If you’re considering a water-based tour in St. Augustine, the Dolphin, Manatee, and Sea Turtle Kayak Adventure offers a chance to see some of Florida’s most beloved marine creatures up close. From what we’ve gathered, this tour is quite popular, with many travelers praising the guides and the chance to connect with nature in a peaceful setting.
It’s a private experience, which means your group can enjoy the waterways without the hustle of large crowds — a real plus for those wanting a more intimate outing.
What we really like about this tour is its focus on wildlife viewing combined with educational bits about the local environment and history. Also, the reviews highlight the friendly and professional guides — particularly Noah and Ryan — who go out of their way to make the experience both fun and safe.
This experience was wonderful!!! Nolan was really knowledgeable and a kind person. We watched 2 dolphins swim by, a couple turtles and so many wonderful birds!!! It was such a beautiful and relaxing morning. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who loves nature and a little adventure. Thank you Nolan for a beautiful day!!!!
We loved this guided tour from start to finish! We arrived and Spencer greeted us and was thorough with getting us on the right kayaks and paddle boards. Once on the water, Spencer was very knowledgeable about marine life and the area. AND WE SAW DOLPHINS!!!! Which we would have missed had Spencer not pointed them out!!!
Watch out for the sun. Make sure you are covered up. Did not see any manatees and very few dolphins. We went the week of thanksgiving , so that's probably the reason. If you were there in the winter I wouldn't bother booking this because you're not going to see much
One potential consideration for travelers is the duration — just about two hours — which might feel a little brief if you’re eager to explore more or see more wildlife.
Also, while the tour has a high success rate of spotting dolphins and manatees, nature being unpredictable means sightings can vary. Still, it’s a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon, especially if you’re into kayaking or wildlife watching.
This experience suits anyone who enjoys being on the water, appreciates wildlife, or wants a relaxed, guided tour that offers local insights. Families with older children or those looking for a calm, scenic activity will probably find this a good fit.
- Key Points
- A Closer Look at the Tour Experience
- What’s Included and What to Consider
- The Realities of Wildlife Sightings
- The itinerary: What a typical tour looks like
- The vibe of the tour: Who it’s best for
- Final thoughts
- FAQ
- More Dolphin Watching Tours in St Augustine
- More Tour Reviews in St Augustine
- Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in St Augustine we have reviewed
Key Points
- Private and personalized: Smaller groups and guided by knowledgeable locals.
- Wildlife sightings: Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and sometimes bald eagles.
- Educational and scenic: Learn about Florida’s history and enjoy peaceful waterways.
- Good value: At $65 per person, it offers a lot of wildlife and nature interaction for the price.
- Flexible experience: Tour includes kayaks, paddles, and life vests — everything you need.
- Weather-dependent: Cancellations are possible if weather isn’t cooperating, but full refunds are offered if that happens.
A Closer Look at the Tour Experience
This tour, offered by Three Brothers Boards, is designed to give you a chance to see some of Florida’s most iconic marine life in a setting that feels both personal and relaxed. It lasts around two hours, which is enough time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.
The starting point is at Three Brothers Dolphin and Manatee Adventure, St. Augustine — a convenient location near public transportation, making it accessible for many visitors.
What makes this tour stand out is its reputation for guiding guests to areas where manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles are often seen. Reviewers frequently mention the guides’ expertise, with many highlighting Noah’s and Ryan’s helpfulness, patience, and knowledge of the waterways and wildlife.
Peaceful, safe, beautiful. Guide Ryan is very knowledgeable about the wildlife and marine life and shares interesting facts about every sighting. Ryan is also patient and helpful.
Wonderful Experience, for my partner and our group was a little bit awkward, short and we don’t know what happened but our kayak flipped over after 30m in the middle of the water 😆 we had to swim more or less to a shallow water for then jump back in the vessel, Such a funny story to share about, too much drama for the moment but Ryan is a wonderful guide, he handle the situation in a really good way, we’re all safe, the weather was not that well (TOO MUCH WIND), we all had to go back to the ramp after the small accident. But was absolutely Fun! Want to apologize to the Group and Ryan for the accident but like a said, was fun even during and after fell in the water. An advice for every…
Low probability of seeing anything except birds and fish jumping. Great guide. Ryan is obviously doing the best he can. He’s very knowledgeable about the wildlife and the area. If you’re primary reason for booking is to see dolphins and turtles you’re likely to be disappointed.
One reviewer exclaimed, “Noah was a great guide and very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the areas we paddle boarded through,” which sums up how guests often feel about their guides.
Expect the tour to include a paddle on calm waters where your guide will help you spot wildlife and share interesting facts along the way. Many reviews mention sightings of dolphins jumping and turtles swimming near their kayaks. The experience isn’t just about wildlife; the guide also shares snippets of St. Augustine's history, adding a cultural layer to the natural beauty.
You’ll stop at a beach during the tour, which offers a lovely break and more chances to see local marine life like conchs and starfish. Several reviewers mention how peaceful and scenic the waterways are — great for unwinding and enjoying nature. It’s worth noting that the tour is private, so only your group will be participating, which enhances the feeling of exclusivity and comfort.
You can also read our reviews of more dolphin watching tours in St Augustine
What’s Included and What to Consider
When booking this adventure, everything is pretty straightforward: kayaks, paddles, and life vests are included. You don’t need to bring much besides sunscreen and water, which most travelers seem to do, especially on hot days. The tour price, $65 per person, reflects a good value considering the small-group experience and expert guidance.
One thing to keep in mind is that gratuities are not included, so if you feel the guides did a good job, leaving a tip would be appreciated. The tour can be canceled if the weather turns nasty, but in that case, you'll receive a full refund or be able to reschedule. This policy offers some reassurance, especially given Florida's weather variability.
Another practical point from reviews is that the tour can fill up fast, with reservations often made 17 days in advance. Planning ahead is a good idea if you want to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons.
The Realities of Wildlife Sightings
While many reviews sing praises about spotting dolphins and manatees, some mention the unpredictability of wildlife encounters. For example, a reviewer noted, “We were sad not to see any sea turtles or dolphins,” but still enjoyed the experience. That's worth remembering — wildlife watching is never guaranteed, but the guides do their best to lead you to prime spots.
Most guests agree that even if you don’t see all the animals you hope for, the serene environment, expert commentary, and chance to paddle through scenic waterways make it worthwhile. The guides are praised for their enthusiasm and safety focus, which makes the trip comfortable regardless of wildlife sightings.
The itinerary: What a typical tour looks like
The adventure begins at the meeting point on Ocean Vista Ave, where your guides prepare your kayaks and give a quick overview. After some safety instructions, you'll head out onto the calm waters. Guides will lead you to areas where dolphins and manatees are commonly seen, paddling through channels lined with lush mangroves and natural scenery.
Your guide will point out notable landmarks and share snippets of local history, helping you connect the wildlife with the story of St. Augustine. Riders often comment on how peaceful the journey is, with many noting the beautiful scenery and plentiful birdlife like ospreys and pelicans.
Midway, the group will stop at a beach where you can stretch your legs and explore. This break is a highlight for many, especially when starfish and conchs are in view. On the return, your guide will ensure everyone is comfortable and explain more about the waterways and the creatures that inhabit them.
The vibe of the tour: Who it’s best for
This tour really suits those who love nature, wildlife, and relaxed outdoor activities. It's great for kayaking enthusiasts or those interested in wildlife viewing without a strenuous or lengthy commitment. Families with older children tend to enjoy it, as the pace is gentle and the environment safe and calm.
If you're someone who appreciates guides who are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share stories, then this experience will likely leave you feeling well cared for. It also appeals to travelers looking for a quiet, scenic escape from the busier parts of St. Augustine.
Final thoughts
The Dolphin, Manatee, and Sea Turtle Kayak Adventure seems to deliver on its promise of a peaceful, wildlife-filled paddle through Florida’s waterways. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the combination of expert guides, stunning scenery, and the chance to encounter dolphins and manatees makes this a compelling outing for nature lovers.
The tour’s value for the price is apparent, especially considering the personalized experience and educational insights. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the natural beauty of St. Augustine without feeling rushed or crowded. Whether you're a kayaking veteran or a newbie looking for a memorable outdoor activity, this experience deserves serious consideration.
Dolphin, Manatee and Sea Turtle Kayak Adventure
"This experience was wonderful!!! Nolan was really knowledgeable and a kind person. We watched 2 dolphins swim by, a couple turtles and so many won..."
FAQ
Is this a private tour? Yes, the tour is exclusive to your group, giving you a more personalized experience away from large crowds.
What is included in the price? Kayaks, paddles, and life vests are provided, so you only need to bring your enthusiasm, sunscreen, and water.
How long does the tour last? It’s approximately two hours, which is enough time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife without feeling rushed.
Can I cancel if the weather looks bad? Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. If weather causes cancellation, you'll get a full refund or reschedule.
Are there any age restrictions? The reviews suggest it’s suitable for most travelers, but it's best suited for those comfortable with kayaking and water activities. Children should be old enough to paddle comfortably.
What if we don’t see any wildlife? Sightings depend on nature, but many guests still find the experience rewarding for the scenery, guides, and tranquility.
Is this tour good for families? It’s family-friendly, especially for older children who can paddle and enjoy spotting animals.
Where do we meet? At 446 Ocean Vista Ave, St. Augustine — a convenient location with nearby public transportation options.
How many people typically participate? The tour is designed for small groups, making it intimate and manageable.
In all, if you're after a gentle, guided exploration of Florida’s waterways with chances to see dolphins and manatees, this kayak adventure looks like a strong contender. It combines natural beauty, expert guidance, and a relaxed pace — great for anyone wanting a memorable outdoor experience.
