Safety

Your Safety is Important to Us - Please Read the * Below

Weather

We recommend early morning paddling - in summer it's cooler, less chance of rain, less wind, fewer boats, more wildlife - having said that - you're on vacation right? - so let's go when you can - weather permitting.

Please check with us about conditions - we keep abreast of the weather and aren't going to launch you at potentially hazardous times.

The Matanzas Bay area can be very calm - and very windy.

Tides, Current, Wind and Waves

*  The current  can be very strong especially in St. Augustine Inlet and also in the Intracoastal.  Current is strongest when tide is coming in or going out.  Experienced paddlers in the Intracoastal should be prepared for possible strong winds, 8 knot or more currents, sometimes extremely choppy water and large boats with big waves.  Always hug the shoreline when possible.

* Staying in the Hospital Creek area keeps beginners out of the way of large boats, waves, stronger tides and winds of the Intracoastal.  Hospital Creek can be paddled even at low tide.  If you are a beginner as you approach Castillo de San Marcos do not get on the open Intracoastal waters if it is windy - it is much harder fighting a north wind and a south flowing current upon your return. If you are a beginner you shouldn't go beyond the fort.  The current beneath the Bridge of Lions can be very strong and the water extremely choppy, preventing your return. 

There are other protected creeks around the St. Augustine area.  We deliver to the area of your choice.  Please contact us for prices.

All paddlers wear life vests.

For low and high tides click here:  http://www.saltwatertides.com/dynamic.dir/floridaatlanticsites.html

after you click the above choose "Atlantic Beach to Canova Beach"

then choose "Vilano Beach, Tolomata River"

Kayak St. Augustine
phone: 1-877-459-5050
if calling by cell or locally: 904-829-5050
cell phone 352-318-4910
email: kayakstaugustine@bellsouth.net