Hidden Gems: Meet the Bullington Family

Posted on November 12, 2022November 12, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

Hidden Gems: Meet the Bullington Family of Amelia Island Kayak Excursions

Recently VoyageJacksonville contacted us to feature our family’s business in their Hidden Gems story…

“Today we’d like to introduce you to The Bullington Family.

We’re so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a family, we have always loved and enjoyed exploring the great outdoors, so it was only natural that our business came as it is a result of years of our outdoor adventures that we have enjoyed.

Over the years, we found ourselves regularly taking family members and friends on day and overnight kayak trips. Because we considered it a blessing to be able to make a living at what we love to do, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions was established in 2013.

We are honored that our family’s business has become Northeast Florida’s most acclaimed tour company. Starting with six kayaks to a current fleet, we are now hosting local families, guests from all over the USA and around the world. We offer tours for exciting family outings, small and large group events, reunions, and even proposals! Our guests can experience 2-hour, 3-hour, and 5-hour guided tours as well as overnight excursions.

Through the generations, our family has developed and maintained a strong work ethic , which is an asset that we have applied to our kayak business. We combined this work ethic with our passion for recreation, and love for people, and the results have been a huge success.

Our love for people and the great outdoors is derived from our belief in God, the Creator of this beautiful world. We believe we are to be responsible stewards of all that He has given us. It is our desire to share our passion for kayaking with others. We care about people, and it is our goal to help our guests have an authentic, fun and informative experience as they explore the natural settings of our area.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenge has been maintaining a strong and healthy family nucleus while at the same time operating and growing our business.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Amelia Island Kayak Excursions is a local, multi-generational family owned/operated, award-winning business of parents and founders Mark and Kim, their daughter Amber and her husband Madison, their son Aaron and his wife Natasha, and three Grandchildren – Gabriel, Anslea and John-Mark. Every member is a part of the business, and all enjoy being on the water!

AIKE offers professionally guided kayak tours/rentals, Hobie Mirage® Kayaks & SUP’s, and private motorboat tours.
Our kayak tours range from black water wooded environments to estuaries, salt marshes, intracoastal waterways, the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge, and the Suwannee River. We are also authorized through the National Park Service to offer tours to Cumberland Island National Seashore, where guests can spend time on the Island. In addition, we offer Kids and Teen Summer Kayak Camps as we are excited to share with the “next generation of kayakers” a sense of adventure and wonder for kayaking and the outdoors while exploring our area’s natural environment.

With thousands of excellent reviews, our specialty is creating memorable experiences for our guests. We are creative in “thinking outside the box” as we offer a variety of tour options. As we speak with our guests, we can answer questions and discuss their needs to find the best options in planning a fun outing for them. As a family-owned business, we have the luxury of being flexible in creating specialty tours and events too!

We work hard and are honored that we have been the recipients of the U.S. Senate Small Business, USA Today 10Best Kayaking Tours, JAX Best Watersports & Rentals, Best of the Best Water Sports – Times Union Jacksonville, Two time Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award, Travelers’ Choice Award and #1 on TripAdvisor for over 9 years, Outstanding FYCCN Partner (Florida’s Youth Conservation Centers Network), Bartram Trail Affiliate, and 5 Star ratings on Google, Facebook, and Yelp.

In striving to give people good and personable service, it does not matter how many guests we have at one time. Guests are not just a “number”, and our guides enjoy spending time with them while “getting off the beaten path” and exploring. Also, it is important to us to provide quality gear to our guests, as not all kayaks are created equal. We specialize in having the properly designed boats for the type of waterways where guests will be paddling. We also have a variety of sizes, so we can accommodate a wide range of different heights and weights. The equipment that we provide to our guests is the same quality that our guides use. For every kayak eco-tour our guests receive the perfect keepsake — a complimentary digital photo album!

Our family business is somewhat of an anomaly. In this high-tech day in which we find ourselves, we have been told that what we have accomplished is impossible! But we have proven that one can take an “old fashioned approach” and still run a successful business in a high-tech world. Our entire business model is derived from our belief in God. We attribute all of our success to our belief in God and in the way He teaches us how to live. Our approach is to create the best experience as we strive to enrich peoples’ lives though a multi-faceted interactive outdoor experience. Honoring God, valuing people, and offering great customer service and exciting adventures never go out of style.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Combined, our past professions include the following: Farmers (agriculture & livestock), Logger, Executive Bank Secretary, Pastry Chef, Special Events Coordinator, Entertainment Director, Engineering Admin, OTR Trucker, General Contractor, Chaplain, Musicians, Rural Mail Carrier, Payroll Manager, Teacher, Guest Relations Manager, Security & Overnight Hotel Manager…) just to name a few!

Owner Mark attended “outdoor university” (rural America) and tells guests that after 57 years he “got his degree” and landed his dream job. He encourages young people to not give up on their dreams!”

Kayak, Eagle & Patriotism

Posted on July 3, 2021May 22, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

A Patriotic Point Of View
by ~ Amber Bullington at Amelia Island Kayak Excursions

“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!!”

~Amber

Historic to Modern Day Explorers

Posted on January 14, 2021July 1, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

Amelia Island Kayak Excursions Remembers America’s First Great Naturalist.

“Before Lewis and Clark there was William Bartram. In March 1774, Bartram began his much-anticipated trip to Florida and the St. Johns River, first setting foot on Amelia Island. In history, he traveled through Old Fernandina to Lord Egmont’s plantation and then continued to the St. Johns River documenting the region’s flora and fauna. Bartram introduced the world to over 250 native plants.”(quotations taken from the Bartram Garden Club of Amelia’s press release)

What is exciting for us here at AIKE is that several of our kayak tours cross William Bartram’s trail.

So what we are exploring still today was explored in 1774. Wow! We are now Bartram Trail Conference Affiliates, work with the Bartram Trail Society of Florida, and look forward to sharing this rich history with you. Let’s Go Exploring, come with us. To be continued…

The AIKE Scoop

Posted on January 18, 2020May 15, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

Read All About It! 📰 How exciting to be featured in Bending Branches’ Outfitter Spotlight! We use their products everyday, and it is a treat to be included in their blog! #AIKE #Loveamelia #LoveFL

“Amber Bullington was kind enough to give us a half hour on the phone recently to give us the scoop about her kayak-loving family and their business… My parents, Mark and Kim Bullington, started the business. They’d always been on the water in some way or other. My dad and my brother (Aaron) kept taking friends and relatives out on kayak trips, and we were kayaking more and more. It was natural to start AIKE”…

Amelia Island Kayak Cumberland Island Wild Horses

U.S. Senate Award

Posted on November 1, 2019May 16, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, named Amelia Island Kayak Excursions of Fernandina Beach, Florida as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week. Full Press Release.

Rubio released the following video message to congratulate Amelia Island Kayak Excursions as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

First Coast News, Action News Jax, social media outlets, and the News Leader featured the story as well.

“We are excited and honored! This was not something that was applied for, but awarded based upon our reputation and hard work. Please help us share this good news!”

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…

Your Go-To Place

Posted on April 14, 2019January 26, 2024 by Amelia Island Kayak

Your Go-to-Place Along the Southeastern coast of the United States lies a series of barrier islands. One of these islands is the gem Amelia Island in Nassau County, Florida. Amelia Island is rich in history with a beautiful mix of coastal southern charm and “island time”.

Named after Princess Amelia, daughter of King George II of Great Britain, this island has lived under the dominion of eight different flags – thus acquiring the nickname, Isle of 8 Flags.

Amelia Island’s natural beauty consists of 18 square miles with 13 miles of sand dune-lined beaches. It includes salt marshes, wetlands, an awesome lighthouse, a Civil War-era fort, and a variety of both saltwater and freshwater wildlife, too! Whether you meander through the historic downtown area, stroll the Greenway, or explore by waterway, Amelia Island is your go-to place.

Here at Amelia Island Kayak Excursions, we offer several tours in various habitats on Amelia Island, including the Cumberland Island National Seashore and the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge, as well.

As a locally owned/operated business, we keep our tours going year-’round. We are an award-winning family business, and are honored that our guests have rated us #1 for nearly 6 consecutive years. We also customize outings for events, holidays, proposals, and other special occasions. To us, our guests are not just a “number”, and our goal is to help them have an authentic, fun, and informative experience as they explore the natural settings of our area.

So, while visiting Amelia Island, book an experience with us and see for yourself what others are talking about! We would be delighted to be a part of your time on the water. And, if you want more information, check out the sites below that include our family’s business and other points of interest as well.

Amelia Island Footprints Shrimping History Tour

Amelia Island Tourism

Amelia Now

Amelia Surf and Raquet Club

Barefoot Amelia Beach Rentals

Bending Branches

City of Fernandina Beach

Destination Amelia Vacation Rentals

Discover Nassau Chamber Guide

Explore Amelia

Fernandina Beach Park Bench

Fernandina Beach Travel Guide

FYCCN (Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network)

Jacksonville Bold City Best of the Best

Jacksonville Mom

Nassau County Florida

Nassau County Chamber of Commerce

News Leader

Park Bench

Seaside Amelia Inn

Southern Living Magazine: “Why You Should Plan a Trip to Fernandina Beach”

The Cozy Crab Yulee

Top Florida Destination Spots for Couples

Travel Weekly

TripAdvisor

USA Today 10Best

U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week Award Video

Visit Florida

Yelp: Your Adventure Guide for 2019

-The Bullington Family, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions, Where Kayaking Fun Begins

Lights Camera Action

Posted on February 7, 2019May 22, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

We are honored to be rated for over 5 consecutive years by our guests #1 TripAdvisor. Due to our rating, we were contacted to be featured on the City of Fernandina Beach’s website. Amelia Island Kayak Excursions will be working with a company who will be filming a video for our family’s business that will be featured in the Video Tour on the City of Fernandina Beach website. Presently, we already have a link on the Nassau County website.

We are working with the scriptwriter and producer now to plan out the video and set the timeline.

In the meantime, we invite you to check out our Places to Paddle page on our website, and Let’s Go Kayaking. Our kayak tours range from black water wooded environments to estuaries, intracoastal waterways, Okefenokee Swamp and Suwannee River as well as kayak tours to Cumberland Island National Seashore which allows guest to spend time on the island. We are the only ones in the region to offer Hobie Mirage® kayaks and Hobie Mirage® Eclipse Dura SUP’s, and we offer private motor boat tours as well.

Join our fun and professional guides and experience what other guests are saying. Kayaking is a wonderful way to get “off the beaten path” and explore, and we would be delighted to be a part of your time on the water. Call us today to book your kayak adventure.

If you are planning to visit Nassau County and or Fernandina Beach, Florida, explore the County, City, and Tourism websites.

Stay tuned to our business Facebook page for updates on the video shoot, and once it is complete, we will share the video on our social media pages and website. Also, we invite you to subscribe to our periodic email newsletter on our Home page.

We love kayaking Amelia Island’s waterways and the surrounding area, and we appreciate your interest in Amelia Island Kayak Excursions.

The Bullington Family

Amelia Island Kayak Excursions

Where Kayaking Fun Begins

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 The Great Loop – Paddle With Steve!

Posted on January 25, 2019August 13, 2022 by Amelia Island Kayak

Within the kayaking community, there is an understood “friendship” with fellow paddlers – even if you have never met. So, one evening, we were contacted by a “fellow paddler” about offering assistance (a yard to camp in, a meal, a cup of coffee…) to Steve Chard who was currently in Jacksonville, Florida. He was on his way to Nova Scotia on a kayaking journey raising funds for charities in the U.S., Canada, and the UK. Heather, the “fellow paddler” stated, “I can honestly say he is nothing but kind and gracious and has some wonderful stories to tell of his adventure. I have known nothing but kindness and friendship in the paddling community, and I hope he can experience the same on his journey.”

Just so you know, we love an adventure! We immediately responded to the message, and provided our contact information for Steve. A day later, he called!

Steve is from a small village in England, and is paddling the Great Loop, starting his journey from Nova Scotia! What is the Great Loop you may ask? It is a system of waterways that encompasses the eastern portion of the United States and part of Canada. It is made up of both natural and man-made waterways, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, Intracoastal waterways, Great Lakes, the Tombigbee River in Tennessee, the Mississippi River, and other tributaries. The entire loop is approximately 6,000 miles/9,600 kilometers long.

He was kayaking from Jacksonville, Florida to Amelia Island, Florida, and as he was approaching Amelia Island, he called us to arrange a place to meet. Our owner, Mark, greeted him and loaded up his kayak and gear.

First things first. It was a cold day, so a hot shower was priority! Then we were off for a good meal. Once we got him settled in, he was eager to share his day’s event on his social media and then “hit the sack”.

After a hot breakfast, we sat around the table with a map as Steve told his stories. He gave a play by play of his journey from Nova Scotia, and showed us his projected route back to Nova Scotia.

We asked him to “autograph” one of our kayak paddles, and he placed our AIKE sticker on his boat. Mark and I joined Steve as he departed Amelia Island on to Cumberland Island by crossing the Cumberland Sound. He promised to return as we swapped heart-felt good byes, and we thought what a great new friend we have made!

To the world, he may not be a celebrity, but to us, an ordinary person who takes on such a noble and extrodinary feat is quite special. A kind-hearted man on an adventure, Steve Chard is helping the ones who help us by bringing awareness to their causes.

Happy Kayaking!

– The Bullington Family

You can follow him and his progress on Kayak The Great Loop-Paddle with Steve. Below is the full list of the charities he is involved with.

US: Disabled American Vetrans • American Kidney Fund • US Navy Submarine Force Library and Museum

UK: Dorset Somerset Air Ambulance • Weldmar Hospicecare Trust • Kidney Research UK • Walking With The Wounded

CA: Kidney Foundation of Canada • Canada’s Naval Memorial, HMCS Sackville