Ripple Effect Ecotours

12/05/2024

Enjoy the local holiday festivities!

11/23/2024

Thank you Eagle Scout troops 875 and 9875 for boosting the oyster population right here behind the Whitney Lab and next to our kayak launch. Oysters play a very important role in keeping our waters clean and healthy. These young men and young women braved some chilly NE Florida weather this morning to do their part in helping to maintain a healthy Matanzas River. Thank you!

11/19/2024

Study Highlights Rising Threat of Tumor Disease in Sea Turtles 🐢

A published study by the Whitney Laboratory Research and Sea Turtle Hospital Team and colleagues (Whilde et al. 2024) sheds light on the growing threat of fibropapillomatosis (FP), a tumor disease affecting sea turtles around the world, particularly green turtles.

The research, led by a global team of experts, surveyed 44 specialists in sea turtle health and rehabilitation to gain insight into FP’s increasing prevalence and the challenges faced in treating afflicted turtles.

Full Article - https://www.whitney.ufl.edu/articles/study-highlights-rising-threat-of-tumor-disease-in-sea-turtles.html

11/16/2024

Always something interesting to learn about here!

Evenings at Whitney Free Public Lecture Series tonight at 6pm! Florida Loves Manatees: A Cultural History of Manatees in Florida with Dr. Steven Noll, UF History Department at the University of Florida

Join us in person at the lab, 📍 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd., St. Augustine, or online –
https://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ow1uusmlQMCbNI5K7ZOpnA

Event is free, see you tonight!

11/12/2024

This Thursday evening!

Evenings at Whitney this Thursday, November 14 at 6 pm!

Join us in person or online for Florida Loves Manatees: A Cultural History of Manatees in Florida with Dr. Steven Noll, UF History Department University of Florida

Dr. Noll’s talk will focus on the relationship of Floridians and manatees in historical perspective - how they moved from useless sea cow to beloved marine mammal icon. It will examine their endangered status and how larger issues like politics and development affect them.

https://www.whitney.ufl.edu/articles/evenings-at-whitney-november-14.html

11/07/2024

New tour times! We have adjusted our tour times to reflect the time change and cooler weather. Morning tours start at 10:00AM and Sunset tours start at 4:00PM. Standard tours are completely bookable through our website. If you have a large party of more than 8 or want to book a Private Tour, please call or email us. (904)347-1565, [email protected]
Guided By Nature!

10/31/2024

Another great way to experience and benefit this amazing research reserve!

🏃‍♀️🌿 **Guana 50K & 12K Trail Races – Sunday, December 1, 2024!** 🌿🏃‍♂️

Mark your calendars for one of Northeast Florida’s most exciting trail races! The **Guana 50K & 12K Trail Races** are back on **Sunday, December 1st**, at the stunning **Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve** (GTM Reserve) near Ponte Vedra Beach.

Whether you're an ultramarathoner or looking for a shorter challenge, this race takes you through some of the most beautiful and diverse ecosystems in Florida – salt marshes, mangrove wetlands, and maritime forests. 🏞️ With **80% shaded trails**, hard-packed terrain, and the occasional tree root to keep you on your toes, it’s a trail runner’s dream!

The race also features:
🌿 **No elevation change** – perfect for fast times!
🏅 **Post-race party and awards** at a beachfront restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean 🌊.

Hosted by **JTC Running**, Northeast Florida’s largest running club, proceeds from the race benefit the **GTM Research Reserve**, making this a win for both runners and nature lovers! 🐢🦅

🎟️ **Registration** is now open on the 1st Place Sports website. https://1stplacesports.com/races/guana/
💸 Use the discount code **FRANZ** for a special offer for **Friends of GTM** supporters.

You might even spot some wildlife along the way – deer, wild turkeys, or maybe even an alligator! 🐊 Don’t worry; they’ll stay away from the course!

Come out and run for a great cause, enjoy nature, and celebrate with an unforgettable post-race party. See you at the start line! 👟🌲

10/24/2024

The Sea Turtle Hospital at UF Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida is letting you sponsor a Washback! Click on the video to learn more. This is a great way to do your part in helping our little friends survive and thrive! It's only $20 to adopt and you can name your new pal! Hurry! Ends Oct. 31st!

09/21/2024

Celebrate National Estuaries Week and join us for a paddle. Tours are available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday this week.
"National Estuaries Week will be observed this year from Sept. 21-28. Each year, this week is a celebration of these incredible ecosystems and the benefits estuaries provide, including recreational opportunities, which are especially important to physical and mental health. We encourage you to get out and wade into an estuary near you and enjoy the benefits yourself!"
(NOAA Office For Coastal Management, National Estuarine Research Reserve)

09/17/2024

Fantastic tour today! Had some beautiful weather and guests to enjoy it with!

We are selling some old inventory to make room for some new equipment! Click on the link below to get more info from the FB Marketplace listing

https://www.facebook.com/share/x22oBaX3NC7yH6qD/?mibextid=kL3p88

09/10/2024

Calling all locals of Flagler and St. John's Counties! Grab your friends for a paddle in your backyard estuary led by a Professional Naturalist who will show you some of the most beautiful sights and share their knowledge of the wildlife all around. Local residents enjoy $10 off per person with groups of 4 or more. Please call (904)347-1565 to make your reservations. Morning and Sunset tours are available.

09/05/2024

To all residents of Flagler and St. John's County, we invite you to take advantage of our exclusive locals-only discount and experience the unparalleled beauty of your backyard estuary. As we celebrate our community in September and October, join us for a paddle and indulge in the splendor of this incredible place we call home. Discounts of $10 off per person for groups of 4 or more can be applied to either morning or sunset tours. Kindly call to book your discounted tour (904) 347-1565.

08/20/2024

The Black Mangrove tree! A true survivor in an ever changing world. Learn more about their importance in our local ecosystem by booking your Master Naturalist guided kayak ecotour for Saturday, September 7th at 9:00AM. Our guide, Sumo is conducting a series of tours that will offer a more in-depth look at the “living laboratory “ that is the GTM NERR. Get to know your own backyard ecosystem every first Saturday of the month. Reserve your spot by booking your tour right from our website. Select the Kayak Marineland tour and use the calendar to select September 7th. Click on 9:00AM tour to then complete your booking. Need help or have questions? Give us a call at (904)347-1565

08/15/2024

Full Moon / Sunset Paddle! Join us August 18 and 19 for an amazing adventure as we explore our beautiful estuary teeming with life at sunset and watch the rise of the August Sturgeon Full Moon! This eco tour takes you through the GTM Research Reserve guided by our experienced, knowledgeable and passionate Naturalist kayak guides who will explain how the moon and the sun affect our tides and the life within and around the waters. Book now! Spaces are limited. https://www.rippleeffectecotours.com/
Guided by Nature!

08/01/2024

The Ripple Effect... Our Ecotour company was built on and continues to operate with a simple but important mission: Creating awareness and respect for this amazing world in which we live. Through education, research, and partnerships with the likes of the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, The GTM NERR, and Marineland Dolphin Adventure , we share information and create awareness of our living planet through fun and educational activities centered around our marine life here in the estuary of the southern boundary of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve along the Matanzas River in Marineland, FL. Adult camps, kids camps and kayak Ecotours are part of the Ripple Effect. Come paddle with us to have fun learning a bit about our unique coastal region. Book your kayak eco tour right from our website: https://www.rippleeffectecotours.com/

07/09/2024

Research, awareness, education, respect and sustainability are at the core of our mission here at Ripple Effect Ecotours. These two young scientists were here from Texas to explore the waters of our marina to see what life was like for our sea creature friends. They were so pleased to find Astrangia poculata, also known as the northern star coral along one of our docks. This is a sign of a good and healthy ecosystem, in which the plankton and other food sources for the coral are abundant. It's great to share findings and learn more about this amazing world we live in.

06/04/2024

Summer tour schedule is on! We are adding new tour times to our summer schedule for morning tours, sunset tours and kayak rentals! Book online today! Slots fill quickly! Groups of 4 or more are encouraged to call us directly during business hours for bookings(904)347-1565

05/14/2024

Summer schedules are now in effect! Book online through our website: https://www.rippleeffectecotours.com/
For groups of 4 or more, please consider emailing us directly at: [email protected] so we can get you out on the water and enjoying nature in all its glory! You can book through the website as well.