Kayak Amelia in the News
"It was one of the Amelia Island adventures I was most excited about trying.
After all, Kayak Amelia's three-hour tour explores a quietly beautiful salt marsh, the most productive ecosystem on the entire planet. The marsh is brimming with wildlife like manatees, dolphin, mullet, birds and turtles. A professional naturalist guides the tour, sharing the local history as well as a wealth of fascinating information about the ecosystem.
The tour includes a stop on a sandbar, where you can enjoy a swim, and it includes giant cookies, too – yum!
It's not a punishing three hours, either. The tours are beginner-friendly, and you float with the current, so Ma Nature's doing a fair share of the work. Your duties include relaxing and soaking up the sun and the sights." Visit Florida Blog (read complete article)
"Hortense Morris always wanted to go kayaking, so Sunday she got her chance to try it for the first time. She figured it was as good a way as any to celebrate her 99th birthday. "It sounds exciting," she said, "and I'll try anything once." So Sunday morning, four generations of Morrises, from 9-year-old Zoe Morris on up, slipped into their kayaks and paddled out in the Fort George River from the Ribault Club." Jacksonville Times Union
(read complete article)
"As Kayak Amelia guide, CJ Hetchka will tell you, "It's just like standing on a floating dock, only smaller." The two hour tour begins on dry land with a brief lesson in stroke and stance at Huguenot Memorial Park, then it's time to get wet. As you steady your sea legs, CJ spouts off tidbits about the surrounding ecology. For instance, "The snowy egret is nicknamed 'golden slipper' because of its yellow feet." Soon you'll be skillfully gliding back to the beach, spouting off local lore, too." Spirit Southwest Airlines magazine September 2011
"There are few places in America left that look and feel much the way they did 300 years ago. The tidal marshes near Amelia Island are among those rare habitats. Once deep into the marsh, where the horizon offers nothing but more blue-green water and thickets of straw grass, the place feels primal. We scanned the channel, and 500 yards away we saw a sandy outcropping. The beach. If anything can get you to paddle faster on a hot day it's the promise of an abandoned patch of sand. We landed in several minutes, hopped out and fell backwards into clear water. We were alone in the world. " Washington Flyer Aug 2011 (complete article)
"The three-mile kayak trip I took along with my family and other adventurers with Kayak Amelia was a journey for the senses. The company's guides were entertaining and informative as they explained the history of the preserve, which lies within the city limits of Jacksonville and includes several barrier islands. Tales of Timucuan Indians and French Huguenots who once inhabited the surrounding land are spun during the trip." Champion Newspaper (read complete article)
"Hetchka says kids as young as four can kayak -- "as long as they can sit still in a boat for an hour."
He knows what he's talking about. He also runs an adventure-eco camp during the summer and promises that with 46,000 acres of nature to explore, kids shouldn't get bored." Chicago Tribune July 2011
"There's nothing more glorious than gliding along tidal rivers and tranquil inland marshes, sun shining, water glistening, birds soaring over head – magical! We went paddling with the fun folks at Kayak Amelia on a 3 hour morning excursion. Our cheery group of about 20 adventurers gathered for a quick introduction to kayaking and safety instruction and then we were off. This excursion is appropriate for beginner or experienced kayakers (not too strenuous) and you can reserve a single or tandem kayak. The picture is of our stop on a long secluded beach where our guide surprised us with an offering of huge delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies – sure we can burn those calories off on the paddle back to home base!" Wicked Good Travel Tips April 2011
"Though we're just a 30-minute drive from Jacksonville International Airport, we might as well be on another planet with long, deserted beaches, lots of wildlife and clear, warm water. It feels more like the South, though, than South Florida, with canopies of trees and locals like Ray Hetchka who seem happy to live life in the slow lane. That's what makes this a good place for a family to slow down -- together. Take your pick of 13 miles of beaches! Hetchka is one of those rare guys who turned an avocation into a successful business when he moved here with his family some 16 years ago to escape New England's cold winters. " Hartford Courant July 2011 (read complete story)
What guests are saying......
"Had a blast, especially watching Zac become the 72nd out of a bajillion goof balls to tip their kayak! Was lots of fun, I wasn't even tired or sore afterward (small fib). For those of you parents out there who have thought of doing this with your family. do it! !! We did and not only did we all survive it was lots of fun, great team work fun for fighting siblings, Not only did I survive Kayaking with my teenage daughter but we shared some laughs and made some great memories!!" - Terie D.
" I wanted to write a quick note to CJ and Jules (and Kayak Amelia) to say thanks for an awesome SUP tour on Sunday morning. It was my first time trying SUP but I picked up on it pretty well (or at least I thought I did haha) and had a blast in the process! I plan on booking more tours at Kayak Amelia and can't wait to meet more of your team members, everyone seems so knowledgable and friendly." - Janelle C.
"I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how wonderful our moonlight kayak trip was on Friday, March 18th. My husband, 17 year old son and I loved our Kayak Amelia adventure. George was our guide, assisted by Joanna, and it was so beautiful and peaceful. They did a fabulous job of making everyone at ease in the water, reviewing safety without scaring us out of our wits and making the trip so very special. We saw so many beautiful birds. We loved the surprise cookies at the break while we watched the spectacular sunset. The moon was huge and glistened on the water. That evening will be a very special memory for years to come. Thanks to you and your staff for providing a fantastic experience for each of us." - Joanna A.
" I just wanted to say a huge thank you for my kayak tour with Ray last Thursday morning. I was really nervous in the morning but the trip out to the boat ramp in the van with Ray, discussing Torchwood, was great and really out me at ease!
Ray's instruction was pitched just right and I felt confident starting my trip. Despite steering a few times into my fellow kayak-friends(!) I soon felt very confident on the water.
The scenery was stunning and the wildlife stunning. I was amazed by the huge Great Blue Heron and it was wonderful to see so many Ospreys, particularly knowing how rare they are in the UK. Kingsley plantation was so interesting - I felt priveleged to walk around there and to have arrived there by water was wonderful.
Oh yeah - and the cookie! I was starving and had been too nervous for breakfast! Fantastic!
Thanks for everything Ray - you've opened a whole new adventurous world for me!!" - Tree
"Just wanted to thank you for the great time my wife and I had on your kayak trip!!!
FWIW, the north route was a great payoff as the sandy beach was well worth the work of going against the current! Thanks for a friendly staff, great equipment (from a beginners standpoint), and especially the availability of the pelican case for our iphones, wallet & keys which we used to document our paddling trip!
We are looking forward to coming back with our kids in September." Mark H.