Uncategorized | Amelia Island Kayak Excursions

Reverse Birthday Celebration

Posted on May 31, 2019August 13, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

REVERSE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!

Here at Amelia Island Kayak Excursions, it’s our 6th Birthday, but we are giving the gift! Our Birthday celebration also includes being rated #1 for 6 consecutive years! #NassauCounty #LoveFL #AIKE

Here’s the scoop, YOU could be our winner!

Nassau County Residents who join one of our guided kayak tours during the month of June will be eligible to win a brand new Current Designs Kestrel Kayak ($899.00 value)

Book your adventure now! Call 904-557-5307 or Book Online. Winner will be drawn randomly on July 1, 2019, and will be announced via Facebook Live by 12:00 p.m.

*see our website and/or Facebook for specifics and official rules.

Promotion Period June 1, 2019 7:00 a.m. EST ends June 30, 2019 7:00 p.m. EST.
Paying Nassau County, FL residents who join one of our guided kayak tours.
Reservations required.
Based upon our availability.
Our guide will help you register at time of tour.
Proof of Nassau County residency required. Winner is subject to verification of identity and eligibility.
Must provide a valid phone number and or email address. (Legibly written. Contact information must be up-to-date and accurate for prize to be awarded).
Any email addresses provided may receive occasionally Amelia Island Kayak Excursions’ e-newsletters – email privacy is respected.
Winner will be notified by contact information provided.
One(1) entry per person for each paid tour.
Must be 18 yrs. or older. Paying family of four(4) ie… (two(2) adults and two(2) minors) equals four(4) entries under the adult’s name.
Affiliates of AIKE or their family members are not eligible to win.
Winner will be drawn randomly on July 1, 2019, and will be announced via Facebook Live by 12:00 p.m.
Winner must respond within 24-hours. Upon failure to respond, this winner will forfeit the prize, and a second random drawing among timely eligible entrants will be held.
Winner must pick up the prize within 72-hours of being contacted by AIKE unless other reasonable arrangements have been agreed upon.
Winner will be required to sign a release of liability concerning equipment.
Winner must be able to pick up and transport the prize.
Winner does not need to be present to win.
Amelia Island Kayak Excursions reserves the right to all final decisions regarding this give-a-way.

Read Other Blogs…

Amelia Island Tours with the Bullington Family

Posted on January 25, 2019June 1, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

Award-Winning Amelia Island Tours • Team Building Group Outings • Nature Tours

Amelia Island Tours with The Bullington Family. Here is a quick overview of the different ways you can tour Amelia Island with Amelia Island Kayak Excursions. There is a difference – don’t settle for less than #1 Guest Rated.

Amelia Island Kayak Adventure:

Our tours range from black water wooded environments to estuaries and intracoastal waterways as well as kayak tours to Cumberland Island National Seashore. Each guest receives a complimentary bottle of water and a pretzel type snack per paddler. Also, as a gift from our family to the group, our guides carry waterproof cameras, so they can take pictures of your group on the water. That evening, we will create a complimentary photo album for you on our business Facebook page for you to copy and share.

Hobie Mirage Kayak:

“Hooked On Hobie® – A New Way To Kayak” Amelia Island Kayak Excursions now offers the Hobie Mirage® kayaks as an addition to our kayak fleet! Now guests can pedal or paddle on guided kayak tours through scenic waterways with opportunities for wildlife sightings. A “new” way to kayak Amelia Island and Cumberland Island. Single and tandem (two-person) kayaks available. Featured on our Egan’s Creek, Amelia River, and Cumberland Island kayak tours.

SUP – Hobie Mirage® Eclipse:

The Amelia Island Kayak Excursions’ family is growing again. As a new addition to our fleet, along with our Hobie® Mirage kayaks, we now offer the Hobie® Mirage Eclipse. A Stand Up Pedalboard. Hobie has taken the SUP to a whole new level. A combination of the hands free kayak with a high performance paddleboard. Glide through the water with a new way to “get off the beaten” path and tour Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island’s waterways. Guests can pedal on guided kayak tours with opportunities for wildlife sightings. A “new” way to SUP Amelia Island.

Boat Tours:

We here at Amelia Island Kayak Excursions are excited to offer private Amelia Island boat tours for our guests through Adventures on the Water! Trips are private, so only your party will be on the boat. We carry a maximum of 6 passengers. A cooler with water, soft drinks and Gatorade is provided. Guest are welcome to bring their own beverages. Snacks and picnics are welcome aboard.

It is our goal to help our guests have an authentic, fun and informative experience as they explore the natural settings of our area.
No experience, no worries. Our fun, professional and personable guides, along with some basic instructions, will enable you to enjoy your time on the water in the beautiful, natural settings of Amelia Island and the surrounding areas. Create memories while exploring!
We invite you to check out the rest of our site for more information, and join us for an Amelia Island Adventure. Don’t settle for less! Join the #1 Guest Rated Kayak Team. We look forward to paddling with you soon! Let’s Go Kayaking!
-The Bullington Family, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions, Where Kayaking Fun Begins!

Kayak Eagle Patriotism

Posted on July 4, 2018May 22, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

Living on such a wonderful island, as Amelia Island is, there are many places to take pictures such as the beach, sunrises (rarely am I up that early), sunsets, and the flora and fauna. However, seeing an area from a kayaker’s perspective adds so much to one’s experience of exploring our area. There are shots that were calling to me – “Come take my picture!” I answered the call by going out in my kayak with my camera in tow.

Okay, close your eyes and journey with me. Oh wait, closing your eyes won’t work because then you cannot read this blog! So, use your imagination as you read on and enjoy the journey.

For the backdrop, imagine lavender flowers draping down kissing the Florida blackwater. There are lush, green, low-lying palmetto palms and majestic moss-laden cypress and oak trees along the creek’s banks. Can you hear the chirping of the recently hatched baby alligators hiding in the weeds along the water’s edge? We are now paddling through the salt grasses in view of our historic lighthouse, where we see great egrets take flight. Wow! trusty camera in hand, I get a great shot! However, my most recent shot is my favorite so far.

Here’s the story:
Early one morning my family and I went kayaking. It was my mom and nephew’s maiden voyage in our Hobie Mirage® kayaks. We took tandem kayaks, so it would be more convenient for me to take pictures. We stopped off for a short period of time on the beach of Cumberland Island. Ahhh, to write about how much I love Amelia Island and Cumberland Island would take multiple blogs!!
As it was low tide, there were various sandbars where gulls and pelicans frequent. It is very common see a large flock of birds completely covering the exposed sand bar, giving the illusion that they are floating on the water. But one lone bird caught our attention. I found this to be very odd for only one bird to be resting on the sandbar by itself. It was a large bird. This peaked my curiosity, is this what I think it is… ?
It IS what I thought it was! An adult bald eagle was majestically sitting alone while being framed by the ocean’s mist. The national anthem starting playing in my head.
I took some shots from the shore, but it was still a little too far away. So my dad said, “Let’s see if we can get a bit closer in our kayak.” Oh yes, I was so excited – it was an adventure where the clock was ticking as he could take flight at any moment. Well, he did fly, just as the tide was coming in causing the sandbar to vanish into the deep. But, this did not stop me. I had my camera set on continuous mode, enabling me to shoot many frames of the soaring eagle! Over the rock jetties he flew, with the wide open ocean behind him as the waves crashed against the rocks. For me, seeing this powerful symbol of our nation, caused patriotism to fill my heart.

Over and beyond seeing this awesome bird of prey, the scene and experience was enhanced by being out in our kayaks while exploring the waters of our beautiful home with my family, who I love more than a “bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck and to the moon and back – now that’s a lot of love”. I am honored and excited to be a part of my family’s business, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions.

Thank you for taking this journey with me, and I look forward to many more adventures exploring the natural wonders of our area via kayak. Let’s Go Kayaking!! www.ameliaislandkayak.com

~Amber Bullington, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions

Paddle, Paddle, Paddle Your Kayak Gently Down the River

Posted on June 13, 2018June 16, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

Lofton Creek Amelia Island Kayak Excursions Amelia Island, FL

You’re never far from the coast when you’re on Amelia Island. While there is certainly plenty to do on land, exploring the coast from the water opens up a whole new world–cue the Aladdin song. As it turns out, kayaking is the best way to explore the ecosystems of Amelia Island. It’s low impact, relaxing and lets you enjoy the serenity of the natural habitats located near the water’s edge.If you’re looking for the best in the business, look no further than Amelia Island Kayak Excursions. This family owned and operated business has been serving the Amelia Island area for 5 years strong. Amelia Island Kayak Excursions offers fully guided kayak tours of the following areas:

Each area and tour is completely unique and fascinating. Feel like paddling in the open waters off of Fort Clinch? The Cumberland Island trip paddles across to Cumberland Island, where wild horses roam free.

Looking for a wooded excursion? The Suwannee River trip is a full day trip that sends you and your group paddling through the twists and bends of the river lined with Cypress and limestone. While all skill levels are encouraged for all trips, this trip does involve a brief portaging at Big Shoals.

Amber, one of the guides at Amelia Island Kayak excursions, is confident that everyone can enjoy kayaking.

“I think most people are surprised with how doable kayaking is,” she says. “There isn’t a single tour we offer that I wouldn’t suggest for even a first time kayaker.”

And since there are plenty of kayaking services in the area, Amber offered her insight on why Amelia Island Kayak Excursions is at the top.

“We take the time to make sure all of our kayakers feel comfortable,” she says. “Since we’re a family business, we genuinely care about our guests and build relationships with them. We are honored to be ranked #1 on TripAdvisor.”

Let Amber and the team at Amelia Island Kayak Excursions show you the wildly beautiful side of Amelia Island.

Since the different excursions have different starting points all over the island, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions will let you know in advance where to meet. For more information, visit the Amelia Island Kayak Excursions website. To make a reservation, call (904) 557-5307.

-Logan Singleton
Junior Copywriter, Innisfree Hotels

The Silver Lining In The Shutdown

Posted on January 30, 2018June 1, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

I don’t know where you are from, but it has been cold here in northeast Florida!

But, in spite of the colder temperatures slowing things down a bit, we haven’t been wasting the time. It seems there is always so much to get caught up on – from office work to getting kayaks and gear in top shape for the next season. But my mind never stops thinking about being out on the water, or about my next exciting adventure. Speaking of which…that is what I want to share about now.

So, let me share with you about the “silver lining” and the “shutdown”.

I received a call from a young lady. She and her husband had been planning for at least a year to camp on Cumberland Island. I can only imagine their disappointment when they learned that the ferry was not running because of the government shut down.

They had camping reservations, and wanted to know if we could help them get to the island. Pausing briefly, (to make sure there wasn’t a major hurricane or any other major calamity bearing down on us), I said, “ Sure we can!” They were already en route from St. Marys, Georgia, so I told them we needed to get on the water ASAP to best utilize the tide in our favor. After telling them where to meet us, I loaded kayaks and prepared to leave. Not one to miss out on an adventure, Amber jumped on board also. We have done more Cumberland Island and Okefenokee tours this past year than we ever have, and the beauty and solitude of the wilderness areas have easily become some of my favorites.

After meeting up with our newfound “adventure” friends, we all headed out for the Sea Camp boat dock on Cumberland Island. I cannot remember ever seeing so many dolphin as they casually swam around for a part of our journey.

We safely delivered our new adventurers to their destination. Their experience while camping and exploring could easily be a blog all of its own! I so admire their sense of adventure and their positive attitudes, proving that real explorers would never let something like a little government shut down dampen their spirits. After learning all that they did, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anyone pack so much fun into such a short time, (present company excluded). ? They stayed only one night, but their experience created memories that would last for a lifetime.

So, Amber and I were headed back for the return trip home. Even with cold feet and hungry stomachs, we could not have been happier. Enjoying the journey is so much a part of life. On her phone, Amber played one of my favorite songs, To The Ends Of The Earth by Lord Huron. I was thinking to myself that it just does not get any better than this. Paddling with dolphins, seeing the white pelicans, and looking at the sun setting over Tiger Island…. What more can I say!

To safeguard our friends’ vehicle, we took it back to headquarters for the night.

The next day, while Aaron and Amber were both busy with tours of their own, I headed out to bring the campers back home. My trip across the Cumberland Sound was one the highlights of the entire journey. I was alone for close to 3 hours and once again, the dolphins were feeding all around, and I could see the wild horses on the island.

If you have never been out on the water on a brisk, cool day, you need to try it! There is a whole other element to kayaking that cannot be obtained while being in a noisy motor boat. You can actually hear the birds and the gentle splashing of the water. This just adds to the peace and tranquility.

I watched as a large racoon slowly fed along the edge of the marsh. The quietness of the kayak allowed me to get very close for a few pictures. I then asked it, “How are you doing this fine day?” Upon hearing my voice, it turned to stare at me. The look on that masked face was priceless! I’m sure it was thinking, “Where in the world did you come from?”

After meeting up with my new friends, we stopped off along the edge of the river to hunt for sharks’ teeth. After finding twenty or more, we headed off for home.

We ended our time together by going to one of the downtown Fernandina restaurants. They insisted on treating, and we all agreed that a good meal is always the best way to celebrate such an enjoyable experience that we all shared.

After many hugs and a little sadness, we all promised to stay in touch. Saying, “I hope to see you again” makes saying “good bye” a little easier.

I’m thinking that eventually I am going to have to end this story, but not without a smile as wide as the Cumberland Sound.

The reason for the smile is because I know that the adventure for me will never end. It is hard to explain to someone who doesn’t have a spirit of adventure, but the truth is that I am either in the middle of, or getting ready for the next adventure.

Now that the shutdown is over, and the politicians are getting back to work, we “modern day pioneers” will keep exploring the beauty beyond the next horizon.

Well, my fellow travelers, continue to enjoy life to the fullest.

Until next time, happy kayaking, and may God bless all of you.

~ The Saltwater Cowboy

Silver Lining continued…Shutdown Leads To An Adventure

Posted on January 28, 2018June 1, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

As mentioned in the Silver Lining In the Shutdown blog, the guests’ experience on Cumberland Island could be a blog of it’s own…Here it is:

For almost a year, my wife and I have wanted to go to Cumberland Island National Seashore. It wasn’t going to happen last spring and summer was too hot to camp, so we decided to revisit the idea this winter.

Last weekend, we had everything planned. We had a campsite reserved at Brickhill Bluff, ferry rides to and from the island, and all the backpack/tent/food/hiking gear necessary to make the 20-mile round trip hike on the island. The only problem being that the government shut down at midnight before our trip and we had already driven 6 hours down to St Mary’s.

This is where Mark, Amber, and Amelia Island Kayak Excursions come into play. After giving a ~6 mile open water kayak trip a bit of thought, my wife googled kayaks in the area and Amelia Island Kayak Excursions was the first to come up. We called up Mark and he said the idea was just crazy enough to work. We immediately drove down to the boat ramp where he met us with a tandem kayak and his own to help guide us to the right spot. I can’t express enough how flexible he was and his willingness to work with us. This isnt something the company had done before and we were calling him 15 minutes prior to wanting to be on the water. At the drop of a hat they had us outfitted and ready to get to the island to keep our weekend hopes alive.

As Mark put it, the water really spoiled us on this trip. But I cant review what didn’t happen, so as far as I’m concerned the Cumberland Sound is 24/7 always chock full of dolphins and brilliant blue water as calm and flat as glass! The entire paddle out to the island was surreal, and with temperatures in the low 60’s I was even able to wear shorts and a tshirt. Mark and Amber took pictures of us to give us something to remember from the paddle and after guiding us safely to the correct dock on the island they managed the ~6 mile trip back by themselves.

Once we were in Sea Camp, the rangers were in the process of evacuating everyone from the island because they had all made arrangements with the ferry and there was no telling when it would be operating again. With our timing being a giant blessing in disguise, we were welcomed to stay on the island and choose whatever campsite we wanted because we had our own means of getting off the island and no one else would be there except a ranger or two who stay there full time.

We might not have made it to our original campsite at Brickhill Bluff, but our time on the island was utterly fantastic as well and made us realize that this was no consolation trip by any means, it was its own grand adventure and one that would definitely be worth doing even if the ferry was running. The ruins are otherworldly, we saw more animals than we have over the past several years of hiking throughout the Smokies, and the environment is unlike most any others that I’ve ever hiked: with oak trees covered in Spanish moss rising above palm bushes of some sort and an occasional orange or clementine tree sprinkled in here and there. To be able to get there by paddle instead of a ferry makes the experience that much more special and adventurous. It’s something I highly encourage anyone to do if capable, and if Mark continues to offer the opportunity!

After thoroughly running ourselves ragged by taking advantage of every second we had alone on this island, the time came the following day to paddle back while we still had the advantage of the tide. Mark met us at the dock where the water was as beautiful as it was the day before and the dolphins were out again. He even showed us where to search for sharks teeth along the beach! We made it back in just an hour and a half and didn’t have to work too hard going with the tide. To cap off the entire weekend, we went to dinner with Mark and Amber at a fantastic seafood restaurant in the historic downtown of Amelia Island.

We made some new friends, and had an adventure we’ll be talking about for the rest of our lives. Mark and his entire family are wonderful people and very good at what they do! We cannot recommend them enough if you are looking for a getaway…whether you have a morning, an afternoon, or an entire weekend to spare!

~ Adventurers – Guests of Amealia Island Kayak Excursions

2017 Certificate of Excellence Award

Posted on January 1, 2018June 1, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

A big shout out to our wonderful guests for their reviews which have helped us receive TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence award for the third year in a row! Thank you for choosing Amelia Island Kayak Excursions to be a part of your time on Amelia Island. This family business appreciates you!

~ The Bullingtons

Circumnavigating

Posted on May 20, 2017June 1, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

Two of our guides circumnavigated Amelia Island. Fun Fact! Circumnavigating Amelia Island takes 36,000+ kayak strokes. Check out the pics on our Facebook. Also, thank you to Tarah Coastal for the fun blog!. 31 miles in 10 hours fueled solely on chocolate donuts, chocolate milk, and beef jerky. Well, partially. I met with Aaron and […] The post Circumnavigating appeared first on Amelia Island Kayak Excursions.

Two of our guides circumnavigated Amelia Island. Fun Fact! Circumnavigating Amelia Island takes 36,000+ kayak strokes. Check out the pics on our Facebook . Also, thank you to Tarah Coastal for the fun blog!

31 miles in 10 hours fueled solely on chocolate donuts, chocolate milk, and beef jerky. Well, partially. I met with Aaron and Nick two days before their Amelia Island circumnavigation journey to get the low-down on what this adventure was all about.

Aaron, pushing his Zaxby’s chicken tender basket to the side, unfolded an impressively large and important looking map (Amelia Island Waters map available at Wal-Mart), ushering us into the AIKE (Amelia Island Kayak Excursions) Amelia circumnavigation war room. “We plan to put in here (pointing to the boat ramp at the Harbor Marina) at 5:00am”. The day and times for the trip were chosen based on the tide cycle and hours of daylight available this time of year. Due to the shallow waters at several points of the journey, planning around high and low tides is necessary to avoid getting stranded on a sandbar. The most concerning part of the trip was the 13 miles of ocean as the water conditions are more precarious than the river stretch. As the guys pointed out, if the currents were not in their favor, the ocean could actually push them backwards if they stopped paddling for any length of time.
Aaron has paddled the waters of Amelia Island for over 10 years and is a Master Naturalist and guide for the family business and has entertained the idea of circumnavigating the island on a kayak for as long as we have been friends. Nick is an island native and also serves as a guide with Amelia Island Kayak Excursions. He is entering the Air Force this fall so this trip was, in part, a goodbye to his home.

Supplies for this trip included all Coast Guard equipment requirements, water and Glacier Freeze Gatorade, a cooler of sandwiches, beef jerky, flashlights, headlamps, a GoPro, and camera, along with standard kayaking equipment. A 21 foot ocean tandem touring kayak was their vessel of choice. Amelia Island Kayak Excursion t-shirts were their chosen attire to shamelessly promote the business during the trip. It was decided that I would meet the guys at the Salty Pelican after for a debriefing.
Wednesday, 3:30pm: A thunderstorm with severe lightening, heavy rain and winds snuck up on the island quickly as afternoon rainstorms in Florida often do. I texted our mutual friend, Alberto, to voice my concern and to see if he had heard from them. He had not. I assumed that meant that nothing good was happening and went about my business, disappointed that I would not be having tuna nachos at the Pelican. Not really, I had faith in their outdoorsmanship. At around 5:00pm I received a text from Alberto saying that they had made it back to the Marina. Tuna nachos after all!

I was expecting a much less enthusiastic attitude from the typically high-energy Aaron which was not the case. Spirits were still incredibly high in he and Nick despite the storm that they had just endured. Their trip summary included bits about the ocean being a bit more tedious than they would have liked, a sea turtle boosting their morale when they were hitting a rough spot, Nick’s bald spot, annoyance at the seemingly endless Omni property, regretful breakfast choices, a close encounter with a yacht, and the nasty lightening.

My follow up questions included whether or not they would do anything differently (leave earlier, go to bed earlier the night before, and avoid donuts and milk. Note that it was only Nick who made this regretful breakfast selection). The conversation over dinner was no different that our normal interactions but I realized so profoundly how much I enjoy the adventurous and upbeat spirit of these guys. They take the planning and safety of their craft seriously, but never so seriously that they fail to laugh at themselves when needed and enjoy the ride. They did not just tackle this endeavor for self-serving purposes but to share their love of the outdoors and this island with others.

My original trip down Lofton Creek with Aaron as my guide sparked a love of kayaking in me that led to owning my own kayak. The nature on the waters surrounding Amelia provide beauty and peacefulness beyond any place that I have been in this area. This obvious love of the natural aspects of the island are exactly what I love about the guides at AIKE and why they are always my first recommendation to visitors to this area.

At our first meeting Aaron commented “as far as I am concerned we’ll do this again”. To which I replied jokingly that I was writing that quote down to revisit after the trip, skeptical that the outlook would be nearly that rosy after a 31 mile trip. Sitting at Salty Pelican, with the guys looking a few shades darker, tired, and still trying to dry out from the rain, I asked, “So would you do this again”? To which they both replied, “Absolutely”.
Visit their website www.ameliaislandkayak.com for all of the pictures and video from their adventure as well as to find more information on taking your own kayak trip! Tarah Coastal @ Tarahcoastal.com.

“Hooked On Hobie® – A New Way To Kayak”

Posted on January 23, 2017June 1, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

Amelia Island Kayak Excursions now offers the Hobie Mirage® kayaks as an addition to their kayak fleet! Now guests can pedal or paddle on guided kayak tours through scenic waterways with opportunities for wildlife sightings. A “new” way to kayak Amelia Island and Cumberland Island. Single and tandem (two-person) kayaks available. Please call us at 904.569.9950 to schedule this Amelia Island adventre. “Hooked On Hobie® – A New Way To Kayak”

Amelia Island Kayak Excursions now offers the Hobie Mirage® kayaks as an addition to their kayak fleet!

New Video! Check it out!

Posted on December 12, 2016June 1, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

A Day Paddling With Amelia Island Kayak Excursions! Let’s Go Kayaking! Call 904.569.9950 for reservations. The post New Video! Check it out! appeared first on Amelia Island Kayak Excursions.