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Kayak Rentals - Amelia Island & St. Marys

Rental
Locally Owned
On the Water
Instant Book
Duration: 1 day

Pricing

Single Kayak

One paddler per kayak

$40
Tandem Kayak

Two paddlers per kayak

$60

All Prices

Single Kayak

One paddler per kayak

$40
Tandem Kayak

Two paddlers per kayak

$60

Description

Kayak Rentals - Amelia Island, St. Marys & Surrounding Waterways

If you have previous kayaking experience and prefer to explore on your own schedule, single kayaks and tandem kayaks are available for rent by the day. All rentals include a paddle, Coast Guard-approved PFD, and local trip-planning guidance — including tidal information, maps, and destination recommendations to help you paddle safely and make the most of your time on the water.

Rentals can be used across a range of local waterways in the St. Marys, Georgia and Amelia Island/Yulee, Florida area, including Lofton Creek, the St. Marys Harbor, Roses Bluff, and other local destinations. Rentals are based out of Downtown St. Marys; a shuttle fee applies for kayaks delivered to Crooked River State Park or to the Amelia Island/Lofton Creek area. Renters are welcome to transport kayaks themselves using their own vehicle, and are responsible for safely securing the equipment during transport.

Because these are coastal and tidal waterways, experience is required for all rentals. At least the primary renter must be comfortable performing a self-rescue and capable of assisting others in the group in the event of a capsize. Paddlers should be at ease in tidal currents without a guide. If you're newer to paddling or unfamiliar with these local waterways, joining a guided tour first is strongly recommended — it's the best way to build local knowledge and on-water confidence before heading out independently.

Important note regarding Cumberland Island: Rental kayaks are not available for trips to Cumberland Island unless you are a highly experienced coastal kayaker with self-rescue skills, capable of reading tide charts and navigating boat channels and currents. The trip to Cumberland Island is considered ACA Level 2–3 coastal paddling. If you are unfamiliar with what that means, a guided Cumberland Island trip is available and strongly recommended instead.

Duration

  • Day rentals (note: due to tidal scheduling and preparation time, kayaks can typically only be allocated once per day)
  • Multi-day rentals available for experienced paddlers (e.g. extended Cumberland Island camping trips — contact outfitter to arrange)

Location / Rental Pickup

  1. Base location: Downtown St. Marys, GA — 111 Osborne St, St. Marys, GA 31558
  • Shuttle available to Crooked River State Park and Amelia Island / Lofton Creek (shuttle fee not included in the rental fee)
  • Renters may also transport kayaks themselves

Ages & Requirements

  • Prior kayaking experience required for all renters
  • At least one group member must be capable of self-rescue and assisting others
  • Children welcome as passengers in tandem kayaks with an experienced adult
  • A signed waiver and a security deposit are required at pickup
  • All rental equipment must be returned in the same condition it was received
  • Damaged gear will be repaired or replaced at fair market value.
  • Please keep all gear reasonably clean — excessive cleaning fees may apply

What's Included

  • Kayak (single or tandem)
  • Paddle
  • Coast Guard-approved Type III PFD
  • Local trip-planning guidance, tidal information, and maps

Not Included

  • Shuttle fee (if delivery to Crooked River State Park or Amelia Island/Lofton Creek is needed)
  • State or local park entry/parking fees where applicable

What to Bring / Wear

  • Swimsuit or quick-drying clothing and a towel
  • Water shoes or sandals with straps, or old sneakers
  • Hat and sunglasses with a strap
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Dry bag for valuables and electronics
  • Reusable water bottle and snacks
  • Emergency medications
  • Waterproof camera (optional — the company is not responsible for damaged or lost items)
  • No jeans or cotton sweatshirts

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Up the Creek Xpeditions

FAQs

Do I need prior experience to rent a kayak?

Yes. Rentals are for paddlers who already have experience on the water. At least the primary renter must be capable of performing a self-rescue and comfortable assisting others in the group if someone capsizes. Paddlers should also be comfortable navigating tidal currents without a guide. If you're new to kayaking or unfamiliar with coastal conditions, we strongly recommend joining a guided tour first — it's the best way to build local knowledge and confidence before renting independently.

What types of watercraft are available to rent?

Single kayaks and tandem kayaks are all available. All rentals include a paddle and PFD.

Where can I take the rental kayak?

Rentals are available for a range of local waterways including Lofton Creek, the St. Marys Harbor, Roses Bluff, and other local destinations. Local trip-planning guidance, tidal information, and maps are provided with every rental to help you choose the best route for your experience level and the day's conditions.

Can I take a rental kayak to Cumberland Island?

Only if you are a highly experienced coastal kayaker. The trip to Cumberland Island is classified as ACA Level 2–3 coastal paddling, requiring the ability to perform a self-rescue, read tide charts, navigate boat channels, and handle powerful tidal currents. If you're unfamiliar with what that means, the answer is that a rental to Cumberland Island is not the right option for you — a guided Cumberland Island trip is strongly recommended instead.

Are shuttles available if I can't transport the kayak myself?

Yes. If your kayaks are not picked up from Downtown St. Marys, a shuttle fee applies. If you prefer to transport the kayaks yourself using your own vehicle, you are responsible for safely securing the equipment and any resulting damage during transport.

Are multi-day rentals available?

Yes. Multi-day rentals are available for experienced paddlers, including for extended trips such as Cumberland Island camping expeditions.

What is required at rental pickup?

A completed and signed rental waiver and a security deposit are required before launching. Staff will ask about your previous kayaking experience to ensure you receive appropriate route guidance and to confirm the waterway you've chosen matches your skill level.

What happens if I damage the rental equipment?

All rental gear must be returned in the same condition it was received. Damaged equipment will be repaired or replaced and charged to the renter at fair market value or replacement cost. Please keep all gear reasonably clean — excessive cleaning fees may apply for gear or kayaks requiring significant cleaning.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not permitted on rentals or guided tours. While the outfitter loves animals, it is not safe to have pets in kayaks in coastal Georgia and Florida — alligators have been known to come out of the water and across the top of a kayak to reach a dog riding on the boat.

Is parking available at rental pickup and launch sites?

Parking is available at the Downtown St. Marys base location. Parking details for other launch sites (Lofton Creek, Crooked River State Park) will be provided with your trip-planning information at pickup.

How far in advance should I book my rental?

Reserve as early as possible, especially for multi-day rentals, peak season dates, or if you need a shuttle. Tidal schedules also affect available dates for certain waterways, so early communication allows the team to help you plan the best possible trip.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be made via email. "Deposits" are non-refundable booking fees. Cancellations more than 5 days prior to trip time will be refunded minus any non-refundable booking fees. Cancellations made within the 5 days prior to trip time will be charged full price. Weather cancellations are made by staff members the day before the trip (unless changes make last-minute weather calls necessary). We paddle in rain and temperatures above 40-degrees (that's what jackets and rain gear are made for). We only cancel trips due to imminent thunderstorms/lightning in the area, named tropical systems (hurricanes/tropical storms) and temperatures below 40 degrees. Salt water trips will all be moved to Lofton Creek or another sheltered/protected venue in the event of winds over our safety thresholds for various trips (usually 10- 15 kts or more).

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Availability

October 2026

SuMoTuWeThFrSa

Reviews

Location

Address

111 Osborne St

Jacksonville, FL, 32034

US

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