Located south of Cumberland Island, Amelia Island is part of the Sea Islands, which is a chain of more than 100 barrier and tidal islands along the East Coast from South Carolina to Florida. In 2009, this laid-back seaport community was voted #4 among Top 10 North American Islands by Conde Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards. While staying in an Amelia Island inn, make it a point to take your family on one of the various Amelia Island tours that highlight the area's 13 miles of beautiful beaches, unspoiled waters and native wildlife.
Amelia River Cruises & Charters
1 North Front Street
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034
(904) 261-9972
www.ameliarivercruises.com
Providing visitors one of the Amelia Island tours that will truly complete a vacation in the area, Amelia River Cruises & Charters offers tours that are narrated by local nature and history experts. Their Cumberland Island Tour is a 2-hour cruise that highlights views of "America's Most Beautiful Wilderness Beach," according to the Travel Channel. Starting at 10:30 am, it costs $26 for adults, $24 for seniors and $20 for children 12 and under. Their 1.5-hour Cumberland Sound Tour glides along Amelia Island's coastline to Cumberland's Beach Creek with views of dolphins, sea turtles and exotic seabirds. Starting at 2:30 pm, it costs $23 for adults, $21 for seniors and $17 for children 12 and under. Their 1-hour Sunset Cruise is a perfect way to end the day before you return to your Amelia Island bed and breakfast. It costs $20 for adults, $28 for seniors and $14 for children 12 and under. All tours are free for children 3 and under.
Kayak Amelia
13030 Heckscher Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32226
(904) 251-0016
www.kayakamelia.com
With a mission to "create a wake, whose ripples provide our guests with a sense of wonder about the natural world, while minimizing our impact on the daily lives of the non-human neighbors whose home we share," Kayak Amelia offers guided kayak and nature tours that allow visitors to experience Amelia Island's natural treasures. A typical tour may include sightings of egrets, pelicans, herons, terns, wood storks and other birds; manatees, dolphins, otters, rays and other marine life. If you'd rather create your own adventure, you can rent a kayak or canoe. A single kayak rental costs $32 for up to 4 hours and $47 for more than 4 hours, while a tandem kayak or canoe costs $47 for up to 4 hours, and $62 for more than 4 hours. During Mondays from 10 am to noon, they also offer Bike Eco-tours that explore Talbot Islands and Fort Clinch State Park. The fee is $45 per person.
On The Water Adventures
Egan's Creek Marina
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034
(904) 206-1762
www.onthewateradventures.com
Of the Amelia Island tours to choose from, On The Water Adventures is your ideal option if you want to explore the rivers and creeks of Amelia and Cumberland Islands with a private 26' center console panga boat. Aboard the Shady Lady with the knowledgeable Captain Carol at the helm, visitors can see the pristine beauty of undeveloped areas in the island. Visitors also have the opportunity to take a closer look at dolphins, manatees, alligators, wild horses and a variety of birds.