Amelia Island via Kayak
Experiencing Amelia Island via Kayak
Few places on the planet can top the Amelia Island Florida area for quiet, peaceful and scenic kayaking. The Island itself lies along the Atlantic Coast in the Northeast tip of Florida. The eastern shore stretches some thirteen miles along the Atlantic Ocean. Although spectacular in itself, this shore does not lend itself to kayaking, except those few who prefer ocean kayaking. The north and western shore… quite the opposite. Follow me as we kayak the southern half of the Island.
Kayak Amelia is a full-service kayak outpost on Talbot Island just south of Amelia. Should you need to rent a kayak they will be happy to serve you. Oh, you own your own kayak? Great! Drive to the southern tip of Amelia Island, drive onto the sand, unload your kayaks and park in the public parking lot just off the beach. Caution, don’t leave your car on the sand. We do have a severe tide and many cars have been lost when left on the beach.
Proceed under the bridge and stay along the shore. As you see over your left shoulder there is a vast expanse of rivers streams and inlets. Save that for another day. Now relax and enjoy the sheer joy of kayaking.
The fabulous Amelia Island real estate to your right is in Long Point, the most exclusive portion of The Amelia Island Plantation. I will bet you would trade your kayak for one of these homes. Settle down, paddle slowly, dream big, even Bill Gates started somewhere.
Continuing on, around the Nassau Sound into Amelia River, I feel that you are experiencing nature at your best. Streams, inlets, oyster beds, egrets, dolphins, even pink flamingos if the season is right. Should you venture into any of the small creeks that line the shore, expect to come back out the way you go in. They all dead end. You are passing The Amelia Island Plantation on your right. The roof lines and homes you see are all privately owned and in most cases they are full time residences. Some may be second homes but for the most part the owners are present.
Rounding the sharp turn to you right, you will see Tank Island on your left. I love to take a side trip around the Island before continuing on. I guess I want to see all there is to see.
We have now left the shore line of Amelia Islands Plantation and have entered some of the older homes of the Island. Seldom do you see one of these Fernandina Beach homes for sale. Many of these homes date back to the late 1800s. I love the mix of modern and Elizabethan architecture.
The remainder of our paddle will be only to observe nature. We will see very little of civilization for the rest of our trip. As we pass Crane Island, I suggest that you observe carefully the majestic oaks the make up the shore line. Developers have won a long battle to develop this pristine property. Also, Crane Island has a rich history of the early inhabitants. I do not have time in this blog to relate it to you but I promise to do so in the future.
Passing under the Thomas Shave Bridge, there is a marina. You may wish to take out at this point; you are only half way to the next ramp.
Happy paddling!