Nature Tours that will get you face to face with the "wild" side of the local area. By definition Ecotourism is 'Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people". It is all about connecting conservation, communities and sustainable travel. Wild Amelia nature tours will educate participants about the local environment and the critters that live there.
NOTE: all photography classes and workshops can be found on the the Photography page
Please Note: This year all reservations will be made directly with the tour leaders.
2012 Eco-tours
See an overview of entire festival
Friday May 18
Segway Exploration on Ft.George Island..... a "Real Florida" Tour
Time: 9:45am-noon (2 hr. trip)
Fee: $80.75 (mention you are with Wild Amelia to get discount)
AND
Time: 2:15-3:30pm (1 hr. trip)
Fee: $61.75 (mention you are with Wild Amelia to get discount)
Tour Leader: Maren & Greg Arnett (Ecomotion Tours)
Explore Amelia’s beautiful sister Island on a Segway! After we show you how easy it is to operate this eco-friendly transporter, we’ll quietly go “off-road” on state park trails to experience the fascinating diversity of the Island’s natural, untamed habitat. You’ll follow sandy paths beautifully woven through the lush vegetation of a subtropical paradise, escorted by butterflies, passing the “digs” of tortoises, and enjoying the bird songs of the Island’s colorful Painted Bunting. Both the morning and afternoon trips include waterside breaks.
Any restrictions: Bring flat/sports footwear, must be over 13 yr. and between 100-260 lbs., no experience necessary
Meeting place: Ribault Club
Reservations: 904-251-9477
Email questions
BarHopping Kayak Ecotour (that's sandbars!)
Time: noon-3pm
Fee: $50 (mention you are with Wild Amelia to get discount)
Tour Leader: Ray Hetchka (Kayak Amelia)
Paddle with the current thru the pristine salt marsh creek that borders Ft Clinch State Park. Egrets, herons, osprey, roseatte spoonbills are frequently seen, with an occasional dolphin and alligator. There will be a short paddle instruction and safety drill on land before we take off.(no experience needed)
Bring: footwear, water, sunscreen
Meeting place: Alamacani boat ramp
Reservations: 904-251-0016
Email questions
Windward Sailing Eco-tour
Time: 1-3pm AND 3:30-5:30 (arrive 10 minutes before)
Fee: $35pp
Tour Leader:Tony Jones(Windward Sailing)
"Sail on one of one of Windward Sailing's sailboats around Amelia and Cumberland Islands. Experience true 'green' transportation as you make your around Cumberland Sound the way the first explorers did. You'll experience how nature's tides, currents, and wind allow you to see dolphins, shorebirds, and wild horses, silently. You can even help man the boat if you would like. We will meet at the boats which are behind Bretts Restaurant on the docks of Fernandina Harbor Marina(on the fuel dock).
Bring: water, sunscreen
Meeting place: Fernandina Harbor Marina near dock house on fuel dock
Reservations: 904-327-3265
Email questions
Friday evening at the Fort
Time: 6-9pm
Fee: $7 adults, $2 children under 12 yr ( covers entry into the park and the fort plus all activities)
Bring your lawn chairs, picnic dinner, and insect repellent for a relaxing family evening at sunset with:
• Bluegrass Music
• Mini Kids' Nature Camp—nature-based activities for children
Bring: lawn chairs or beach blanket, bug spray, snacks & beverages will be avaiable for purchase or bring your own
Meeting place: Ft. Clinch State Park
Reservations: not required, pay at the door
Email questions
Saturday May 19
Segway Exploration on Ft.George Island..... a "Real Florida" Tour
Time: 9:45am-noon (2 hr. trip)
Fee: $80.75 (mention you are with Wild Amelia to get discount)
AND
Time: 2:15-3:30pm (1 hr. trip)
Fee: $61.75 (mention you are with Wild Amelia to get discount)
Tour Leader: Maren & Greg Arnett (Ecomotion Tours)
Explore Amelia’s beautiful sister Island on a Segway! After we show you how easy it is to operate this eco-friendly transporter, we’ll quietly go “off-road” on state park trails to experience the fascinating diversity of the Island’s natural, untamed habitat. You’ll follow sandy paths beautifully woven through the lush vegetation of a subtropical paradise, escorted by butterflies, passing the “digs” of tortoises, and enjoying the bird songs of the Island’s colorful Painted Bunting. Both the morning and afternoon trips include waterside breaks.
Any restrictions: Bring flat/sports footwear, must be over 13 yr. and between 100-260 lbs., no experience necessary
Meeting place: Ribault Club
Reservations: 904-251-9477
Email questions
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Time: 9:30am-noon
Fee: $40 (mention you are with Wild Amelia to get discount)
Tour Leader: CJ Hetchka (Kayak Amelia)
Learn the latest sport sweeping the nation. This is a large surf board that you stand on and paddle. It's a awesome workout and tons of fun! After a short instruction you will go off to explore the sandbars. This takes place in a quiet lagoon with no current to make it easier for beginners (no experience needed).
Bring: footwear, water, sunscreen
Meeting place: Kayak Amelia office
Reservations: 904-251-0016
Email questions
Windward Sailing Eco-tour
Time: 1-3pm AND 3:30-5:30 (arrive 10 minutes before)
Fee: $35pp
Tour Leader:Tony Jones(Windward Sailing)
"Sail on one of one of Windward Sailing's sailboats around Amelia and Cumberland Islands. Experience true 'green' transportation as you make your around Cumberland Sound the way the first explorers did. You'll experience how nature's tides, currents, and wind allow you to see dolphins, shorebirds, and wild horses, silently. You can even help man the boat if you would like. We will meet at the boats which are behind Bretts Restaurant on the docks of Fernandina Harbor Marina(on the fuel dock).
Bring: water, sunscreen
Meeting place: Fernandina Harbor Marina near dock house on fuel dock
Reservations: 904-327-3265
Email questions
Guided Nature Walk Ft. Clinch State Park
Time: 1-2 pm
Fee - no charge with regular park entry fee ($6/car, $2 walking or biking)
tour leader - Carl Watson (FL Master Naturalist)
Enjoy a guided nature walk on Fort Clinch State Park's beautiful Willow Pond Nature Trail. This a family-friendly walk that provides an enjoyable way to get a glimpse of the local plants and animals that make Florida so unique. The trail winds through a coastal maritime hammock down to fresh water ponds. The walk lasts approximately one hour.
Bring: comfortable walking shoes, water, insect repellent
Meeting place -Willow Pond Trail Head Ft. Clinch State Park
No reservations required
Nature Bike Hike Nature Bike Hike
Time: 2:30-4:30pm
Fee: $20 adults, $16 children
Tour Leader: AIP Naturalist (Omni Amelia Island Plantation Nature Center)
Discover Amelia's natural wonders on the seldom traveled path to Sound Point Place. Join a naturalist on a six mile paved trail through forests and marshes. Bike rental fee is included in the price of tour. Children must be able to ride a bike without training wheels. Adult bikes with child seats
Bring : Binoculars, water, insect repellent
Meeting place: Amelia Island Plantation Nature Center
Reservations: 904-321-5802
Simpson Creek Kayak Ecotour
Time: 3-6pm
Fee: $50 (mention you are with Wild Amelia to get discount)
Tour Leader: Ray Hetchka (Kayak Amelia)
After a short instruction we will explore the salt marsh creek that runs thru the middle of Talbot Island State Park. The one comment heard most at the end of the trip is "It is SO peaceful out here!" Egrets, herons, osprey, a large variety of shorebirds, raccoons and possibly dolphins are frequently seen. (no experience needed). Stay for Groove 'n Grub dinner after your tour (see below).
NOTE: Bring footgear that will get wet, water or gatorade, sunscreen
Meeting place: Alamacani boat ramp
Reservations: 904-251-0016
Email questions
Sunset Eco Tour and Shrimp Demonstration
Time: 6-8:30pm
Fee: $38pp
Tour Leader: Kevin McCarthy (Amelia River Cruises)
As part of the 2012 Wild Amelia Nature Festival, Amelia River Cruises will bring you close up and personal with the landscape, wildlife and Eco-System that make northeast Florida a truly unique experience. Come join owner, Kevin McCarthy, and our on-staff marine biologist as we explore the backwaters including the Belles River, Tiger Creek and the Cumberland Sound. Enjoy, firsthand, a live shrimp demonstration as we drag an authentic Otter Trawl shrimp net still used in the commercial shrimping industry. View the catch and learn about each creature from our marine biologist before we release our catch back into the wild. Enjoy views of wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, exotic birds and wild horses set against the spectacular backdrop of the best sunset north of Key West.
Bring: your own beer, wine, soda and snacks to enjoy along the way.
Meeting Place: Cruise departs from Amelia River Cruises, downtown at the foot of Centre Street at 1 N. Front Street. Look for the little yellow booth to the right of Brett's Waterway Cafe as you face the boats.
Reservations: 904-261-9972 or on the web
Groove 'n Grub at Kayak Amelia
Time: 6-10pm
Fee: $15
Tour Leader: (Kayak Amelia)
Relax on the lawn and listen to mellow music wafting over the marsh. Includes dinner. One of the premier places to watch the sunset.
Bring: your favorite beverage, insect repellant, lawn chairs or blanket
Meeting place - Kayak Amelia office in Talbot Island State Park
Reservations: 904-251-0016
Email questions
Birding by Golf Cart
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Fee: $20
Tour Leader: AIP Naturalist (Omni Amelia Island Plantation Nature Center )
Join the naturalist for a one of a kind tour of Amelia Island. We will use island hoppers ( similar to golf carts) to visit several different ecosystems including beach, maritime forest, freshwater pond system and finally salt marsh. We will be exploring at dusk so glimpses of wildlife and a spectacular sunset are almost guaranteed.
Bring : Binoculars, water, insect repellent
Meeting place: Amelia Island Plantation Nature Center
Reservations: 904-321-5802
Owl Prowl
Time: 8:30-9:30pm
Fee: $10
Tour Leader: Carole Adams(Duval Audubon Society)
The Owl Prowl will be a short walk while we adjsut our eyes to darkness and learn about the night eyes of owls. There will be some games played on the walk, like testing your color vision at night and listening for Great Horned, Barred and Eastern Screech Owls.This event wil be a hoot. Come prepared to enjoy an evening in the dark. Please, NO FLASHLIGHTS.
Bring: water, insect repellant, comfortable walking shoes and a sense of adventure.
Meeting place - Egans Creek Greenway (meet behind Atlantic Rec. Center)
Reservations: 904-251-0016
Sunday May 20
Sunrise Movement & Meditation 
time - 6-8am
fee - no charge
There is a certain magic that happens as the sun breaks the horizon and floods the sky with color. Join friends and neighbors to greet the new day with a deeper understanding of the local bioregion, Yoga, and TaiChi followed by light breakfast. Definitely one of the most inspirational events from last year’s festival.
Meeting place - Main Beach
Reservations: 904-251-0016
Email questions
Birds of Amelia
time: 8:30-10:00am
Fee: $15/adult, $10 children under 12 yr
tour leader: AIP Naturalist (Omni Amelia Island Plantation Nature Center )
Whether an experienced birder or a novice, you will be enticed by Amelia's list of bird species. Join our naturalists and leisurely explore the prime avian habitat in search of unique native species.
Bring: binoculars, water, insect repellant, walking shoes
Meeting place: Amelia Island Plantation Nature Center
Reservations: 904-321-5802
Segway Exploration on Ft.George Island..... a "Real Florida" Tour
Time: 9:45am-noon (2 hr. trip)
Fee: $80.75 (mention you are with Wild Amelia to get discount)
AND
Time: 2:15-3:30pm (1 hr. trip)
Fee: $61.75 (mention you are with Wild Amelia to get discount)
Tour Leader: Maren & Greg Arnett (Ecomotion Tours)
Explore Amelia’s beautiful sister Island on a Segway! After we show you how easy it is to operate this eco-friendly transporter, we’ll quietly go “off-road” on state park trails to experience the fascinating diversity of the Island’s natural, untamed habitat. You’ll follow sandy paths beautifully woven through the lush vegetation of a subtropical paradise, escorted by butterflies, passing the “digs” of tortoises, and enjoying the bird songs of the Island’s colorful Painted Bunting. Both the morning and afternoon trips include waterside breaks.
Any restrictions: Bring flat/sports footwear, must be over 13 yr. and between 100-260 lbs., no experience necessary
Meeting place: Ribault Club
Reservations: 904-251-9477
Email questions
Bike Ecotour Ft. Clinch State Park
time - 10am-noon
fee -$35 (mention you are with Wild Amelia to get discount)
tour leader - Ray Hetchka (Kayak Amelia)
Pedal under oak trees dripping with Spanish moss to the historic fort. Learn about the ecology of the uplands hammock where deer, armadillos, gopher tortoises and painted buntings are frequently seen. Stop on the beach for a snack and swim. Must be at least 5 ft. tall and able to ride a bike. Bike rental included
Bring: Footwear, water, sunscreen
Meeting place - Atlantic Recreation Center
Reservations: 904-251-0016
Email questions
Treasure Seekers
time: 11am-noon
Fee: $12
tour leader: AIP Naturalist (Omni Amelia Island Plantation Nature Center )
Join the naturalist to learn about compass use and reading maps. They will offer training in cardinal directions, finding treasure key points, correctly count paces, sun and star navigation and more.
Bring: water, insect repellant, walking shoes
Meeting place: Amelia Island Plantation Nature Center
Reservations: 904-321-5802
Windward Sailing Eco-tour
Time: 1-3pm AND 3:30-5:30 (arrive 10 minutes before)
Fee: $35pp
Tour Leader:Tony Jones(Windward Sailing)
"Sail on one of one of Windward Sailing's sailboats around Amelia and Cumberland Islands. Experience true 'green' transportation as you make your around Cumberland Sound the way the first explorers did. You'll experience how nature's tides, currents, and wind allow you to see dolphins, shorebirds, and wild horses, silently. You can even help man the boat if you would like. We will meet at the boats which are behind Bretts Restaurant on the docks of Fernandina Harbor Marina(on the fuel dock).
Bring: water, sunscreen
Meeting place: Fernandina Harbor Marina near dock house on fuel dock
Reservations: 904-327-3265
Email questions
What folks are saying about Wild Amelia Nature Festival
"Roger Clark, very knowledgable & concerned about us all seeing everything, birds cooperated and greater sand plover the best. Kevin Mc Carthy terrific commentation during tour." - Pam S.
"Wonderful Wild Ways boat tour with Pat and Kevin! We learned so much!" - Bob D.
