“Wings over Florida” kayak tours

Do you want to learn more about the world of birding and kayaking? Join us for a two-hour program and enjoy a leisurely paddle through one of Northeast Florida’s most beautiful landscapes.

 While observing the area’s migratory and resident birds, fish populations, and common aquatic plants, you will discover how they interact with the environment and maintain a vital balance.

 Our stable, double kayaks make great vehicles for studying nature; they allow you to become immersed in your surroundings without being intrusive. Small group sizes also ensure a memorable experience. Basic kayak instruction is provided therefore no previous experience is necessary.

 The tour will launch from Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, last two hours, and be led by a professional kayak guide/naturalist. The tour fee is $50 per person, which includes all needed kayaking equipment, kayaking instruction, park entrance fees and bottled water. Some suggested items to bring are a spare change of clothing, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, camera and binoculars. After the kayak tour, feel free to explore the park which include ornamental gardens, nature trails, picnic area, coquina rock beach and newly renovated Visitor Center.

 Spaces are limited and deadline for registration is 24 hours prior to date. Payment is due upon registration by contacting Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565. For tour departure times or more information visit the outfitters website at www.rippleeffectecotours.com.

The events will take place:

June 7,  10 am - 12 noon

June 12   9 am - 11 am

June 14   9 am - 11 am

June 20  10:30 am - 12:30 pm

June 29   9 am - 11 am

Indians of the Estuary Kayak Tour at Washington Oaks Gardens

Timucuan Chief by Theodore Morris

Take a step back in time and discover the life ways of the Timucuan Indians and their relationship to the land that they loved. Come along on a leisurely paddle through one of Northeast Florida's most beautiful landscapes. Explore with a professional naturalist/kayak guide and enjoy stories about the Timucuans and the important role the Matanzas Estuary played in their everyday lives.

The tour begins with a visit to a Timucuan Shell Midden, where you'll have the opportunity to view and learn about authentic Timucuan tools and artifacts from the state parks collection.  Next, we’ll paddle the Matanzas Estuary in search of the flora and fauna important to the Native American way of life. Along the way, we'll stop at an island refuge for a catered lunch and you'll be able to try out your Native American skills by weaving a natural-fiber bracelet or starting a fire with just a bow and drill! Small group sizes ensure a memorable experience.

The tour will launch from Washington Oaks Gardens State Park and last three hours. Tour fee is $60 per person, which includes all needed kayaking equipment, kayaking instruction, park entrance fees, catered lunch and bottled water. Some suggested items to bring are a spare change of clothing, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, camera and binoculars.

During this trip, we will paddle stable double kayaks that allow us to be less intrusive to the environment. No kayaking experience is necessary. Spaces are limited and deadline for registration is 24 hours prior to date. Payment is due upon registration by contacting Ripple Effects Ecotours at (904) 347-1565. . For tour departure times or more information visit the outfitters website at www.rippleeffectecotours.com.

The event will take place:

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd.

Palm Coast, FL