service along the St. Johns River and its Tributaries in River City Jacksonville. And if you wish, we can even drop you off at one put in and pick you up downstream at another take out point.
  
  Please bear in mind that boat rentals are contingent upon tides and favorable weather and marine conditions. Call or email us to get the whole scoop.

 

BOAT RENTALS

	2 to 4 HOURS	ALL DAY
Single Kayaks	$30	$45
Double Kayaks	$45	$60
Triple Kayaks	$55	$70
Quad Kayaks	$65	$90
Canoes	$55	$70
Big Canoe (14-Person w/ Captain)	$300	$475

NOTE: RATES INCLUDE DELIVERY AND PICK UP TO THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC KAYAK & CANOE RAMPS IN JACKSONVILLE AS WELL TOPOGRAPHICAL MAPS AND SAFETY GEAR:

Fulton Boat Ramp (accesses the St. John’s River Mill Cove; located adjacent to Fort Caroline in the Timucuan Preserve and Creeks) This is by far the best place in the First Coast to see Atlantic Bottle Nose Dolphins, Great Bald Eagles, Manatees and even turtles in one spot! (Click on the following link for directions and info) Directions to: Fulton Boat Ramp

Lonnie Wurn (accesses Mill Cove in the St. John’s River west of the Dames Point Bridge) Perfect place to put in at high tide and ride the out going tide down the St. John’s River to take out at Fulton Boat Ramp. There are lots of shore and wading birds as well as dolphins to see on this paddle! (Click on the following link for directions and info) Directions to: Lonnie Wurn

Oak Harbor Boat Ramp (accesses the Atlantic Beach Salt Marsh Creek Marked Canoe & Kayak Trail) From this boat ramp you can access both the Chicopit Bay kayak fishing paradise as well as the Atlantic Beach Marsh Canoe-Kayak Marsh Trail (Click on the following link for directions and info) Directions to: Oak Harbor Boat Ramp

Pottsburg Creek (accesses the placid tree canopied brackish water creek in Southside Jacksonville) This is our beginner urban paddle of choice nestled right in the middle of Southside Jacksonville. Yet, as soon as you paddle 5 minutes away from the ramp along Beach Blvd. you will find yourself flanked by a canopy of Oak Trees and Bald Cypresses. This is a narrow and deep creek where there is always water regardless of tide. (Click on the following link for directions and info) Direction to: Pottsburg Creek

Dutton Island Preserve (accesses the Atlantic Beach Marsh Canoe Trails & Intercostals Waterway) If you want to combine an illustrated scenic trail hike with a marsh paddle this is the place to go. From the South end of the island you can access the marked canoe-kayak trail that connects Dutton Island Preserve to the Tide View Park floating dock further south. Bear in mind that this is a tidal creek that can only be paddled around 4-hour high tide window. (Click on the following link for directions and info) Directions to: Dutton Island Preserve

 

Kayaking the Tigre Delta Isles / Beach Stop.

This fun and beginner friendly tour combines paddling through semi urban & exotic jungle like creeks and rivers and a stop at the most unique river beach resort in the whole Parana River Delta. This tour departs from the Port town of Tigre, strategically located at a mere 20 miles from the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires.

The COST is $ 30 per person and includes kayak, safety gear, bilingual guide, and all the fun or solace you seek!

Availability: Wednesday through Sunday @ 9:30 & 14:30

BOOK THIS TOUR

CHECK OUT THESE ALTERNATIVE TOURS