Marineland Invites You To Explore the Matanzas River By Kayak

By Joan Whittemore

St. Augustine, FL - Marineland has now partnered with Ripple Effect Ecotours and the University of Florida's Whitney Lab. This new partnership combines an incredible foundation in research, education, conservation, and natural interpretation with unique access to the southern boundary of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM-NERR). This is the perfect central location to explore the Jordon and Mellon Island Sites that are part of Faver-Dykes State Park, The Princess Place Preserve, and the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve. This biologically rich area has been described as "the cornerstone behind the nomination of the Matanzas River as the 23rd National Estuarine Research Reserve of the United States". This is where the Matanzas Inlet, one of the only natural inlets on the east coast of Florida, collides with one of the most pristine, undeveloped streams in Florida, The Pellicer Creek. We are excited to offer comprehensive ecological and cultural kayak tours in this beautiful coastal system. Kayak tours are $50 per person and include admission into the Marineland Dolphin Conservation Center, guided tour, and photos taken by your naturalist guide! Don't miss this opportunity to visit the dolphins of Marineland, including several calves born this past year, and also the chance to witness them in their natural habitat in the Matanzas River. All from the low-impact, unique perspective of a kayak! No Experience Required and appropriate for ages 12+.

For reservations, information and photographic images of Ripple Effect Ecotours, call (904)347-1565 or visit www.RippleEffectEcotours.com.

For reservations, information and photographic images of Marineland, call (904) 471-1111 or visit www.marineland.net.

About Marineland

Marineland’s original steel oceanariums were the first structures of their type in the world and were built to house and display multiple species of marine life, replicating the variety of life to be found off the coast of northeast Florida. Marineland continues its tradition of creating state of the art facilities with the Dolphin Conservation Center. Today’s guests are able to interact with dolphins from around and within their habitat, even swimming with the animals. Efforts in the disciplines of education and research are shared, as guests view educational signage placed throughout the facility or are introduced to the animals via interactive encounters. In both cases the plights and challenges facing wild dolphins are key messages conveyed to inspire the general public to become informed and active in the conservation of marine animals and their natural environments.

To view Marineland's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-1030-Marineland's_Dolphin_Conservation_Center