Beyond the Beach

Plunge into First Coast’s Inland Waterways

By Nancy Devault

Appropriately called the “First Coast,” Florida’s northeast region boasts a pristine coastline. While there’s plenty of sand and surf recreation to enjoy beachside, residents and visitors can make a splash on inland waterways as well.

Big Talbot Island State Beach is a barrier island with a “boneyard beach,” an eerie driftwood shore on its Atlantic side, and creeks flowing through the intracoastal side.

Kayaking is a popular activity in Florida’s state parks, as is exploring beaches.

Head to Green Cove Springs to indulge in 77-degree natural mineral springs; some have visibility up to 28 feet.

Just park it

One hundred and seventy-five state parks span 800,000 acres throughout the Sunshine State, many of which have water access. The Talbot Islands State Parks, nestled between Jacksonville and Amelia Island, include seven picturesque sites: Amelia Island State Park, Fort George Island Cultural State Park, George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park, Little Talbot Island State Park, Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve Talbot Island State Park. The latter is a barrier island with “boneyard beach,” an eerie driftwood shore on the Atlantic side, and Simpson and Myrtle creeks flowing on the intracoastal side. Jody Hetchka, owner of Kayak Amelia, said kayaks allow adventurers to become fully immersed in nature. “This area is a saltmarsh estuary [where freshwater meets the sea] so it serves as a nursery for shrimp and fish that then migrate back offshore,” said Hetchka. Kayak Amelia offers various three-hour tours, such as the birding paddle, tai-chi paddle, stand-up paddleboard yoga and full moon outings. Anticipate seeing speckled sea trout, leaping mullets, turtles and, in the wooded distance, deer, bobcats and other wildlife. floridastateparks.org|kayakamelia.com

Celebrate spring time

Green Cove Springs offers the perfect balance between the city life and small-town charm. With visibility up to 28-feet-deep, the 77-degree natural mineral spring is believed to have a cave opening, but unlike other Florida springs, snorkeling and scuba diving aren’t permitted. Instead, swim in the city’s adjacent spring-fed pool (open May-September). “The spring flows into the pool, out into the spring run and then into St. Johns River beside Spring Park,” said Tiffanie Reynolds, the city’s communications coordinator. Drive into this sleepy settlement or dock your own boat at the public pier and enjoy covered picnic pavilions, a gazebo, soon-to-open beach volleyball courts and quaint shops within walking distance. greencovesprings.com

Skim the swamps and coves of St. Augustine on an airboat tour, where you’ll encounter abundant waterfowl and wildlife.

Why swim when you can fly?

After a fun-filled day in Green Cove Springs, board an airboat and virtually fly over the water’s surface! Departing from Trout Creek Marina in St. Augustine, Sea Serpent Tours skim swamps and tributary waterways of the Matanzas, St. Johns and Tolomato Rivers, mainly exploring Six Mile Creek and a sunken pirate ship. “We show a side of ‘old Florida’ that a lot of people—even locals—typically don’t see,” said Captain Mike Blount. The freshwater marshes are home to alligators, manatee,s snakes, an abundance of birds and even wild boar. The 1.5-hour narrated trip features history, untouched land and tales of a greedy swashbuckler. Interested in a wetlands workout? Sea Serpent also rents hydrobikes. seaserpenttours.com

In Jacksonville, Crazy Fish offers similar eco-thrills, cruising through the nooks of Timucuan Preserve, Mayport Naval Station and inlets off St. Johns River. “Airboats are the only of water,” Captain Joshua Schrutt said of his 600+ horsepower vessel. The ride boasts views of ancient oyster mounds, dolphins, sharks and stingrays, plus rare roseate spoonbills. crazyfishjax.com

Set sail

Powered by wind alone, “The sound of sailing is awesome,” said Kevin Conway, owner of First Coast Charters. “There’s no engine… just the ripples of water so you hear birds, jumping fish and other nature elements.” Aboard a 32-ft. sailboat for two to four hours, trek the widest part of the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville beside waterfront homes and the prominent Riverwalk. Fun fact: As one of the longest rivers in Florida, St. Johns is one of few in the U.S. that flows northward. Make sure to pack snacks and libations, and enjoy either a sunrise or stargazing excursion. firstcoastcharters.com

Touring Florida’s waterways is the perfect way to celebrate family togetherness.

If Fido is your preferred first-mate, head to Fernandina Beach on the Intracoastal shore of Amelia Island, where Amelia River Cruises & Charters offer several pet-friendly sightseeing tours. All tours voyage through portions of Amelia River and, pending the selected trip, exploration into the estuaries of Tiger Basin, Beach Creek and the Nassau Sound, said Kimberly Gustafson, the company’s marketing director. Listening to onboard musical entertainment, observe passing boats, Fort Clinch, wild horses roaming Cumberland Island and more. ameliarivercruises.com

Float your boat

Submerge yourself in the First Coast’s marvels with a unique vantage point. Bluewater Adventure of St. Augustine rents two-person CraigCat catamarans, departing from the San Sebastian River. Exploring at 30-35mph, CraigCat co-owner Jeremy Haidon said, “We visit historical sites from the water, like the Matanzas and Tolomato Rivers.” Sites include Castillo de San Marcos, The Great Cross, Fort Matanzas and the St. Augustine Lighthouse, in addition to Bird Island (a fun sandbar). “At each stop, we link up like a floating barge to talk about America’s oldest city,” he said. bluewateradventurestaugustine.com

Make yourself at home on the water—literally. Why opt for a standard hotel when you can have unparalleled splashtastic views aboard a houseboat in historic Palatka? Starting in early 2019, Boathouse Marina will send your stresses adrift down the St. Johns River, thanks to on-deck comforts and fishing and/or water recreations made easy. boathousemarina.com