Lofton Creek Guided Kayak Tour — Amelia Island

Lofton Creek stands out for a few reasons. It's shaded by a dense hardwood and cypress canopy — making it comfortable on hot days and usable on windy days when open-water tours may be affected. The current is very mild, the scenery is beautiful year-round, and the wildlife diversity is exceptional. It's also one of the only kayak trips in the area where small children can comfortably join from a tandem kayak. For first-timers, beginners, and families, it's consistently the top recommendation.

Wildlife sightings vary by season and time of day, but common species include turtles sunning on fallen logs, alligators resting along the banks, woodpeckers, kingfishers, ospreys, hawks, herons, anhingas, and a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater fish. Otters are occasionally spotted as well. Wildflowers bloom throughout the year in rotating succession, and the cypress knees and tea-colored water give the creek a stunning, almost prehistoric atmosphere.

Yes. Alligators live in and around Lofton Creek and may be visible on the banks or floating near the surface. Your guide will brief you on safe wildlife viewing before you launch. Alligators in this area are accustomed to watercraft and are not aggressive toward paddlers who maintain a respectful distance and do not disturb them.

You're unlikely to get wet on Lofton Creek — the water is calm and the tour does not involve any splashing rapids or ocean conditions. That said, we always recommend wearing clothes and shoes you wouldn't mind getting wet, just in case.

Absolutely. Lofton Creek is specifically the top recommendation for anyone who has never kayaked before. The current is gentle, the creek is sheltered from wind, and your guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you ever leave the dock.

Yes — this is the most child-friendly kayaking trip in the Amelia Island area. Children of any age can join as passengers in a tandem kayak with a parent or adult. Paddlers 13 and older may be eligible to paddle their own solo kayak depending on ability — speak with your guide about your child's experience level.

Early morning paddles (around 8:30 AM) are particularly popular — wildlife tends to be more active, the air is cooler on warm days, and the creek is at its most peaceful. However, because the current is mild and the creek isn't tide-restricted like many coastal tours, it can be enjoyably paddled at any time of day.

Lofton Creek is a year-round paddle. Northeast Florida's subtropical climate means there's never really a bad time. Spring and fall offer especially pleasant temperatures. Summer mornings are great for seeing active wildlife. Winter paddles are quieter and often feature excellent bird activity, with only occasional cooler days.

Yes. The Melton O. Nelson Boat Ramp in Yulee has free parking available for tour participants.

Lofton Creek's launch site is a short drive from Amelia Island — located on SR A1A/200 in Yulee, Florida, roughly midway between I-95 and the island. It's approximately 20 minutes from St. Marys, Georgia.

Please let your guide know about any emergency medications before launching. Your guide can securely store an epi-pen, heart medication, or other life-saving medication in their dry bag during the paddle to keep it accessible and protected.

Yes. Your guides practice and teach Leave No Trace principles on every tour. This means packing out everything you bring, respecting wildlife by observing from a distance without interfering, and leaving the natural environment exactly as you found it.